Obstetric FAQs

One of the most common reasons for a late menstrual cycle is pregnancy. Take a home pregnancy test. If it’s positive, call our office to schedule a pregnancy confirmation visit. These are usually scheduled 6-8 weeks from your last cycle. If your pregnancy test is negative, you may need a gynecologic evaluation to determine why your cycle is late. Please call our office to schedule an appointment.

On your first visit, you will have an ultrasound in our office followed by a visit with your doctor. If you’re new to the practice, you’ll meet your doctor. We will discuss your past and current medical history, medications you’re taking, and answer questions along with any concerns you may have. You will also have a chance to schedule the rest of your visits.

Confirmation to 28 weeks gestation – Every 4 weeks
28 to 36 weeks gestation – Every 2 to 3 weeks
36 to 40 weeks gestation – Every week
There are several reasons why a patient might need to be seen more frequently. In these cases, a custom schedule will be created for you.

At each visit, we will collect vital signs, a urine sample, and ask a standard series of questions designed to assess changes in risk to the pregnancy. We will listen for the baby’s heartbeat using a doppler. At some visits, you’ll have an ultrasound so we’ll be able to see the heart beating.

Most patients have 3 ultrasounds. One at the pregnancy confirmation, one at 20 weeks to look at the baby’s anatomy and sex (the “anatomy scan”), and one at 36 weeks to confirm the baby’s position and check the fluid level (Amniotic Fluid Index). Some patients require more ultrasounds. Your doctor will discuss the need for extra scans with you.

Pregnancy is an exciting time for you and your family. We welcome you to invite your family to your ultrasound appointment but ask that any children that come be supervised by an adult.

For non-urgent questions, please contact us through the patient portal or call the office during regular business hours at 281-367-6836. Leave a message for the office staff and we will get back to you in one business day.

The on-call physician is available to answer questions until 10 PM each day.
For medication refills, please contact us during business hours or have your pharmacy reach out to us to request the refill.

Please come to Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center Emergency Department if you’re under 20 weeks or the Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center Labor and Delivery if you’re 20 weeks or over. They’re both open 24 hours a day and are equipped to deal with most emergencies.

• Please register at the hospital.
• Pack your hospital bag. You don’t need much. The hospital is equipped with everything
  you need. However, many patients bring comforts from home: their toiletries, pillows, blankets,
  and clothes.
• Fit and secure an infant car seat.
• Find a pediatrician. The hospital pediatricians see all of the newborn babies, but you will
  need to make an appointment with your chosen pediatrician for your baby before you are
  discharged from the hospital.

Go to Memorial Hermann the Woodlands Medical Center Labor and Delivery. The staff will evaluate you and call our practice with your current labor status.

For most patients, you and your baby will be monitored to make sure both of you are safe and tolerating labor well. The nursing staff will check your cervix regularly and give your doctor or the on-call doctor updates. When it’s time for delivery, the staff will call us, and we will come to help you bring your baby into the world!

Your doctor will try hard to be the one to deliver your baby. In some circumstances, however, your doctor may not be available. In those cases, one of the doctors from our practice will deliver your baby.

Usually between 4 and 6 weeks after delivery. Some patients are seen much sooner than others. Your doctor will coordinate visits as needed.

We will plan a repeat cesarean delivery around 39 weeks of gestation. Our practice does not perform trial of labor after cesarean.

Once we’ve confirmed your pregnancy, our business office will reach out to you to discuss your insurance benefits and OB budget. Our Patient Financial Counselors will work with you to develop your budget and help you understand your financial responsibilities during your pregnancy. These conversations are sometimes complicated or stressful, so if you ever have any questions or need help clarifying, please do not hesitate to call us.

Throughout pregnancy minor problems or illnesses may occur. Below is a list of common ailments with approved over the counter (OTC) remedies.

• Headache: Tylenol or Extra-Strength Tylenol
• Minor sore throat: Chloraseptic spray/gargle
• Head cold/sinus: Benadryl or Drixoral Cough: Robitussin (plain)
• Hemorrhoids: Tuck pads, Anusol or Preparation H
• Constipation: Prunes, Milk of Magnesia, or Stool Softener
• Indigestion/Heartburn: Mylanta or Sodium-free Tums, Pepcid, or Omeprazole
• Diarrhea: Clear liquids for 24 hours (7-Up, Sprite, Ginger Ale). Advance to bananas, rice, applesauce and toast as symptoms start to improve. Once the diarrhea has stopped, resume a regular diet. Imodium, an over-the-counter medication, may be taken.
• Morning Sickness: Vitamin B6 50 mg twice a day with half of a nighttime sleep aid ( doxylamine) at bedtime
• Minor swelling: Reduce salt intake and elevate feet as often as possible

If any of these symptoms persist or are accompanied by fever, please call the office.