PREGNANCY NEWSLETTER
Congratulations on Your New Pregnancy !
It is surely an exciting time for you as well as for us. The group of physicians who deliver at Lakeridge Health Port Perry are dedicated and passionate about what we do. We absolutely LOVE our job and strive to make your experience a positive one.
Following is provided a summary of our group and site as well as office booking procedures for your information.
The delivering physicians of Medical Associates of Port Perry are all family physicians who have a special interest in obstetrics. Port Perry Hospital is a Level 1 Obstetrical Centre which means that we accept and care only for lower risk patients who are appropriate for delivery at our site. This simply means that we wish to ensure that you and your baby have all the resources available to you should you need them. Fortunately, for most healthy people, pregnancy is generally straightforward without complications. That said, should a medical issue arise we may well advise referral to a centre providing a higher level care to optimize your and your baby's health (ie. in the case of need for an obstetrician, pediatrician, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, etc.). Our paramount goal always is a healthy mother and baby ! In the event of an unanticipated issue for you or your baby in labour and delivery, we do have the means to stabilize and transfer as required.
In addition to ten delivering family physicians, Lakeridge Health Port Perry also has three general surgeons who can perform CSections and five anesthetists who can provide epidural when required. All of us are on call and do not remain in hospital; that said, we can all be available quickly when needed.
At each obstetrical appointment, we ask that you register with the receptionist and then directly proceed to weigh yourself and collect a urine sample. Our staff can show you how to do this.
You are generally seen monthly in the beginning, every two weeks at 26-28 weeks, and then weekly at 36 weeks.
** PLEASE NOTE:
i. You are being seen for obstetrical care only. If you are referred from your family physician, you are still to see your family physician for non obstetrical medical concerns. You will also return to your family doctors after delivery for post partum and baby care **
ii. There may be charges for no show appointments or less than 24hrs notice for cancellation.
Routine investigations include initial blood work, optional prenatal genetic screening (to be started by 12wks), a physical, an ultrasound at 18-20weeks, a diabetes test at 28 weeks, and a vaginal/rectal swab for Group B Streptococcus at 36 weeks. Each of these will be discussed with you at the appropriate times. Further testing including more ultrasounds may be indicated but are not routine; your physician will advise you accordingly.
