Congratulations on your pregnancy!

We welcome you to Mt. Auburn Obstetrics & Gynecologic Assoc. Inc. We thank you for choosing us as your care provider.The goal of Mt. Auburn Obstetrics and Gynecologic Associates, Inc. is to provide quality obstetrical care and personal attention for all of your pregnancies.

Having a baby is one of the most memorable and important experiences for a woman. Our providers and staff are all dedicated to your health and we look forward to getting to know you over the course of the coming months. We will do all we can to ensure your pregnancy experience is safe, healthy and happy.

All of our physicians see patients at our three convenient office locations at Mt. Auburn, Montgomery, and Mason. We have excellent nurses that are available to answer your questions Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm. Outside of these hours, your calls are forwarded to the on-call physician. Our electronic medical records allow us to view your most current information regardless of which office you are seen at. We also have a excellent support staff available to help with scheduling, billing, forms, and any other needs you may have during your pregnancy.

Thank you for placing your trust in our care.

Here’s What you Need to Know

Breastfeeding
What are the Benefits of Breastfeeding?
When possible, we recommend breastfeeding your baby. Mother’s milk contains all the essential nutrients needed during the first 4 to 6 months of life, in an easily digestible form. Breast milk also contains antibodies to protect your baby from many illnesses. Studies have shown that breastfed infants suffer fewer ear infections and colds along with having less colic and diarrhea. Breast milk also protects babies from food allergies as they get older.

The amount of milk produced is ruled by supply and demand. In the beginning your baby will probably nurse every 2 to 3 hours.

The baby isn’t the only one who benefits from breastfeeding. While breastfeeding you don’t have to buy formula, wash bottles, or go to the kitchen to fix a bottle in the middle of the night. Breast milk is always there, ready-to-serve.

Additionally, nursing helps your uterus return to its normal size. A hormone is released when you nurse that causes the muscles of the uterus to contract.

Breastfeeding can also help you shed pounds you gained during your pregnancy. While you were pregnant your body was storing up a reserve for use during the breastfeeding period.

Another important benefit of breastfeeding is that it allows skin to skin touching during feedings providing you and your baby with a special intimate bond. When holding a baby to your breast, your face is the appropriate distance away for the baby to see you well.

See our full article to answer questions like,

  • How will my breasts change for breastfeeding?
  • Will I Need a Special Diet While Breastfeeding?
  • May I Take Medications While Breastfeeding?
  • How Do I Know If My Baby Is Getting Enough To Eat?
  • What are Common Problems with Breastfeeding?

Read Full Article

Gestational Diabetes
What Is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is diabetes, or glucose intolerance, that occurs during the second half of pregnancy. It occurs in approximately 3% of all pregnant women. With the birth of the baby, blood sugars usually return to normal levels.

Your body breaks down food to use as a source of energy. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps the sugar leave the blood and enter the body cells where it will be used as energy.

With diabetes, there is not enough insulin to help the sugar enter the cells, so it stays in the bloodstream. In pregnancy, the placenta produces hormones that change the way insulin works. These hormones have an “anti-insulin” effect around the placenta. Your pancreas compensates by producing more insulin. When not enough extra insulin can be produced to cover the increased blood sugar level, you become diabetic.

A woman with diabetes only during pregnancy is called a gestational diabetic. She has no trouble producing the required amount of insulin when the placenta is not there to add anti-insulin hormones to the mix. Once the placenta is gone after the delivery of the baby, the problem is gone.

See the full article to answer questions like:

  • Who Gets Gestational Diabetes?
  • What about Testing for Gestational Diabetes?
  • How Will My Baby Be Affected?
  • How Can I Keep My Baby Healthy?
  • Will I Need Medications?
  • Can I Exercise with Gestational Diabetes?
  • What Monitoring May Be Done During My Pregnancy?
  • Does This Mean I Will Need A Cesarean Section?
  • How Will this Affect My Baby after Delivery?
  • Will My Diabetes Really Go Away After Delivery?

Read Full Article

Miscarriage
Approximately 20% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. Most miscarriages take place in the first twelve weeks of pregnancy, although miscarriage can happen any time before 20 weeks.

Most miscarriages cannot be prevented. This is nature’s way of ending a pregnancy that is not developing as it should. Most women who miscarry can conceive in the future and carry that pregnancy to term.

See full article to find out more about:

  • Genetic Factors?
  • Life Style Factors?
  • Symptoms of Miscarriage?
  • After a Miscarriage?

Read Full Article

 

 

4-D Ultrasound

What is four-Dimensional Ultrasound?

We are pleased to be the first practice in Greater Cincinnati to offer our patients the latest technological advance in prenatal imaging: four-dimensional ultrasound. This innovative technology shows your developing baby in greater detail and in motion, giving your doctor important diagnostic information about both you and your baby. Patients receive a CDE-ROM and DVD of their child’s earliest movements.

For more information about 4D ultrasounds, see our full article.

  • What are the Benefits of 4D?
  • Frequently Asked Questions about 4D Ultrasound
    • How long does this ultrasound take? Does it take longer than a traditional ultrasound?
    • Do I have to make any special preparations?
    • Are there any added risks?
    • Will be able to take pictures home?
    • Is this covered by my insurance?
    • How do I schedule an appointment?

Read Full Article Schedule An Ultrasound

Postpartum Care
Congratulations on the birth of your baby! This is an exciting time for you, your baby, and your family. We will continue to be available to you during this time of adjustment. Check out our article on Postpartum Care for information about the following:

  • Appointment
  • Normal Changes
  • Activity
  • Constipation
  • Episiotomy Care
  • Incision Care for Cesarean Section
  • Breast Care While Bottle Feeding
  • Breastfeeding
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Postpartum Depression vs. “Baby Blues”
  • Postpartum Warning Signs
  • Postpartum Exercises

READ FULL ARTICLE

Scheduling Appointments
Your First Visit

During your visit, you will have a physical exam including a pap smear. There will also be a series of prenatal labs that will test your blood type and blood count for infections (syphilis, hepatitis B and C, HIV, gonorrhea, Chlamydia and rubella). All of the results will be reviewed with you and at your next appointment.

You may decline the HIV testing, but it is recommended for all pregnant women to provide the best care for you and your baby.

After Your First Visit

Between now and 28 weeks, we would like you to schedule a visit every four weeks. Around 30 weeks, your visits will increase to every two weeks, then once a week after 36 weeks until delivery. We will request to see you more frequently if you are high risk. During each visit, you will have your weight, blood pressure, urine and heartbeat checked. At approximately 24 weeks, the provider will do a fundal heath evaluation and appointment. Several additional tests are done at scheduled markers throughout your pregnancy.

Anemia and gestational diabetes screening is performed between 24-28 weeks. You will be given a sugar drink and instructions for how/when to drink it. One hour after you finish the sugar drink, your blood will be drawn. You do not need to fast.

 

Schedule Appointment

Preparing for Labor and Delivery

Pre-register with hospital
We deliver at Christ Hospital located at 2139 Auburn Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45219, (513)585-2000.

Consider a birth plan
If you have a birth plan, please share it with your provider. If desired, there are several options to provide pain relief while you are in labor. We are supportive of whatever you choose.

Nubaine (Stadol) – this narcotic is given through injection or IV and helps take the edoff strong contractions. It can make you sleepy if given early in labor. We avoid giving this near delivery time.

Epidural – This safe and popular option is administered by an anesthetist and requires a fine, thin catheter or tube to be placed in your back during active labor. Medicine slowly drips through the tubing to provide pain relief throughout labor. It is removed after delivery.

Local – Many patients deliver without pain medication. Sometimes we need to give a small injection of numbing medication for stitches called lidocaine. It feels like a small pinprick.

Research cord blood banking
Your baby’s blood is a valuable source of cells that could be used by your baby or another family member to treat some life-threatening diseases. It can easily and safely be obtained immediately after delivery. Parents can choose to have their baby’s blood saved, however, the decision must be made before birth Insurance does not generally cover this. If interested you can order a kit and bring it with you to delivery. In some cases, cord blood can be donated. Ask your provider for information.

Attend educational courses
There are educational courses on labor and delivery, breastfeeding, infant DPR and baby care available. Consider these classes especially if you are a first time parent! Information about childbirth classes at Christ Hospital can be obtained by calling 513-585-HUGS.

Choose a doctor for your baby
You will need to decide on a doctor for your baby by the time you deliver. The hospital will send your baby’s information and test results to your chosen doctor. Your baby is commonly seen within 1 week after birth. You will need to contact the doctor if you have trouble locating one.

Obtain and install a car seat
You must have a car seat installed in your vehicle before taking baby home. By law, children must be in a federally approved, properly installed, crash-tested car seat for every trip in the care beginning with the trip home from the hospital.

Learn more about breastfeeding
Human milk is perfectly designed nutrition for babies. Babies who are breastfed get fewer infections and are hospitalized less. Mothers that breastfeed burn 500 calories a day which can help lose extra weight and reduce a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. After delivery the nurses and a lactation specialist are there to help you learn the art of breastfeeding. If you have questions about breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or call a Lactation Consultant at The Christ Hospital at 513-585-0597.

Consider circumcision
A circumcision is a removal of excess foreskin form the penis of the baby boy. We can perform this optional procedure for you. It may help reduce infections and penis cancer. Please let your provider know if you would like to schedule. We respect your choice if you decide not to.

List of Pediatricians

Breastfeeding Handout

Christ Hospital Birthing Classes

Breast Pump Order Form

Birth Plan Template

When to Call the Doctor
Call the office number, Mt. Auburn 241-4774, or Mason/Montgomery 398-6230 at any time. During the day your call will be answered and triaged by our excellent nursing staff. After hours, your call will be forwarded to the on-call physician regardless of which office you call.

Call the doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • continuous leaking of fluid
  • Pain or burning with urination
  • Abdominal trauma or a car accident
  • Headache with vision changes
  • Heavy vaginal bleeding
  • pain, swelling, and redness in one leg
  • Fever greater than 100.4 degrees
  • More than 6 contractions in 1 hr before 37 weeks

Call Us

Am I in Labor?
How exciting! The day you have been preparing for is finally approaching. Soon your baby will be born.

You are probably feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension. You may also be tired and irritable as the baby gets larger.

Your due date is based on the first day of your last menstrual period. Therefore, this date is only a guideline. You may deliver two weeks before or after that date and the pregnancy would still be considered a full term pregnancy.

We are not sure exactly what triggers the beginning of labor. Hormones produced by the mother and the fetus, as well as changes in the uterine muscle, all play a role in the onset of labor.

What Can I Expect as Labor Approaches?

  • Lightening – If this is your first pregnancy you may notice the baby drops, or engages in the birth canal, 2 to 3 weeks before labor begins. You will notice it is much easier to breath, although now you may experience pressure on your bladder, causing you to urinate more frequently. If this is not your first baby, this “lightening” may not occur until a few hours before labor begins.
  • Show – A thick, mucous plug forms in the cervix. When the cervix thins (“effaces”) and begins to open, the plug is discharged into the vagina. This may happen in one piece or in small amounts. The mucous may be blood tinged. This “show” usually happens a few days before or at the onset of labor.
  • Rupture of Membranes – Membranes rupture when the bag of water surrounding the baby “breaks”. This may happen a few hours before the onset of contractions, or at any time during labor. Call your doctor when this happens.
  • Contractions – Throughout the third trimester you may notice your abdomen getting hard, then soft again. These irregular contractions may increase in frequency and intensity as you approach your due date, becoming uncomfortable and even painful. These false labor pains are called Braxton Hicks contractions. If you are physically active you may notice these contractions even more.

How Can I Tell if I am in False Labor?

When Should I Call My Doctor?

You should call your doctor when any of the following occurs:

  • Your membranes rupture (your “water breaks”), even if you are not having contractions.
  • You are having vaginal bleeding, more than just the “show”.
  • You have constant, severe pain.

Call Us

Umbilical Cord Blood Banking
Your baby is born with a lifesaving gift: cord blood stem cells.

After a baby is born and the umbilical cord has been clamped and cut, some blood remains in the blood vessels of the placenta and the attached portion of the umbilical cord. This cord blood and cord tissue is rich in unique, powerful, and smart stem cells that have been used in more than 30,000 transplants. These stem cells are also being explored for their ability to treat conditions, such as cerebral palsy and autism, that currently have no cure.

Collecting and storing these stem cells gives your family access to a potentially lifesaving treatment option. However, you only have one chance to collect and store your baby’s stem cells – immediately after birth. It’s important to make a decision about storing your baby’s stem cells before the due date. You may choose to store these stem cells for your family’s private use or donate them for public use.

To learn more about saving cord blood and cord tissue stem cells for your family, visit Cord Blood Registry (cordblood.com) or call 888-CORDBLOOD (888-267-3256). With 500,000 newborn stem cell units saved and counting, CBR is the #1 choice among OB/GYNs and expecting parents.

logo-cbr

Types of Deliveries
Induction

Your due date is considered 40 weeks. We recommend additional testing for your baby after 40 weeks. Induction is a process where we give medication to stimulate contractions. It can take more than 24 hours to work and can increase cesarean delivery, especially if it’s your first. It is important to allow our baby to fully grow and develop before we schedule a delivery. We will schedule an induction earlier if there is a medical reason.

Cesarean birth and recovery

A Cesarean birth may be planned or unplanned. If it is not an emergency, you will be taken to the operating room and nurses, anesthesia staff, nurses for your baby, and your physician will be with you. We will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, your baby’s heart rate and make sure that you are comfortable with either an epidural or spinal. Once everything is ready your spouse or person of your choice will be able to come into the operating room. This is always limited to only 1 person for safety reasons. Your baby will be delivered in a short period of time once your surgery begins. If everything is well, the baby will be able to stay in the operating room with you and your support person. Once delivered, it will take approximately 45-60 minutes to complete surgery. If the Cesarean is an emergency, you may need to go completely to sleep and your support person will not be allowed in the operating room. Occasionally the baby needs to be taken to the nursery for observation while your surgery is being completed.

Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)

If you have had a Cesarean delivery in a previous pregnancy and are now preparing for the birth of another child, you may consider delivering your baby vaginally. VBAC is recommended for those who are a candidate. You will need to discuss this with us.

Episiotomy/Forceps/Vacuum

We plan to help you deliver your baby with the least amount of trauma. Episiotomies are not routinely needed and many deliver without the need for any stitches. Sometimes we need to make a small incision at the vaginal opening to help deliver. We make sure you are numb if you don’t have an epidural, and will stitch the area after delivery.. The stitches dissolve over time and do not need to be removed. We provide you with medication to keep you comfortable after delivery.

We are highly skilled in the use of vacuum and forceps for deliveries. We will recommend using them only if medically indicated. Our goal is to deliver your baby in the safest manner. There are definitely times when this is the safest way to help your baby into the world.

Still have questions?

Visit our Pregnancy FAQ page for more answers to commonly asked questions!