I'm Pregnant
Welcome to Women's Healthcare Associates. We are a group of physicians, nurse practitioners and nurses dedicated to women's health. We are glad you have chosen us to care for you during your pregnancy. The reason prenatal care is important is to make sure your pregnancy is progressing well. Our main objective is to have a healthy mom and baby.
This physician group works together to provide their patients with the best care possible. During your pregnancy, your care at the clinic will be provided by the doctor you have chosen as your primary clinic doctor. It is possible that you may see another physician that is not your primary clinic physician during the pregnancy. It is also possible that a doctor different from your primary clinic doctor will deliver your baby. The doctors rotate call schedules, however realize the value in continuity of care and attempt to deliver their own patients when possible during the week. The physicians rotate coverage of emergencies and deliveries on the weekends. There is also a doctor on call after clinic hours for emergencies. The doctors that share call for deliveries and after hour emergencies are: Carin Appel, M.D., Pam Chandler, M.D., Rhodesia Castillo, M.D., Clyde Meeks, M.D., Brian Eades, M.D., Ann Harral, M.D., and Amanda Murdock, M.D..
You will be expected to keep your prenatal clinic appointments. These appointments are important for yours and the baby's health. Your blood pressure, weight and urine will be checked at each visit. These tests screen for potential problems during pregnancy.
Attendance at either of the hospital's childbirth classes is encouraged. These classes will cover the labor and delivery process and prepare you for the first few days of a newborn's life.
It is a good idea to start thinking about a method of birth control to use following the birth of your baby, especially if you desire permanent sterilization (tubal ligation). In some cases, you will need to sign a consent form at least 30 days prior to your delivery if you desire tubal ligation. You should discuss this with your doctor during your prenatal care.
You will need to choose a pediatric care provider if you do not already have one. Many prefer you to call for an introductory pre-birth appointment. If you have an established pediatric care provider, visit with them before your baby is born to let them know you are pregnant.
Again, we are glad you chose the physicians at Women's Healthcare Associates for your prenatal care! We look forward to taking care of you!
Guidelines for a Healthy Pregnancy
- Call the office for one or more of these symptoms:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Menstrual-like cramps that persist despite rest
- Unusual pressure or pain in the bladder area or other symptoms of urinary difficulties
- Heavy vaginal discharge/loss of clear fluid from the vagina
- Persistent and severe headache
- Be aware that office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday and Friday 8:30 to 12:30. If you have problems do not hesitate to call us at 806-355-6330. There is a doctor on call after office hours for emergencies.
- Remember, most of the physicians at Women's Healthcare Associates rotate call on weekends and at other times. The doctors are: Dr. Appel, Dr. Chandler, Dr. Meeks, Dr. Castillo, Dr. Harral and Dr. Eades.
- Please read over the list of medications that you may take if needed. No other medications, prescription or over the counter should be taken unless approved by your clinic physician.
- You will be given the option to have first trimester screening and/or second trimester screening for Down syndrome. This is to be your decision. Please discuss this test with us and notify us of your decision.
- We routinely perform HIV testing, not only to protect you and your healthcare providers, but also to protect the baby.
- Sexual intercourse is all right unless cramping or bleeding occurs, in which case you should abstain from sex until the symptoms subside and you get approval from your physician to resume intercourse.
- You are encouraged to walk one to two miles a day, or to get another form of exercise at this level. Avoid vigorous, "bouncing" exercise.
- Take a prenatal vitamin that contains at least 400 mcg of folic acid.
- No alcohol at all during pregnancy.
- No smoking at all during pregnancy. No illicit drug use.
- Caffeine is okay if it is limited to 1-2 servings a day.
