Obstetrics & Prenatal Care

When a woman is pregnant, her body goes through many physical and hormonal changes while her baby develops in the womb. To ensure the health of mother and child, regular checkups with an obstetrician are important to monitor the pregnancy. While many women breeze through pregnancy without any symptoms or issues, others may be very uncomfortable, develop conditions like gestational diabetes, or even experience fetal developmental issues. Regular pregnancy care ensures that the woman’s wellbeing is supported throughout this exciting time of her life and that if any conditions arise, the doctor is able to diagnose and treat the condition as early as possible.

How Often Do I Need to See an Obstetrician While I’m Pregnant?

Unless a woman is experiencing a high-risk pregnancy, she will see her doctor every 4 weeks for the first 28 weeks of gestation, then biweekly until week 36, and then weekly until the baby is born. High-risk pregnancies are classified as when the health of the mother or baby is compromised and could result in higher risks during gestation or delivery. These frequent checkups allow the obstetrician to monitor the health of the mother and the development of the baby. The frequency of visits allows the doctor to make sure that everything is developing as expected and provides the opportunity to diagnose any potential issues as early as possible.

What Can I Expect During an Appointment with an Obstetrician?

Your obstetrician will perform several routine health checks and tests, including blood work, measuring your weight and blood pressure, and collection of urine samples. As the pregnancy progresses, your doctor measures the growth and development of your baby with ultrasounds. The doctor also checks the heart rate of the fetus and may perform tests to ensure your baby is healthy and developing as expected. Once the exam is complete, you can expect to receive guidance on what to expect during the next few weeks until your next appointment. You will have an opportunity to ask questions about your health and any symptoms you are experiencing with your pregnancy.

What is Circumcision?

Infant boys often have their foreskin, a layer of skin that covers the glans of his penis. This quick surgical procedure is often performed before the newborn is even released from the hospital, although if the baby is not healthy, circumcision may be postponed. Circumcision is entirely elective. There is no medical reason for the procedure to be carried out, although in American society, it is considered normal. Recovery from the surgery is quick and usually does not cause any complications.

Why Do Parents Choose to Circumcise Their Sons?

Some people believe that circumcision is more hygienic as a discharge can build up under the foreskin which can lead to odor or infection. However, with proper cleaning technique, this can be avoided. For some people, circumcision is a religious practice, and others want their sons to look the same as their father or peers. Circumcised penises also have a lower risk of contracting a urinary tract infection. The doctors at Leavitt Women’s Healthcare have many years of experience in performing this routine surgical procedure and would be happy to assist any family who wants to circumcise an infant.

What Happens During the Circumcision Procedure?

The procedure only takes a few minutes. The penis and foreskin are cleaned, and an anesthetic is applied. Then, a special clamp is applied to the penis, and the foreskin is trimmed away. After the procedure, petroleum jelly and a bandage are applied to prevent the penis from rubbing against the diaper and becoming irritated. After surgery, the bandage will fall off the next time the baby urinates, and parents will need to keep the baby’s penis clean and bandaged until the skin heals, usually within 7-10 days. Parents should use a gentle soap and water to keep the penis clean and change diapers frequently to prevent a wet or dirty diaper from causing irritation.