Pregnancy is an exciting time. We are here to help create a smooth experience whether you are making the transition to motherhood, or adding another child to your family.
As soon as you know you are pregnant we recommend you call to schedule your first appointment. At your first appointment we will set up a staff appointment. A staff appointment is done in a group setting with other pregnant couples. You will meet one of our physicians who will explain to you how Women’s Medicine of Niagara will care for you during your pregnancy and to answer any questions you have. These are done every other week for your convenience.
Your care continues through your pregnancy and beyond. Our skilled practitioners provide a full spectrum of health care for women’s specific health concerns. We offer services that range from fertility services, management of pregnancy, labor, delivery, and post-partum care.
In addition to standard care we have unique medical services like nutraceutical consultations and acupuncture to complement proven obstetric treatment protocols. This way we truly offer a full spectrum of medical care for women.
Our doctors provide obstetric and surgical procedures at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. They have superb facilities in which to provide these services.
Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center can provide:
- Private labor and delivery suites with homelike accommodations complete with showers and cable television.
- Newly renovated labor and delivery wing.
- 24 hour anesthesia.
- Increased capacity for obstetric patients.
- Neonatal and perinatal expertise for high risk pregnancies.
- Works in association with Sisters of Charity Hospital.
Be sure to schedule a tour of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center’s maternity floor. Call 278-4433 to make an appointment for your labor and delivery tour.
To check the progress of your pregnancy, regular routine visits are scheduled to monitor the health of you and your baby.
Weeks 6-10
- History and physical exam
- Routine tests:✓Cervical cultures:
- Pap test
- Gonorrhea, Chlamydia & Syphilis
✓Blood Work:
- Anemia
- Blood type
- Hepatitis
- Rubella
- HIV
✓Genetic Resting: - Cystic Fibrosis
- Sickle Cell Anemia✓Ultrasound
Weeks 11-14
- Ultrasound
- Blood work:
Testing for genetic conditions such as Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) and Trisomy 18.
Weeks 18-20
•Ultrasound
At this visit we are able to see major organs, can determine the sex of your baby, and confirm your projected due date.
Weeks 24-28
•Blood work:
✓Gestational Diabetes.
Pregnancy changes the way insulin works. Some women develop gestational diabetes as a result of this change. The risks of these problems can be decreased if a woman maintains her blood glucose levels in the normal range before and during pregnancy.
Week 36
•Vaginal Culture:
✓Group B Strep.
Group B Strep may be found in the mother’s genital tract. If it is present there is a risk that it may be passed to the baby during delivery. Antibiotics can be given to prevent this risk.
Week 37
•Blood work:
✓HIV.
New York State law dictates that we test all pregnant women again for HIV.
Week 40
If your pregnancy extends beyond the 40th week we like to confirm the well being of your baby through various tests. These tests often include fetal heart monitoring and an ultrasound to make sure everything is going well.