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Your pregnancy care
Your pregnancy care
It is important to us that you actively participate in decision-making about your care. Our MFM specialists will help you understand your treatment options so that you can make the best possible decisions for both you and your baby.
We work closely with other experts in pregnancy care. You will have prenatal appointments at the Medical Disorders of Pregnancy Clinic. You may also have appointments at the OB Medicine Clinic or with other specialists such as a nephrologist.
Treatment
Treatment
Care plans will focus on managing your blood pressure and monitoring the health of both you and your baby.
Our MFM specialist will work with you to decide on a care plan that is specific to your needs. Your care plan may include any of the following:
- Monitoring of your blood pressure
- Low-dose aspirin (starting between 12 to 16 weeks of pregnancy) to decrease the risk of preeclampsia
- Starting antihypertensive medication
- Adjusting antihypertensive medication so it is both safe and effective during pregnancy
- Blood and urine tests to monitor your platelets, kidney and liver function
- Ultrasounds, ECHO/ECGs or further bloodwork to understand the cause of hypertension, if needed
- Placenta scans and blood tests, such as Placental Growth Factor, to monitor the health of the placenta and assist in predicting the risk of developing pre-eclampsia
- Growth scans to monitor fetal growth and well-being
- Referrals to other specialists, as needed
- Planning for delivery
Labour and delivery
Labour and delivery
Our recommendations for your labour and delivery care may include any of the following:
- Meeting with our Obstetrical Anesthesia team
- Scheduling an induction of labour or Caesarean section, as needed
- Monitoring and treating your blood pressure throughout labour and delivery
- Monitoring the health of your baby during labour and after birth, if needed
- Adjusting your medication following delivery, as needed
- Making a plan for your postpartum care and follow-up
It is important to follow up with your primary care provider or specialist to continue to monitor your blood pressure in the first few months postpartum.