You will need to bring a photo ID and your insurance card. Please be prepared to pay any applicable co-pays, coinsurance or deductibles prior to being seen for your appointment. We accept most major credit and debit cards, checks, money orders, and cash.

Preventative care visits are usually covered fully, however, some do require a co-pay. If you have a question of whether a procedure or service is covered or not, please contact your insurance company or our billing department before your appointment.
Accepted Insurance Plans

A woman’s peak reproductive years are between the late teens and late 20s. By age 30, fertility (the ability to get pregnant) starts to decline. This decline becomes more rapid once you reach your mid-30s. By 45, fertility has declined so much that getting pregnant naturally is unlikely for most women.  It is thought that most of the decline in fertility is related to the decline in egg quality, which begins declining at age 32 but declines more rapidly after age 35.
Learn more about how age affects fertility and pregnancy.

Source: ACOG

If you’ve tested positive with a home pregnancy test, please call our Patient Support Center at 1-844-USAOBGYN (872-6249). Our team will schedule your first prenatal appointment for approximately eight weeks from your last menstrual period.

In early pregnancy you may be able to comfortably sleep on your back. However, as your uterus grows, lying on your back may compress a major blood vessel — the inferior vena cava– making you feel dizzy, short of breath, and possibly reducing blood flow to your fetus.  If you have these symptoms, we definitely recommend not sleeping flat on your back. 

Sleeping propped up on several pillows or on your side during your second and third trimesters may be best.

Source: ACOG

While this is a complimentary service for our patients to see their baby at every pre-natal visit, yes, we do submit all ultrasound paperwork to your insurance.

Pregnant women are at particularly high risk for foodborne illness because the mother’s immune system is altered during pregnancy. Such an alteration may make it harder for the mother’s body to fight off certain harmful foodborne microorganisms.  It is most important to avoid contracting Listeria during pregnancy, as Listeria can cause miscarriage.  Most other food-borne illnesses will be uncomfortable and can make you dehydrated, which should also be avoided. 

Learn about preventing foodborne illnesses and precautions to take when handling food.

Source: FDA

During pregnancy, please avoid fish that contains Mercury (including swordfish, tile fish, mackerel and shark). It’s also advised that you reframe from consuming saccharine, alcohol, deli meats, unpasteurized cheeses, and any under-cooked meat, poultry and fish.

Many women notice changes to their skin, nails, and hair during pregnancy. Some of the most common changes include the following:

• Dark spots on the breasts, nipples, or inner thighs
• Melasma—brown patches on the face around the cheeks, nose, and forehead
• Linea nigra—a dark line that runs from the navel to the pubic hair
• Stretch marks
• Acne
• Spider veins
• Varicose veins
• Changes in nail and hair growth

Learn more about skin conditions during pregnancy.

Source: ACOG

Yes, you can keep your cat. You may have heard that cat feces can carry the infection toxoplasmosis. This infection is only found in cats who go outdoors and hunt prey, such as mice and other rodents.  The infection is transmitted by handling cat feces, so you can still spend time with your cat. If you do have a cat who goes outdoors or eats prey, have someone else take over daily cleaning of the litter box or prevent contracting toxoplasmosis by wearing latex or nitrile gloves while cleaning the litter box. This will prevent you from being exposed to any cat feces. If you have an indoor cat who only eats cat food and doesn’t have contact with outside animals, your risk of toxoplasmosis is very low.

Source: ACOG 

Most experts think that using hair dye during pregnancy is not toxic for your fetus. There are different types of hair coloring, including:

• Permanent color
• Semi Permanent color
• Temporary color
  These all contain chemicals. Studies on animals show that high doses of these chemicals do not cause serious birth defects. Also, only a small amount of chemicals from hair dye is absorbed through the scalp.

Source: ACOG

Most sexual activity is safe for women having healthy pregnancies. This includes sexual intercourse or penetration with fingers or sex toys. The amniotic sac and the strong muscles of the uterus protect the fetus. If you have pregnancy complications or questions about what may be safe sexual activity for you, talk with your ob-gyn.

It is normal to have cramps or spotting after sex with penetration. Also, orgasm can cause cramps. If you have severe, persistent cramping, or if your bleeding is heavy (like normal menstrual bleeding), call your ob-gyn.

Of course, it’s up to you whether you feel like having sex. Some women do, and some don’t. During the first trimester, you may feel too nauseated and tired to have sex. But you may find that your sex drive comes back during the second trimester after morning sickness goes away and you have your energy again. It’s also normal for desire to wane again during the third trimester. Whatever your mood, talk with your partner.

As your belly grows, you can try different positions to find what is most comfortable for you. Let your partner know if anything feels uncomfortable, even if it’s something you’re used to doing.

Source: ACOG

Artificial sweeteners can be used in pregnancy. There is no evidence that the artificial sweeteners aspartame (NutraSweet), sucralose (Splenda), acesulfame potassium (Sunett), stevioside (Stevia), or saccharin (Sweet ‘N Low) increase the risk of birth defects.
Data regarding saccharin are conflicting. Low (typical) consumption is likely safe.

Sources: ACOG

When marijuana is smoked or eaten, the chemicals reach the fetus by crossing the placenta. Research is limited on the harms of marijuana use during pregnancy. But there are possible risks of marijuana use, including babies that are smaller at birth and stillbirth. Using marijuana also can be harmful to a pregnant woman’s health. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women not use marijuana.

Source: ACOG

Hot tubs have the potential to increase maternal body temperature, which is considered a risk for miscarriage and birth defects, especially neural tube defects. One study of 1,063 women found that hot tub or whirlpool use after conception was associated with a twofold increased risk of pregnancy loss at less than 20 weeks of gestation. It is typically advisable to avoid hot tube use, especially during the first trimester. 

Swimming pools are typically maintained below normal body temperature. Their use does not appear to be associated with birth defects or adverse outcomes.

Sources: ACOG

Topical insect repellents (including DEET) can be used in pregnancy and should be used in areas with high risk for insect-borne illnesses.

Source: ACOG

Hypertension or high blood pressure may develop in your pregnancy. Pregnancy causes the body to make more blood to support the baby’s growth. Your provider will monitor your blood pressure at each prenatal visit.

Sources: ACOG Hypertension/Preeclampsia in pregnancy

Medications for pain relief include IV medications and epidural anesthesia. IV medications can be sedating to you or your fetus. Epidural anesthesia also has risks and benefits that your anesthesiologist can discuss with you. In general, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends that patients be offered an epidural when they desire one for pain relief, not determined by a certain cervical dilation.

Learn more about the various medications for pain relief. (Note: Speak with your provider about the options available at your delivering hospital.)

Source: ACOG

Cord blood is the blood from the baby that is left in the umbilical cord and placenta after birth. It contains special cells called hematopoietic stem cells that can be used to treat some types of diseases. It is only recommended to privately bank cord blood if a first degree family member to the infant has one of a list of very specific disorders.
Learn more about cord blood and cord blood banking.

Source: ACOG

Circumcision may be performed before or after the mother and baby leave the hospital. It is performed only if the baby is healthy. If the baby has a medical condition, circumcision may be postponed.
Learn more about newborn male circumcision. 

Source: ACOG

Fetal heart rate monitoring is the process of checking the condition of your fetus during labor and delivery by monitoring your fetus’s heart rate with special equipment.  Depending on the hospital, there may be a different policy regarding fetal monitoring during labor. At a minimum, you will be monitored intermittently. 

Learn more about fetal heart rate monitoring during labor.

Source: ACOG

While a birth plan is not necessary, we understand that expectant mothers may have specific desires for the birthing process.  As the health and safety of mother and baby are our first and foremost priority, our team cannot guarantee complete adherence to any birth plan, but we will strive to accommodate as many elements of a prepared birth plan as possible into your birth experience. We encourage you to discuss your birth plan with your providers at your prenatal visits.

As an obstetrical patient, you may be seen by multiple providers throughout your prenatal visits. This allows you to become even more familiar with our team. If the delivery is not scheduled, the provider that is on-call the day you go into labor will perform the delivery.

Most mothers who have had breast or nipple surgery are able to produce some milk, but not all of these mothers will be able to produce a full milk supply for their infants. Having a full milk supply is not necessary for a successful breastfeeding experience because it is possible to supplement in a way that supports breastfeeding.
Learn more about breastfeeding after breast surgery.

Source: CDC

If you are not using a birth control method, it is possible to get pregnant very soon after having a baby. Using a birth control method in the weeks after you have a baby (the postpartum period) helps you avoid an unintended pregnancy.
Learn more about your options: ACOG

Bladder dysfunction, including urinary urgency or leaking urine can happen in pregnancy and postpartum period. Some of the causes include an infection or pelvic floor disorders such as weakening of the muscles. Kegel exercises can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Your provider will assess your urinary function and decide if treatment is necessary.

Learn more about Bladder Dysfunction during/after pregnancy

Yes, though it is recommended to avoid, if possible. The blood may cover up the cells that need to be examined. We suggest you try to schedule your Pap smear when you are off your period or when you do not have a heavy flow.

Click here to view our Depo-Provera calendar. Search for the date you received your last shot. The coordinating column will show the date range for your next shot.

Abstinence will always remain the more effective birth control option. Click here for a birth control effectiveness chart. It is always suggested that patients consult with a provider while choosing the best birth control option for them.