Preconception Care

You should schedule your first prenatal visit as early in the pregnancy as possible. During this visit a thorough medical history will be taken as well as a family history and past pregnancy history. Problems will be identified and a plan will be formulated. A thorough medical examination will be performed and including a breast exam, pap smear, chlamydia screen and cervical culture. Prenatal labs, including complete blood count, rubella titer, HIV screen (optional), VDRL, Hepatitis screen, and urinalysis. During the visit you will be informed about prenatal classes, ultrasounds, and plans for delivery.

Later in the pregnancy a full series of prenatal classes for first time parents, as well as a shorter, refresher series, are offered through the hospital.

Your nutrition during pregnancy is an important factor in assuring a healthy infant. We encourage a healthy well balanced diet including lots of fruit and vegetables.

For the first 30 weeks of your pregnancy (pregnancy lasts 40 weeks), you will be scheduled for a visit every four weeks. At 30 weeks you will begin scheduling your appointments every two weeks, and at 36 weeks you will be seen every week until you deliver. Of course this is very individualized. If you need to see us more, we are here for you.

At your regular prenatal visits we will weigh you, check your blood pressure, measure uterine size and listen for the baby's heart sounds. We will also check for swelling or any other problems that might be arising. You are encouraged to let us know of any bleeding, fluid leakage, pelvic pressure, cramps, headaches, visual changes, nausea, swelling, painful urination or constipation. These visits are our opportunity to get to know you. Please do not hesitate to discuss any questions or problems including adjusting to pregnancy, job adjustments, etc. We are here to help you with pregnancy, labor, and your new baby as comfortably as possible.

Ultrasound in Pregnancy

Generally, at 18 and 30 weeks gestation, ultrasounds are performed. We have found that an 18-week ultra-sound is very reassuring to us and you. This ultrasound demonstrates anatomy, placental placement, fluid and fetal movement. Many problems can be identified during this ultrasound. At the 18-week scan, gender can be determined, if this is your desire. A 30-week ultrasound demonstrates fetal growth, placental aging and fluid accumulation. If you have questions or reservations about ultrasounds, please feel free to discuss them with us.

At the third trimester Ultrasound, we also off a keepsake 3D Ultrasound to our patients. This service is offered to our patients based on many requests from the public.

All necessary lab work will be discussed with you during the appropriate time frame in your pregnancy. These lab works include blood sugar testing, triple screen for Down’s Syndrome, spinal cord defect and Trisomy 18. All options will be discussed with you.

Classes

All prenatal, parenting, breastfeeding, pregnancy exercises and pregnancy yoga are offered through the Scottsdale Healthcare System. Information can be obtained by calling 480-675-4636.

Labor and Delivery

The majority of our patients deliver at Scottsdale Health Care Shea. They offer excellent obstetrical care in a quiet and relaxing environment. The staff fully supports natural delivery and encourages bonding after the baby is born. The rooms are all private and state of the art. We find their nursing staff courteous, friendly and eager to assist patients with breast-feeding and newborn care. We have had nothing but positive reactions to this hospital and feel that you will be pleased with the care provided.

Armity and Tricia do most of their own obstetrical deliveries. They also cover call with one of the most reputable groups in North Scottsdale. In the event of their absence, they will be available. Their philosophy and practices are similar and patients are always quite satisfied with their care.

In the event of their absence, the other doctors will be available. The covering doctors’ philosophy and medical practices are similar to Drs. Simon and Grade, and patients are always quite satisfied with their care.