By
Steve Gamel | Photo
by White Rock Films,
LLC
Whether this is your first
time becoming a mother or another chance to expand upon your beautiful
family, your big moment is one of a kind. And your
family-centered care should be, too. This is why labor and delivery
departments like Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – McKinney are
reminding expectant mothers to take advantage of the complete pregnancy care
available and talk to their OB-GYN and hospital of choice — not just to
prepare for during and after delivery but from the moment they think about trying
to conceive.
Parent
education is inclusive and comprehensive so that you know what to expect,
including preconception counseling, pregnancy checklists, parenting classes,
how to craft a delivery plan, postpartum care, and having access to the best
labor and delivery process possible.
Complete
Pregnancy Care
Hannah Ashitey, MD, an OB-GYN on the medical
staff at Baylor Scott & White – McKinney, advises that patients
should see their physician when they start thinking about conceiving. The
goal is to optimize the mother’s health for a healthy
pregnancy.
“Your
physician can discuss existing medical conditions such as high blood
pressure, medications you can take and which to avoid, and prenatal vitamins
and create a health baseline to work with,” Dr. Ashitey said. “Your physician
can talk with you about any questions and concerns or catch issues before you
start trying to grow your family. This allows your physician to address
complications during your pregnancy with greater ease.”
It’s
important to schedule a visit with your OB/GYN as soon as you find out you
are pregnant to begin prenatal care and planning. Prenatal care includes
routine visits with your provider, blood tests, ultrasounds to monitor the
baby’s health, conversations about lifestyle, and more. You should also seek
out the right hospital for you. “Discuss hospitals where your provider
delivers, schedule a tour, ask questions during the tour, consider signing up
for birthing classes, and evaluate insurance coverage,” Dr. Ashitey said.
Delivery
Advice for All Mothers
All mothers should have a plan that fits
their delivery preferences. Patients can consider several options and
birthing plans that they may or may not know exist in a hospital setting,
such as the presence of a doula, pain management options, and the choice
between induction and natural spontaneous labor. You and your provider should
always be on the same page about your wishes.
Once your baby is born, you should seek
access to physical and emotional recovery to transition through the
postpartum period. Women aren’t alone during this journey. In addition to
friends and family, there are resources available within the community,
including your provider’s office and the hospital. Women can discuss
postpartum options at any time throughout their pregnancy.
Physicians provide clinical services as
members of the medical staff at one of BSWH’s subsidiary, community, or
affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees
or agents of those medical centers or
BSWH.
CONTACT
5252 West
University Drive
Highway 380 at Lake Forest Drive
McKinney, Texas 75071
