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At Olympia Women's Health, we provide vigilant obstetrical care to normal and high risk pregnancies. First trimester Most miscarriages occur early in pregnancy. At-risk pregnancies are followed with serial HCG levels, progesterone levels, and ultrasounds. Our endocrinology lab can provide timely testing of HCG and progesterone. Some miscarriages are preventable by progesterone support. A daily supplement of folic acid can decrease some birth defects. Second trimester Many birth defects are diagnosable. We routinely perform an ultrasound survey of the fetus at 12 weeks, 20 weeks, and 24 weeks. About 50% of major birth defects can be detected this way. Additionally, serum testing of the mother can pick up 90% of spina bifida and 50% of Down's syndrome. With the reassurances of normal testing, each mother can feel more at ease bonding with her baby-to-be. At Olympia Women's Health, birthing is not considered a strictly female event. We are in the business of building families. Paternal involvement and bonding are encouraged at every turn, from conception through the shared experiences of ultrasound, prenatal visits, prenatal classes, coaching, birth, and post-natal home life. We view paternal involvement as essential to the well-being of the newborn and the future family. Third trimester Visits to our office become more frequent in the final third of pregnancy. Parturients are carefully monitored for Rh type, diabetes of pregnancy, evolving hypertension, group B streptococcus colonization, and growth of the fetus. Pregnancies going past the due date are monitored twice weekly with fetal heart tracings and sonographic measurement of amniotic fluid. Birthing Birthing is at your choice of hospitals, Capital Medical Center or Saint Peter Hospital. Both are now equipped with family birthing rooms and 24-hour epidural anesthesia. Dr. Moruzzi assists the final stages of labor (pushing) and delivery. After birthing, we celebrate this joyous event with photos and a gift certificate to the Outback restaurant. At the post partum visit each of our babies receive a fresh silver dollar in a plastic case inscribed with his/her name and date of birth. |