Obstetrics

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

Call us to schedule your first appointment at 617-566-1535! Your first appointment is scheduled about one month after your missed period, when you are around 8 weeks pregnant. If you have irregular periods or are not sure of your last period, we will schedule an ultrasound to help determine your due date. We will help you schedule an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy and schedule an appointment with your doctor.

High risk pregnancies

Our doctors are experienced in managing all pregnancies, including women with high risk medical issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, twins, history of recurrent pregnancy loss, stillbirth and ectopic pregnancy. We have obstetricians and anesthesiologists available 24 hours. Women are supported in their pregnancy choices including natural childbirth and vaginal delivery after cesarean section.

Your first pregnancy visit

The goal of your first appointment is confirm the pregnancy, determine your due date and identify women who might be at increased risk for pregnancy complications. Your doctor will do a thorough history and physical exam. An estimated due date will be set based on either your last menstrual period, early ultrasound or both. Prenatal blood work will be done to screen for anemia, blood type, diabetes, and infection. Your doctor will discuss testing options during this pregnancy, looking for genetic or other birth defects. Future ultrasounds, tests, immunizations and appointments will be discussed and scheduled. Your first appointment is generally the longest appointment and usually takes about an hour to talk to the doctor, have an exam, answer all your questions and arrange a plan of care.

How often will I be seen during my pregnancy?

Generally visits are monthly until 28-30 weeks, then every 2-3 weeks until 36 weeks and then weekly until delivery. Women with complicated pregnancies may have more frequent visits.

Routine pregnancy visits

At each visit, we check your blood pressure, weight, and assess your baby’s growth and activity and listen to your baby’s heart rate. You will have an opportunity to discuss previous testing results, upcoming tests and ask any questions and concerns you may have. During the last month of the pregnancy, we will check urine for protein and glucose.

What is considered an emergency?

If you have bleeding, severe abdominal pain or cramping, please call our office at any time at 617-566-1535. You should also call if you have a fever, painful contractions, think you may have broken your water or if you feel your baby’s movements have decreased. If you have any urgent issues, call the office at any time of day or night, weekends or holidays. If the office is closed, the answering service will page the doctor on call, and you will receive a call back. For other non-urgent questions, please call during office hours (Monday – Thursday 8:30am – 4:30pm, Friday 8:30am – 2:00pm) and talk to one of our wonderful nurses.

Labor & Delivery

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) is a part of Beth Israel Lahey Health, a health care system that unites academic medical centers and teaching hospitals. Over 4,000 physicians and 35,000 employees share a mission to help increase the access to great care and advance the science and practice of medicine with groundbreaking education and research.

A world-class teaching hospital, BIDMC is located in the heart of Boston and continues to be caring for patients like family. BIDMC finds new cures with the finest technologies, and teaches and inspires caregivers. Together, the staff believe in medicine that focuses on putting people first.

Pregnancy Info Packet