Obstetric care during pregnancy helps us ensure that you and your developing baby are healthy. Our standard schedule of visits includes routine monitoring, testing and education. If any issues arise, your obstetric provider has the knowledge, tools and resources across our health system to provide the care you need.

Midwives provide comprehensive pregnancy and gynecologic services for low-risk pregnancies and partner with maternal-fetal medicine physician colleagues to care for high-risk pregnancies. These highly trained professionals offer a holistic approach to care that supports the use of natural treatments whenever possible.

If you have a low-risk pregnancy, your prenatal care will include standard imaging and lab tests. We typically perform an ultrasound at your initial visit and at 20 weeks. In early pregnancy, we use lab tests to check your blood type and overall health. Later in pregnancy, we check you for conditions such as gestational diabetes and group B streptococcal infection.

You may also choose to have screening tests to determine if you are at increased risk of having a baby with a genetic abnormality. Not all pregnant people choose to have this screening. Your provider will explain your test options and help you decide if it’s right for you.

If you have a positive result, our fetal diagnostics specialists can perform additional tests. These caring professionals help you understand test findings and make decisions about your pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a time of change for you and your family. We provide education and resources throughout your pregnancy to help you manage those changes. Topics we discuss include:

• Birthing classes
• Breastfeeding, breast pumps and lactational support
• Childbirth, what to expect and pain management options
• Circumcision
• Community resources, including social workers, mental health counselors and psychiatrists
• Preventing pregnancy after delivery
• Support groups
• Smoking cessation

If you have a complex pregnancy or concerns before becoming pregnant, your obstetric provider may refer you to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at UVM Health. As experts in managing high-risk pregnancies, we provide advanced diagnostic and treatment approaches, as well as support, guidance and compassion throughout your pregnancy and delivery.