Pregnancy Specialist

At your first visit, an ultrasound is done to ensure viability and correct dating of the pregnancy. A second anatomical ultrasound is done at 20 weeks to screen for any developmental abnormality. If medically needed, additional ultrasounds may be done. We offer first or second-trimester genetic screening to all of our patients, screening for the most commonly acquired genetic abnormalities.

High-Risk Obstetrical Care

The physicians at The Women’s Specialists of Fayette have a special interest and expertise concerning high-risk obstetrics. We meet on a weekly basis to discuss and collaborate on every obstetrical case so that every patient benefits from our collective experience and training. We take advantage of the wide array of specialists on staff at Piedmont Fayette Hospital, as well as in the greater Metro Atlanta area for consultation and co-management where and when appropriate. The maternal-fetal medicine physicians at Georgia Perinatal Associates and Atlanta Maternal-Fetal Medicine along with the neonatologists in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit help us manage the care of our most complicated pregnancies and premature newborns.

Twins/ Multiple Pregnancy

As multiple gestation pregnancies are occurring at higher rates, we are able to provide the additional services required for these challenging pregnancies. Twins and higher level multiple gestations are monitored closely as they present an increased risk for preterm labor, fetal growth abnormalities, and nutritional concerns. They are monitored by ultrasound at least monthly for fetal growth after the first trimester. We also carefully coordinate our care of multiple gestation pregnancies with consultation from the maternal-fetal medicine specialists.

Antenatal Surveillance

Along with the routine ultrasounds performed at the first visit and at 20 weeks, we also provide other forms of monitoring the safety of your baby during the pregnancy. We are able to perform fetal non-stress tests, monitoring the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions, and biophysical profiles, an ultrasound assessment of fetal movements and amniotic fluid, both of which reassure us of the wellbeing of the fetus.

3D/ 4D Ultrasounds

Our practice also provides optional 3-dimensional ultrasound images, or “Fetal Photos”. The most optimal views are at 16 weeks for fetal gender and 28-30 weeks for three-dimensional renderings of the fetal face. This type of ultrasound is not considered medically necessary and therefore is not covered by insurance. Accordion Content

Abnormal Pregnancy

In the unfortunate event of an abnormal pregnancy, such as an ectopic pregnancy, a molar pregnancy or a miscarriage, our physicians provide both medical and surgical management as needed.

When do I see my doctor during pregnancy?

You’ll want to contact your doctor at The Women's Specialists of Fayette as soon as you think you’re pregnant. Your doctor advises you of when to come in for prenatal care during your pregnancy.

It’s common to see your doctor:

• About once each month between weeks 4-28
• Twice a month for weeks 28-36
• Once a week from your 36th week until you give birth

If you’re having twins or multiples, you’ll see your doctor more often. Your doctor monitors you closely because multiple gestations increase your risk for:

• Preterm labor
• Fetal abnormalities
• Nutritional concerns

With twins or multiples, expect your doctor to perform an ultrasound at least monthly after the first trimester to keep a close eye on fetal development. Your doctor also carefully coordinates your pregnancy care in consultation with maternal-fetal medicine specialists.

What happens at my first pregnancy visit?

Your doctor at The Women's Specialists of Fayette performs an ultrasound at your first visit. This allows your doctor to correctly date your pregnancy and make sure it’s viable. Your doctor examines you, performing a Pap test and a pelvic exam.  

During this visit, your doctor:

• Takes a complete health history
• Asks about your family's medical history
• Orders lab work, such as blood and urine tests
• Checks your blood pressure, height, and weight
• Calculates your due date

At 20 weeks, you’ll have another ultrasound to screen for developmental abnormalities. You may have additional ultrasounds if need be. First- or second-trimester genetic screening is also available.

What if I have a high-risk pregnancy?

The practitioners at The Women’s Specialists of Fayette have a special interest and expertise in high-risk pregnancy. The entire team closely follows your pregnancy, in collaboration with maternal-fetal medicine specialists and neonatologists at local medical facilities, such as:

• Piedmont Fayette Hospital
• Georgia Perinatal Associates
• Atlanta Maternal-Fetal Medicine

You can rest assured that neonatologists in a neonatal intensive care unit are close at hand to care for you and your baby.

What tests happen during pregnancy?

As your pregnancy progresses, your doctor at The Women's Specialists of Fayette suggests tests to monitor the health of your pregnancy. These tests include:

• Fetal non-stress tests
• Biophysical profiles
• Ultrasounds

The practice also provides the option of 3D and 4D ultrasound images. The best views are at 16 weeks for fetal gender and 28-30 weeks for 3D images of the face of your fetus.

What if my pregnancy is not normal?

In the unfortunate event of an abnormal pregnancy, such as an ectopic pregnancy, a molar pregnancy, or a miscarriage, your doctor offers both medical and surgical management of the pregnancy, if need be.

If you’re seeking expert care for your pregnancy, call The Women's Specialists of Fayette today or book a consultation online.