Pregnancy & Birth

Congratulations! Whether you are considering children, beginning your first pregnancy or already have children, your pregnancy is an exciting time. We are very pleased to be able to provide you with professional medical care and advice throughout your journey.

Our office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m and Friday 8:00 a.m. to Noon. If you need urgent medical care when our office is closed, you may call our main number (785) 825-9024, and you will be connected to our answering service.

Care In The First Trimester

A pregnancy is divided into three trimesters, each one lasting 13 weeks or about three months. The fetus spends around 38 weeks in the uterus (womb), but the average length of gestation is calculated as 40 weeks from the date of your last period.

The ideal time for your first visit with your doctor is usually between eight to 12 weeks because this timing allows us to confirm your due date more accurately. Topics for this first visit usually include common do’s and don’ts of pregnancy, early pregnancy self-care and any questions you have. Below is what you can usually look forward to in the first trimester:

• Blood and urine tests. (Note: We don’t always need to confirm your pregnancy with a blood test – your home pregnancy test has a high percentage of accuracy.)
• Sometimes an ultrasound
• One or two office visits/appointments with our team

Care In The Second Trimester

The middle part of your pregnancy (the 13th week through the 27th week) is called the second trimester. During this time, you’ll likely have an appointment with us once a month unless there’s a reason to see you more often. There is usually a detailed ultrasound at around 18-20 weeks to look at the baby’s anatomy. Sometimes we can’t see everything we need to evaluate during this ultrasound due to the baby’s position or other scanning challenges—so we may need to schedule a follow up ultrasound. Unless there’s a medical reason for ultrasounds later in pregnancy, this will probably be the last one.

At Mowery Women’s Clinic, you will be screened for gestational diabetes, usually between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes rarely has symptoms but can cause complications for mom and baby during and after birth.

Care In The Third Trimester

You are almost there! The period beginning with your 28th week of pregnancy is known as the third trimester. During this time, visits generally increase in frequency to twice a month. Then, at 36 weeks, you’ll typically come in to us weekly until you welcome your baby into the world.

The third trimester is a busy time with many things to do and consider, including:

• Taking a birth preparation class or classes (Learn more about those classes here)
• Considering your birth plan
• Choosing a pediatrician or family medicine physician for your baby
• Getting a Tdap shot & flu shot
• Visiting and pre-registering at the hospital if you want to
• Packing a hospital bag for you and the baby

When you arrive at the hospital in labor, you’ll enter through the Emergency Room entrance at the hospital. The hospital will notify our Mowery Women’s Clinic team that you have arrived. Under normal circumstances when you go into labor spontaneously, you can be confident that one of our skilled and compassionate Mowery Women’s Clinic physicians will there to help bring your baby into the world. Our team has helped thousands of women deliver babies, and we are excited for the opportunity to partner with you during this important time in your life.

Helpful Resources During Your Pregnancy:

Hospital tours are also offered for expectant parents. The information on classes and tours is included in your obstetrical packet. Alternatively, you can find information on classes offered by the hospital here. We admit our obstetrical patients to Salina Regional Health Center in Salina, KS.

• Nutrition During Pregnancy
  A guide to nutrition during pregnancy
• Safe Medications During Pregnancy
  A list of permitted over-the-counter items
• The Birth Experience
  Information you may find helpful for delivering baby at Salina Regional Health Center