Obstetrics and Prenatal Care | Los Angeles & Orange County, CA
Pregnancy is one of, if not the most, transformative experiences known to humankind. Women require and deserve safety, reassurance, expertise, and guidance during each unique pregnancy—which is the practice of obstetrics. From pre-conception, through pregnancy, childbirth, post-delivery, and nursing, AllSafe Medical Group recognizes the unique challenges that come with bringing a new human life into this world and into your family. Helping patients face these challenges with confidence and excitement is AllSafe Medical Group’s priority.
Contact the expert team at AllSafe Medical Group to discuss your obstetrics care options and to schedule your obstetric and prenatal care appointment today! We are committed to serving patients in the Los Angeles, Huntington Park, Downey, Lynwood, Torrance, Anaheim, and Santa Ana, CA areas.
What Does Obstetrics Entail?
Obstetrics revolves around managing all forms of pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. It includes a wide range of health aspects, such as preventive care, prenatal health, detection of complications, and medical or surgical procedures during childbirth. With such a broad spectrum of duties, it’s a medical practice that nurtures life in its earliest stages, which is why AllSafe Medical Group is proud of our patient-directed approach to care during one of life’s most exciting, and terrifying periods.
Pregnancy Do's and Don'ts
Do’s
Pregnancy is a special journey that affects every aspect of your life, changing not only your physical form but also your daily habits. The right practices can significantly boost your health and that of your developing baby. It’s vital to fuel your body with a nutritious diet brimming with key elements, such as folic acid, iron, calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Incorporating gentle and safe physical activity into your routine, as guided by your obstetrician, is another constructive habit. Exercise helps control weight gain, uplifts mood, and promotes general well-being. Keeping yourself properly hydrated and prioritizing restful sleep is just as crucial, as these habits give your body the resources it needs to nourish the new life growing within you.
Remember, mental health is equally important during this journey, so do ensure to carve out moments for self-care and relaxation. This could be through mindfulness, yoga, meditation, or any activity that helps you unwind and manage stress effectively.
Don’ts
While cultivating positive habits is essential, so is avoiding potential risks that could harm you or your unborn child during pregnancy.
At the top of this list is smoking, a detrimental habit that can trigger severe complications like premature birth, low birth weight, and other health challenges for the newborn. Equally damaging are alcohol and illegal substances, which can result in profound developmental difficulties for your baby and are strictly off-limits.
You should also be mindful of your diet, steering clear of foods that may harbor harmful bacteria or parasites, such as undercooked meats, raw seafood, and unpasteurized dairy.
Additionally, exercise caution when it comes to medications, including over-the-counter drugs. It’s always best to consult your obstetrician before taking any medication during pregnancy, ensuring safety for both you and your baby.
Common Pregnancy Side Effects and Management
Pregnancy does bring side effects due to the numerous changes occurring in your body, ranging from mild nuisances to more debilitating issues.
Common symptoms that accompany pregnancy include morning sickness or nausea, a sense of fatigue, emotional fluctuations, increased frequency of urination, a bloated feeling, and constipation. As your pregnancy progresses, you might also encounter heartburn, backaches, swelling of the feet and ankles, and bouts of shortness of breath.
Remember to nurture your emotional health; seeking support from your dear ones or professionals is completely fine and often beneficial.
How to manage preganancy symptoms
Adopting a pattern of smaller, more frequent meals can alleviate nausea and heartburn
Mild physical activities, soothing baths, and ensuring sufficient rest can help counter fatigue and backache
Keeping yourself well-hydrated and including plenty of fiber in your diet can regulate constipation
Wearing comfortable footwear and occasionally elevating your feet can aid in reducing swelling
When to Seek Medical Advice from Your Obstetrician
Despite the normalcy of most pregnancy symptoms, there can be situations that warrant immediate attention from your healthcare provider. These include intense abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, persistent high fever, extreme headaches, sudden onset of facial or hand swelling, disturbances in vision, or a notable reduction in fetal movement. Keep in mind, the health of you and your baby always comes first. Never hesitate to consult your obstetrician if you’re unsure or concerned about anything during your pregnancy.
Expectations and Choosing Your Obstetrics Providers
Your initial consultation with an obstetrician typically involves a thorough evaluation of your health background, a complete physical check-up, and generally, your inaugural round of prenatal lab tests. This meeting serves as a platform to voice any concerns or queries you might have about your impending pregnancy journey.
Follow-up appointments usually encompass monitoring key health parameters like your weight, blood pressure, and the baby’s growth and heartbeat. As your pregnancy advances, these visits become more frequent, involving additional tests and screenings, such as ultrasounds and glucose level checks. Considering that you’ll be sharing several important moments with your obstetrician, it becomes crucial to select healthcare providers who align well with your needs and preferences.
Choosing Your Providers
As you choose your healthcare partners, consider their professional qualifications, experience, and philosophy towards pregnancy and childbirth, as well as their accessibility and readiness to address your doubts and concerns.
Practical considerations, such as the proximity of their practice, their associations with hospitals, their working hours, and whether they accept your insurance, also play a role. Beyond these, it’s critical that you feel a sense of comfort and ease with your obstetricians, as a trusting relationship can enhance your pregnancy experience.
When evaluating potential providers, ask about their experience with circumstances akin to yours, such as managing twins or gestational diabetes, their contingency plan if they’re unavailable when labor commences, and how they manage emergencies or complications. It’s also worth knowing their policies regarding postnatal care, breastfeeding support, and the involvement of family members during pregnancy and childbirth. These inquiries will assist you in identifying practice that best suits your specific needs and expectations.
Obstetrics Near Me in Southern California
Deciding to have a child is a life-changing decision, one that we at AllSafe Medical Group do not take lightly. We understand all too well the challenges, uncertainties, and requirements of expectant mothers, and pride ourselves on always putting the patient first and foremost, ensuring they receive the care and attention they need and require.
If you’d like to book a consultation or learn more about obstetrics in Southern California, contact AllSafe Medical Group by completing our online form to arrange your private consultation and start your journey towards a safe and happy pregnancy.