Prenatal Care
Congratulations on Your Pregnancy!
We are honored to share this journey with you.
We believe what makes our practice truly special is that we offer both physician and midwifery services for our obstetric patients. We recognize that each birth is a unique opportunity for a family to gently bring another person into the world. By doing so, we help families make the world a little bit more peaceful – one baby at a time.
Prenatal Care Outline
8 to 10 weeks:
- First visit
- Physical examination
- Discuss genetic screening
- Routine prenatal blood and urine tests
12 to 21 weeks:
- Genetic screening offered
20 weeks:
- Ultrasound for fetal anatomy (including gender)
- Contact Beverly Hospital at 978-816-2217 to schedule childbirth/patient education classes, or schedule them on-line at https://education.beverlyhospital.org/parent-education-programs-and-classes/
- The hospital offers classes in birth preparation, hypnobirthing, breastfeeding, baby care, and boot camp for partners, infant CPR, and cesarean preparation.
- Maternity tours are provided several times a month and are free of charge.
26 to 30 weeks:
- Choose a pediatrician. Many pediatricians will offer to schedule an appointment to meet you before the birth of your child.
- Screening for anemia and diabetes (blood test)
- Antibody screening/Rhogam if needed
- TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccination
35 to 37 weeks:
- Vaginal/rectal culture for Group B Streptococcus (GBS)
- Discuss birth plan
38 to 40 weeks:
- Vaginal exam for cervical dilation (if desired)
- Discuss labor and delivery
Our Complete Guide to Prenatal Care
A PDF document you can view and download explaining the procedures and practices at Essex County OB/GYN during your prenatal journey.
Informative Videos
Obstetrical Care at Essex County OB/GYN
Midwifery Care for Obstetrical Patients at Essex County OB/GYN
Genetic Testing During Pregnancy
Stages of Pregnancy
First Trimester - Weeks 1-12
A pregnant body undergoes many changes during the 1st trimester. Hormonal changes can trigger symptoms from the very beginning. Changes typically include fatigue, tender breasts, morning sickness & mood swings.
Second Trimester - Weeks 13-28
Symptoms such as nausea and fatigue tend to diminish, others appear like swelling of the ankles, feet and fingers. The abdomen will expand as the baby grows and by the end of the 2nd trimester, most can feel the baby move.
Third Trimester - Weeks 29-40
During the third trimester you will feel the baby move. As the baby continues to grow, you may experience shortness of breath, heartburn, trouble sleeping, increased urge to urinate and contractions
(real or false).
Delivery
The 1st stage begins with the onset of labor and ends when the cervix is fully dilated. The 2nd stage involves pushing and delivery of your baby and usually lasts between 20 minutes and 3 hours. The 3rd stage is complete when the placenta is delivered.
Resources & Information
Our Complete Guide to Prenatal Care
A PDF document you can view and download explaining the procedures and practices at Essex County OB/GYN during your prenatal journey.
First Visit
On your first visit we will ask you for personal data and health background information. This information is designed to help us complete insurance forms and other required correspondence. This health information provides a baseline history to aid us in providing better care for you. Please keep us regularly informed of any changes regarding your name, address, phone number, and/or medical history (including medications).
Beverly Hospital Forms & Information
Forms and information about Beverly Hospital Maternity Department
YoMingo - Pregnancy App
Coronavirus & Pregnancy
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists provide answers to all your questions about COVID-19 and pregnancy. They also provide up-to-date information about COVID-19 Vaccines for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
FamilyWell - Treatment for Perinatal Anxiety and Depression
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program
Click the link above to apply for, or learn more about, the WIC Nutrition Program available to qualified Massachusetts Women, Infants and Children. WIC provides a range of services from nutrition and health education to food and support, all services are free to qualified families.
Booklet about New Beginnings Childbirth Center at Beverly Hospital
Read about: Preparing for Your Stay, Parent Education Programs and Classes, Your Arrival at the Hospital, Labor and Delivery, After the Birth of Your Baby, Preparing to Go Home and more.
Wondering About the Flu Vaccine During Pregnancy
Information about the flu vaccine during pregnancy.
Pregnancy & Tobacco
What you should know about smoking during pregnancy
Alcohol & Pregnancy
The Compass Moms Do Care Program at Beverly Hospital provides treatment for pregnant and parenting women with a history of alcohol use, including women interested in starting a recovery program as well as those already in recovery. To find out more about the Compass Program, please text or call the Care Coordinator at 978-880-5068.
Opioids & Pregnancy
For women who are prescribed methadone, suboxone, or vivitrol, or for women who need assistance stopping opioid use in pregnancy, the Compass Moms Do Care Program at Beverly Hospital can help. Compass provides treatment for pregnant and parenting women with a history of substance use, including women interested in starting a recovery program as well as those already in recovery. Compass staff include Peer Recovery Moms – women with lived experience of motherhood and recovery, as well as social workers, nurses, midwives, and physicians specially trained to support women with a history of substance use.
To find out more about the Compass Program, please text or call the Care Coordinator at 978-880-5068.
Marijuana & Pregnancy
Although marijuana use is legal in Massachusetts, it can affect your child’s brain development.
Some women use marijuana to help treat anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders. Please talk with your doctor or midwife about alternative ways to help with your mood in pregnancy. The Compass Moms Do Care Program can also help women who use marijuana and want to discuss alternative treatment for mood disorders.
To find out more about the Compass Program, please text or call the Care Coordinator at 978-880-5068.
Postpartum Support International
If you want to talk to someone at the Post Partum Support International HelpLine.
Call 1-800-944-4773
Text “Help” in English to 800-944-4776
Text en Espanol to 971-203-7773
NOTE: The PSI HelpLine does not handle emergencies. People in crisis should call their local emergency number or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Screening Tests
Congratulations on your pregnancy! We look forward to taking care of you during this exciting time. At your first maternity visit, several options for prenatal genetic testing will be offered. Below is a summary of the different options and how to schedule the tests.
Screening tests calculate the risk of certain genetic conditions for your pregnancy. As the testing is done by bloodwork and ultrasound, they do not pose a risk of miscarriage to the pregnancy.
Before completing any tests it is important to check insurance coverage, as not all options may be covered by insurance.
Detailed Video About Prenatal Screening/Testing for Genetic Abnormalities.
Click here to watch the video.
Please consider all of these options carefully. Some of these tests may need to be scheduled before your next appointment. You may certainly choose to decline all of the testing options. If you have any questions, feel free to call the office during regular business hours to discuss with either a nurse, your midwife or your physician.
FIRST TRIMESTER PRENATAL SCREENING
This test measures hormone levels in your blood at 10 – 13 weeks in conjunction with an ultrasound. The results of these tests are then analyzed to calculate the risk of Trisomy 18 and Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome).
QUAD SCREEN
QUAD SCREEN
If women are unable to complete the first screen in early pregnancy, this test measures hormone levels in the mother’s blood at 16 – 19 weeks of pregnancy. The results of these tests are then analyzed to calculate the risk of Trisomy 18, Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) and Neural Tube Defects (Spina Bifida) for the pregnancy.
NON-INVASIVE PRENATAL TESTING (NIPT)
This test checks the DNA of the fetus via a single blood test drawn after 10 weeks of pregnancy. It is usually only covered by insurance for women age 35 and older at the time of delivery, or for women with an abnormal First or Quad Screen. It will screen the fetus for the following chromosome abnormalities: Trisomy 13, Trisomy 18, Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome), and abnormalities of the fetal sex chromosomes. The gender of the fetus can also be determined, if desired.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
These tests will diagnose chromosomal abnormalities. They are invasive tests, in which fluid or tissue is removed from the pregnancy. There can be a small risk of miscarriage as a result of these tests.
AMNIOCENTESIS
AMNIOCENTESIS
This test evaluates the fetal chromosomes after a small amount of amniotic fluid is removed using a sterile needle from the amniotic sac after 16 weeks. The results are diagnostic, meaning that they diagnose or confirm a genetic problem. It is now usually performed if there is a specific genetic history or an abnormal screening test result.
CHORIONIC VILLUS SAMPLING
CHORIONIC VILLUS SAMPLING
This test evaluates fetal chromosomes by performing a biopsy of the placenta using a sterile needle between 10 – 13 weeks. The results are diagnostic, meaning that they diagnose or confirm a genetic problem. It is performed earlier than an amniocentesis, and is usually considered if there is a family history of a specific genetic condition. It is also a test that poses a risk of miscarriage because of the invasive nature of the placental sampling.