Obstetrics Questions
Visit our Obstetrical Services page for more answers to frequently asked questions.
Gynecology Questions
Visit our Gynecological Services page for more answers to frequently asked questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the advantage of your team-based care model?
At OGA Women’s Health, you have options for your obstetrical care. You may see one provider or a combination of our OBGYNs and nurse practitioners, choose a family medicine physician who provides obstetrical care, or receive care from a certified nurse midwife.
We believe in a team-based approach where our providers collaborate throughout your pregnancy. This shared approach promotes communication, accountability, and patient safety. It also allows us to have a physician available at the hospital 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, while maintaining a strong provider presence in our clinics.
When should I go to the hospital?
During the last month of pregnancy, there are four main reasons you should go to the hospital for evaluation: contractions that are about five minutes apart, last about one minute, and continue for an hour; a gush of fluid or concern that your water may have broken; bleeding similar to a menstrual period; or decreased fetal movement. If you experience any of these, you do not need to call OGA Women’s Health before leaving for the hospital. Our team is already there and ready to care for you.
Where do I get to have my baby?
OGA Women’s Health delivers babies at St. Luke’s Meridian Medical Center, where patients have access to dedicated labor and delivery rooms, operating rooms for C-sections, and lactation support. The hospital is also equipped to care for babies born as early as approximately 32 weeks gestation. OGA Women’s Health provides 24-hour in-house physician coverage, meaning one of our physicians is always at the hospital and available when you need care.
What are some home remedies for morning sickness?
Eating small, frequent meals and choosing foods that are easier on your stomach can help with morning sickness. Vitamin B6, ginger, lemon, peppermint, acupressure wristbands, and chewing gum may also help ease nausea for some people. Try to avoid foods that are high in fat or sugar and focus on staying hydrated and eating what you can tolerate.
While some nausea and vomiting are common during pregnancy, contact OGA Women’s Health if you are vomiting repeatedly, feeling weak or dizzy, or are unable to keep anything down for more than a day.
What are the signs I’m going into labor?
Regular, painful contractions that become stronger and more frequent and do not go away with rest or hydration can be a sign of labor. The key indicator of true labor is contractions that cause changes to the cervix. If you are unsure whether your contractions are causing dilation, you can go to labor and delivery for a labor check.
You should also go to labor and delivery if you think your water may have broken, even if you are not having contractions. Other possible signs that labor may be approaching include bloody show, contractions affecting the abdomen, lower back or pelvic area, changes in vaginal discharge, gastrointestinal symptoms, and changes in emotional patterns.
If you are experiencing regular, painful contractions that do not improve with rest or hydration, it is time to be evaluated.
Will my doctor deliver my baby?
At OGA Women’s Health, we use a team-based approach to labor and delivery. The provider you see during your prenatal visits may or may not be the physician who delivers your baby. Our physicians share responsibility for hospital coverage, with a dedicated physician available in labor and delivery who is rested, focused, and ready to respond when needed.
Throughout your pregnancy, you may choose to meet different providers on our team or continue seeing the same provider for your prenatal visits. No matter who is at the hospital when it is time to deliver, you will have an OGA Women’s Health physician there to provide your care.
How often will I have an ultrasound during pregnancy?
Ultrasounds are an important tool for monitoring your pregnancy, but they are generally performed when there is a medical reason to do so. Many patients may only need one or two ultrasounds, while others may need additional imaging based on their individual pregnancy and medical needs.
Because modern ultrasounds can reveal findings that may have uncertain medical significance, our providers use ultrasound with a specific purpose in mind. Your OGA Women’s Health provider will recommend ultrasounds based on what is appropriate for you and your baby.
What are the benefits of robotic surgery?
Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive approach that can help avoid the need for open surgery. The robotic system is a tool controlled directly by the surgeon, providing enhanced precision, dexterity, and magnified visualization during the procedure.
For patients, potential benefits can include less pain, less need for pain medication, a shorter hospital stay, and a quicker return to normal activities. Many patients are able to go home the same day as their procedure and continue their recovery at home.
What is a laparoscopic hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and, in a total hysterectomy, the cervix. It may be recommended for conditions such as abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, or cancer.
A laparoscopic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive approach performed through several small incisions in the abdomen rather than one large incision. Compared with an abdominal hysterectomy, this approach can offer a faster recovery, less pain, and may allow the procedure to be performed on an outpatient basis. Your OGA Women’s Health provider can help determine which type of hysterectomy is most appropriate for your individual needs.
What should I know about miscarriage?
Miscarriage, medically referred to as spontaneous abortion, is unfortunately common, with up to 20% of known pregnancies ending in early pregnancy loss. Some miscarriages cause symptoms such as bleeding and cramping, while a missed miscarriage may occur without any noticeable symptoms and is discovered during an appointment.
Bleeding during pregnancy does not always mean you are having a miscarriage. If you experience bleeding, your provider may use pregnancy hormone blood tests and ultrasound to better understand what is happening. If a miscarriage is confirmed, treatment options may include allowing the pregnancy to pass naturally, medication, or a surgical procedure depending on your individual circumstances.
At OGA Women’s Health, we understand that pregnancy loss can be an incredibly difficult experience, and our team is here to provide medical care and support throughout the process.
What should I know about breastfeeding?
Breast milk provides nutrition tailored to your baby as they grow and contains antibodies that help protect against viruses and bacteria. When possible, breastfeeding can begin shortly after delivery during skin-to-skin time, but every birth and feeding experience is different.
Breastfeeding is natural, but it does not always come naturally. Learning to latch and feed effectively can take time for both you and your baby, and support is available if you are having difficulty. During the first few weeks, feeding or expressing milk regularly helps establish your milk supply.
Remember that the amount you pump does not necessarily reflect whether you are producing enough milk. Your baby’s satisfaction after feedings, weight gain, growth, and development are more important indicators. OGA Women’s Health is here to provide judgment-free support and help you find the feeding approach that works best for you and your baby. OGA can provide resources for lactation services as needed.
What are the benefits of having a primary care provider at OGA Women’s Health?
Having primary care and women’s healthcare within OGA Women’s Health allows for full spectrum care and greater continuity throughout different stages of life. Patients can receive routine screenings, preventive care, and ongoing management of their overall health while having easy access to specialized women’s healthcare when their needs change.
Having primary and obstetrical care within the same practice makes it easier for patients to get the care they need before, during, and after pregnancy, with providers who understand their health history and can continue caring for their ongoing medical needs.
These FAQs are provided for your information. They should not take the place of regular healthcare appointments or personalized consultations from our staff. If you have questions or concerns about your health please contact our on-call nurse at (208) 888-0909.
In the event of a medical emergency, always dial 911 first.