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Pregnancy

Pregnancy stirs up a lot of emotions, from excitement to nervousness. Early and ongoing pregnancy care can help you sort through these emotions and ensure you and your baby stay healthy throughout your nine-month journey together. At Bestcare OB/GYN in Bloomfield, New Jersey, Michael Straker, MD, and Massiel De La Cruz, PA-C, specialize in pregnancy care, including high-risk pregnancies.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start pregnancy care?

You should schedule your first pregnancy care appointment as soon as you know, or think, you’re pregnant. The first prenatal exam is usually scheduled eight weeks after your last menstrual period. However, your obstetrician at Bestcare OB/GYN may request you come in earlier if you already know your pregnancy is high risk or you’re experiencing uncomfortable pregnancy-related symptoms. When you’re thinking about trying for a baby, the practice also offers preconception counseling to make sure your pregnancy gets off to a healthy start.

The providers at Bestcare OB/GYN create a personalized pregnancy care plan that includes prenatal and obstetrics care that matches your health and pregnancy needs, as well as your birth plan.

During your first prenatal appointment, your provider conducts a comprehensive evaluation to assess your current health and risk of developing pregnancy-related health issues. 

At this appointment, you can expect your provider to:

  • Do a test to confirm your pregnancy
  • Review your medical history
  • Review your partner’s medical history
  • Perform a physical and pelvic exam
  • Conduct a Pap smear
  • Perform an on-site ultrasound to assess your baby’s gestational age 
  • Estimate your due date
  • Screen for sexually transmitted diseases
  • Test blood and urine (in-house blood draws)
  • Answer all your questions

After your first visit, your provider schedules follow-up appointments based on how far along you are and your personal health needs. The frequency of your visits increases the closer you get to your due date.

A high-risk pregnancy means you or your baby has a health issue that may affect pregnancy or delivery. 

Reasons your pregnancy may be high risk include the following:

  • A history of a chronic medical condition
  • A history of three or more miscarriages
  • A pregnancy-related health problem such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia
  • You’re younger than 17 or older than 35
  • You’re carrying more than one baby
  • A history of pregnancy problems
  • Your baby has a health condition

Your pregnancy specialist at Bestcare OB/GYN works closely with perinatologists and maternal fetal medicine specialists to ensure you get the well-rounded and attentive care you need for your high-risk pregnancy. 

You may undergo a variety of tests during your pregnancy. 

Routine pregnancy tests include:

  • Urinalysis at each prenatal visit
  • Group B strep screening
  • Anemia screening
  • Ultrasound during the first and second trimester
  • Glucose tolerance test to check for gestational diabetes
  • Prenatal genetic testing

If there are concerns about genetic conditions (Down syndrome) or congenital abnormalities, your provider may recommend an amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS).