High-risk pregnancies can be challenging and stressful before, during and after delivery. You and your baby may need special monitoring, testing and care. Knowing what to expect can alleviate some of the anxiety. What Causes a High-Risk Pregnancy? In some cases, medical conditions may exist prior to a woman becoming pregnant that put her in a high-risk category. In other cases, the mother or baby may become high risk due to a condition that develops during the pregnancy. Specific factors that might contribute to a high-risk pregnancy include: Advanced maternal age. If a woman is 35 years old or older, and this is her first pregnancy, she may carry it through normally but research indicates she may be at higher risk for abnormal bleeding, prolonged labor, labor that doesn’t advance, or having a baby with a genetic disorder. Lifestyle choices. Women who smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol and use illegal drugs can put their pregnancy at risk. Medical history. While not always true for every mother, conditions such as a prior C-section, low birth weight baby or preterm birth — birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy —may increase the risks for subsequent pregnancies. Other risk factors include certain genetic conditions, a history of pregnancy loss or the death of a baby shortly after birth. Underlying conditions. Chronic conditions — such as diabetes, high blood pressure and epilepsy — increase pregnancy risks. A blood condition, such as anemia, an infection or an underlying mental health condition also can increase pregnancy risks. Pregnancy complications. Various complications that develop during pregnancy pose risks, such as problems with the uterus, cervix or placenta. Severe morning sickness that continues past the first trimester can pose a threat. Other concerns might include too much or too little amniotic fluid, restricted fetal growth or Rh (rhesus) sensitization — a potentially serious condition that can occur when your blood group is Rh negative and your baby’s blood group is Rh positive. Multiple pregnancy. Pregnancy risks are higher for women carrying twins or higher order multiples. Overdue pregnancy. You might face additional risks if your pregnancy continues too long beyond the due date.  

The Group for Women of Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake offers a full menu of services to ensure your continued good health. When you schedule an appointment with any of our experienced team of gynecologists and obstetricians, you will receive compassionate, thorough care and counseling. Whether you have come to us for a routine examination, to discuss family planning, or for treatment of a serious illness, we promise you the utmost in care. We offer the following services to our patients at our clinics and at Sentara Leigh Hospital: Pelvic examinations and pap tests – We offer routine annual exams for continued health and preventative care. Pre-natal and pregnancy care – From pregnancy tests to regular ultrasounds, to birthing and post-partum care, we are here to help you bring new life to the world. Emergency procedures – If you experience sudden illness or trauma, we will determine the best course of action in a timely manner so your health is no longer at risk. Vaccines – If you are interested in vaccines to prevent HPV and other conditions, we are happy to counsel and/or administer medications. Mammograms – Your breast health is important. We are here to assist you in ensuring your breast tissue is checked and you have a complete bill of health. Contact us today at 757-466-6350 for more information on women’s health procedures provided by The Group for Women.

As a leader in women’s health, The Group for Women is devoted to care for its patients’ unique needs. We work together as a team to provide a full range of women’s healthcare services from adolescence through adulthood. Please call us to schedule your appointment (757) 466-5751. Services & Procedures Gynecology Care The Group for Women provides gynecology care from routine annual examinations to more serious gynecological complications. Pregnancy & Obstetrics The Group for Women provides complete obstetrical care, including prenatal exams and testing, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. Family Planning & Birth Control Family planning decisions include birth control, preconception planning and counseling. The Group for Women was, and still is, the only OBGYN practice in Hampton Roads to have a full time marriage and family therapist on staff. Urogynecology Urogynecology is a subspecialty within Obstetrics and Gynecology, and it is dedicated to the study, diagnosis and treatment of women with pelvic floor disorders. The Group for Women provides compassionate, high-tech treatment and counseling, so you can enjoy an active, healthy lifestyle. Surgery & Procedures Throughout your life when it comes to your reproductive and urological organs, you may require surgery. With the newest technology in surgical procedures, The Group for Women performs office procedures, outpatient and inpatient surgery and minimally invasive techniques, using the latest in high-tech surgical equipment.

You should start thinking about birth control now for after delivery. Information on your options will be found in You & Your Baby in the folder you will receive, or you can ask your nurse/doctor. Tubal ligation can be done after a vaginal delivery or during a C-section. For further information on birth control or to schedule an appointment, please call us at 757-466-6350.

Prenatal Health The good care you provide for yourself through nutrition, exercise, vitamins and prenatal tests has a direct effect on your health and your baby. General Information Your pregnancy is unique and your experience is individual, but in a normal pregnancy there are certain changes that that are common. The more you know about the physical and emotional changes, the more likely you are to have a positive experience. Prenatal Health The good care you provide for yourself through nutrition, exercise, vitamins and prenatal tests has a direct effect on your health and your baby. General Information Your pregnancy is unique and your experience is individual, but in a normal pregnancy there are certain changes that that are common.  A basic understanding of physical and emotional changes of pregnancy helps a woman to understand her pregnancy and have a positive experience. Preconceptual Counseling:  If you are having sex and you are capable of becoming pregnant, taking 0.4 mg of folic acid lowers the risk of birth defects. In fact, the CDC has determined that daily use of vitamin supplements containing folic acid has been demonstrated to reduce the occurrence of neural tube defects by two thirds. You shold be taking folic acid each day in case you become pregnant. Travel During Pregnancy: Traveling during pregnancy is perfectly safe to travel during the first, second and even the third trimester as long as you are not experiencing any complications and your doctor has not indicated any reasons for prohibiting travel. Weight Gain: The average recommended weight gain during pregnancy is 25 to 35 pounds, however you and your doctor should address your pregnancy uniquely. Birth Defects About 3% to 5% of babies are born with birth defects. Down Syndrome: According to the CDC, Down syndrome remains the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the United States. Each year, about 6,000 babies born in the United States have Down syndrome. This means that Down syndrome occurs in about 1 out of every 700 babies. Chorionic Villus Sampling Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a procedure used to diagnose certain birth defects in the first trimester of pregnancy. The test has been performed regularly since 1982, and thousands have been performed around the world. Amniocentesis: Amniocentesis is a procedure performed on pregnant women in their second trimester to diagnose or rule out birth defects. The consumption of vitamin A at levels at or above 10,000 IU (200% of the Daily Value, or DV), or 3000 Retinol equivalents (REs), and some types of birth defects has raised serious public health concerns. Prenatal Testing A variety of prenatal tests are available. While not all patients need or will have all the various tests, it is good to know that they are available. Home pregnancy kits provide privacy and fast results, and can detect pregnancy as early as 6 days after conception, or 1 day after a missed menstrual period. Alpha-Fetoprotein Test: The AFP test identifies pregnancies at higher-than-average risk of certain serious birth defects, such as spina bifida (open spine) and Down syndrome. Fetal Well-Being Tests: These tests are designed to evaluate the status of the placenta and whether or not oxygen and nutrition transferred to the fetus are being affected. Triple Screen Test: The Triple Screen is a prenatal blood test that measures alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and unconjugated estriol (uE3). The test is performed between the 12th and 19th week of pregnancy to provide you and your doctor valuable information about you and your growing fetus. Ultrasound Pregnancy: ultrasound is a method of imaging the fetus and the female pelvic organs during pregnancy. The ultrasound machine sends out high-frequency sound waves, which reflect off body structures to create a picture. Nutrition When you are pregnant, everything you eat and drink affects you and your growing baby, so eating a well-balanced diet becomes even more important. Healthcare officials have issued a new advisory on the dangers of eating fish. Healthcare officials are concerned that the level of mercury in fish might pose certain risks to a developing fetus. Food can be contaminated with a bacteria called Listeria. Learn to protect your food against this common bacteria. 10 must have foods during Pregnancy: Milk and Milk Products Vegetables Fruits Poultry and Fish Legumes Cereals and Grains Fats and Oils Dry Fruits and Nuts Bread Salt

Theralogix® supplies safe, effective, evidence based nutritional supplements, recommended for use under the supervision of a treating healthcare provider. Theralogix® nutritional supplements are recommended for use under the supervision of your urologist or other healthcare provider. After reviewing your medical history, results of your physical exam and lab tests, any pertinent family history and the current medications you are taking, your healthcare provider can determine whether regular use of a Theralogix®nutritional supplement makes sense for you. Theralogix® supplements are evidence-based, which means that their formulation has been approved by our Medical Advisory Board after detailed review of the most recently published scientific data. Once you order a Theralogix®supplement, your referring healthcare provider will receive a notification to place in your medical record. This will allow your treating healthcare provider to monitor you for side effects, interactions, and response to treatment.

  The Group for Women – Kempsville Office880 Kempsville RoadSuite #101Norfolk, VA 23502Phone: 757-466-6350

  The Group for Women – Chesapeake Office300 Medical ParkwaySuite 308Chesapeake, VA 23320Phone: 757-466-6350

  The Group for Women – Brambleton OfficeBrambleton Medical Center250 W. Brambleton AvenueSuite 202, Norfolk, VA 23510Phone: 757-466-6350

What is Tubal Ligation? Tubal Ligation (sterilization) is an outpatient surgical procedure to block a woman’s fallopian tubes. This is a permanent form of birth control. Once this procedure is done, your eggs cannot move from your ovaries through either of your 2 fallopian tubes and into your uterus. The procedure cuts the path for both your egg to reach your uterus and for the sperm to connect with the egg for fertilization. Many people refer to this procedure as having your “tubes tied.” How is the Procedure Done? This is done as an outpatient procedure in the hospital. That means you will get to go home after the procedure. Anesthesia is used, so you are asleep for the procedure while one or two small incisions are made on your abdomen near your belly button. A flexible tube with what that looks like a small telescope on it (laparoscope) is inserted into the incisions. Instruments are then inserted through the tube. Your doctor then coagulates (burns) and cauterizes your tubes and seals then shut. A small clip is then placed on each tube. Your doctor finishes the procedure by closing your incisions with a few stitches. After being in recovery, you should fell well enough to go home. A new alternative to outpatient tubal ligation is an in office hysteroscopic sterilization. The Group for Women offers this procedure. To learn more, call The Group for Women to make an appointment with your doctor 757-466-5751. More information is also available in this article by The Group for Women’s Jeffrey Wentworth, MD, In Office Hysteroscopic Sterilization.