Pre Natal Care:                                                                 When you find out that you are pregnant there are a few things that are necessary for you to take care of.

Call your insurance company to notify them of your pregnancy. (Between weeks 1 – 12 of your pregnancy)

Register for prenatal classes if you are interested. (Between weeks 20 - 24)

Fill out hospital pre-admission forms. (Between weeks 30 - 40)

Select a pediatrician to care for your newborn. (Weeks 30 - 34)

During Your Pregnancy you will need:

Ultrasonography

A first trimester ultrasound may be performed to visualize your baby’s heart beat and to confirm your due date. We will also offer an ultrasound examination to be done when you are between 18 and 20 weeks. The purpose of the ultrasound is to screen for major birth defects, determine the position of the placenta and assess the growth of your baby.

Laboratory Testing

CBC: Complete blood count identifies different types of anemia and platelet abnormalities.

Blood Type and Antibody Screen: looks for potential blood group (Rh) incompatibility between your blood and your baby's blood.

HIV: the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes AIDS and testing is offered and strongly recommended. Identification of an HIV infection will aid the prevention of transmission to your newborn.

Rubella (German Measles): testing is performed to confirm immunity to German Measles (rubella). If you are non-immune, you should avoid exposure to infected individuals. A rubella vaccination should be obtained after delivery.

Varicella (Chicken Pox): testing is recommended if you are unsure whether or not you have had chicken pox. If you do not have immunity to varicella, you should avoid contact with infected individuals. It is recommended you receive a Varicella vaccination after delivery.

Syphilis: testing is important. Syphilis can cause severe birth defects if it is not detected during your pregnancy, therefore testing is mandatory.

Hepatitis B: the Hepatitis B virus can lead to liver disease and liver cancer. Special precautions are taken at the time of delivery to prevent transmission to your baby if you are found to be a carrier.

Hepatitis C: testing for the Hepatitis C virus will be performed for those patients interested in a water birth or STD screening.

Gonorrhea and Chlamydia: DNA probes are used to screen for gonorrhea and Chlamydia infections of the cervix which can infect a newborn.

Urine Culture: tests for urinary tract infections, infections, which are more common in pregnancy, usually less symptomatic and can lead to kidney infections if left untreated.

Bacterial Vaginosis: This type of vaginal infection that may cause preterm delivery.

Group B Streptococcus Culture: is performed between 35 and 37 weeks. This form of infection is caused by a bacterium commonly found in the human gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts which can infect a newborn during delivery. We follow the guidelines recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to administer antibiotics during labor for all pregnancies at risk for an infection.

Cystic Fibrosis is a life-long illness that is usually diagnosed in the first few years of life. This disorder causes problems with breathing and digestion. Cystic Fibrosis does not affect intelligence. Cystic Fibrosis testing may not be covered by your insurance. The estimated carrier risk is as follows: Ashkenazi Jewish 1/25, Non-Hispanic Caucasian 1/25, African American 1/65 and Hispanic-American 1/46.

If your occupation or social circumstances predispose you to other infectious diseases such as Tuberculosis, Fifth Disease or Toxoplasmosis, additional testing may be appropriate.

We accept all PPO insurance and 1 HMO insurance through San Diego Physicians Medical Group/ Scripps Physicians Medical Group

We also accept Tricare Standard.