Obstetrical Care
I attended the delivery of the first of several thousand babies in medical school in 1983, and obstetrics has been a truly joyous part of my profession in the years since. As a mother of three, I can appreciate many facets of pregnancy from different perspectives. My staff and I do all that we can to provide excellent prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care in a pleasant and caring environment. Click on our LINKS section on our home page for several information and useful websites.
Frequently asked Questions regarding Obstetrical Care
Weight gain — most women need only about 200 extra calories a day during pregnancy, and can expect to gain about 25 to 40 pounds over 40 weeks of pregnancy. Moderate exercise is encouraged.
Vitamins — folic acid of 0.4 mg or more each day may prevent neural tube defects if present early after conception. Vitamin A intake should be no more than 5000 IU a day, although foods containing natural beta carotene do not need to be limited. DHA, a source of omega 3 fatty acids, is believed to promote brain development. It is added to some brands of prenatal vitamins or can be added as an OTC supplement.
Fish — is an excellent food; unfortunately, much of it is polluted and should be avoided during reproductive years. Click here: What You Need to Know about Mercury in Fish and Shellfish
Medications - there are some medications which may be safely used in pregnancy. Click here for a link of medications that can be safely used during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Genetic problems — a family and ethnic history will be taken. Screening tests for cystic fibrosis, sickle cell and hereditary anemias, as well as chromosomal problems like Down’s syndrome are available and will be discussed during prenatal care.
Labor and Delivery — Dr. Smith delivers at William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak. Tours of the unit can be arranged in person or can be done online. Click here to view a map of the Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak Campus
Pain relief — I believe epidurals are ideal for childbirth and may make it a much more pleasant experience. I am happy to work with patients who desire other forms of pain relief, but have felt that the only Lamaze breathing I ever personally needed was “I… want… my…epidural!”
Vaginal Birth after Cesarean —the pendulum of medical fashion seems to be swinging away from VBAC, and the national rate of C-section now exceeds 30%. I encourage trial of labor in most cases after one cesarean, and will have an individualized discussion in each situation. Once you have a second C-section any subsequent deliveries must be done by C-section.