What You Can Expect at Each Stage
Conception through Week 12
- You will have a gynecological exam, a pap smear if needed, and other standard testing.
- You will be given a lab order to have your blood drawn. We will be testing your blood type, blood count, and other standard screens. Dr. Meadows and Dr. Rush routinely test for HIV with this screen.
- You will be offered other optional tests such as Carrier Screenings and Noninvasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT). Carrier Screenings are done on parents or parents-to-be using a blood sample or tissue sample swabbed from inside the cheek. These tests are used to find out whether a person carries a gene for certain inherited disorders. NIPT is a screening test offered during pregnancy to see if the fetus is at risk for having a chromosomal disorder like Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome. The test can also determine the sex of the fetus. Your doctor will discuss with you your personal risk factors and her recommendations. You may decline any or all of these genetic tests.
- You will have office visits once per month, unless other concerns arise. After you check in for each appointment, please proceed through the waiting room door to use the restroom. You will give a urine sample at each visit throughout your pregnancy.
- At the conclusion of the second obstetric visit we will discuss with you your personal insurance coverage and obligation. You will be given a form to complete with your insurance company outlining your benefits.
12 Weeks through 28 Weeks
- You will have your ultrasound at approximately 20 weeks. This is the best time to visualize the complete anatomy of the baby, including the gender if you choose.
- You will continue to have office visits once per month.
- Between 26-28 weeks we will give you a lab order to be screened for gestational diabetes.
- Please make sure to pre-register at the hospital if you haven’t done so already. The form is in this packet or online at cedarparkregional.com, and can be mailed or faxed.
28 weeks to 40 Weeks “The Home Stretch”
- You will have office visits every 2 weeks until week 36, and then you will be seen once per week until you deliver.
- If you haven’t pre-registered with the hospital yet, we strongly encourage you to do so now!
- At your office visit between weeks 35-37, you will have a vaginal culture done to check for GBS (group beta strep).
- Make sure you are familiar with where you need to check into the hospital during regular business hours and nighttime/weekend hours.
- Find a Pediatrician. You will need to have one selected prior to delivery.
ULTRASOUNDS
Initial visit for dating
12 Week Ultrasound with Nuchal Translucency
Option Gender Ultrasound After 14 Weeks
18-22 weeks Anatomy ultrasound
32 Week Growth Ultrasound
Optional 3D/4D Ultrasound 28-32 Weeks
Any others that are medically indicated throughout pregnancy
When to Call the Office
Please notify us immediately in the event of vaginal bleeding, loss of fluid, painful and/or regular cramps/contractions, itching or burning with urination, or a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher. There are other special circumstances that warrant a call to the office that will be discussed with you during your office visits. It is not unusual to experience an illness or injury during pregnancy that is not related to the pregnancy. For colds/sinus infections/strep throats/other illnesses, we will refer you to your primary care physician, as they have the appropriate testing materials/equipment to diagnose these illnesses. Your PCP will always take your pregnancy into account, and call our office with any questions. For any injury that involves a fall, hit, or other trauma; please call the office ASAP, because we may want you come in for fetal monitoring.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT OUR DOCTORS AND THEIR ON CALL SCHEDULE
Dr. Meadows and Dr. Rush share call with each other and other trusted Ob-Gyns at Austin Regional Clinic two floors below us. While they try to deliver as many of their own patients as possible, understandably, they cannot be on call 24/7.
If you go into the hospital during office hours (Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm) your doctor will be tending to your care. From 5pm-8am patients in labor and delivery are cared for by the on call physician. All Ob-Gyns at Austin Regional Clinic are board certified Ob-Gyns and are kind, knowledgeable doctors.
There is always an Ob-Gyn available at the hospital to care for you. During your pregnancy your doctor will discuss with you your preferences for induction and if a scheduled cesarean section will be indicated. In these circumstances, we arrange the timing so that your doctor will be at your delivery.
Pregnancy Safe Medications
Medications to Avoid
(INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO)
As a general rule:
Important Numbers and Resources
Cedar Park Regional Medical Center: 528-7000 (operator), cedarparkregional.com
Postpartum Resource Center of Texas: 877-472-1002, texaspostpartum.org
March of Dimes Texas Quitline: 877-937-7848, marchofdimes.com (smoking cessation)
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233), ndvh.org
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: acog.org
