With You Throughout Your Pregnancy

At Midwest OB-GYN & Infertility Center, we're here for you from the earliest days of your pregnancy until it's time for your baby to arrive.

What Happens at My Appointments?

The typical pregnancy duration is 40 weeks from your last menstrual period (LMP).
First appointment at approximately 8 weeks gestation. This visit will include a pelvic examination, speculum examination with pap smear and cultures, and transvaginal ultrasound. We will provide you with an order to have routine prenatal testing drawn at the lab of your choice.
The routine prenatal visit schedule is as follows: Up to 28 weeks: appointments every four weeks; 28-36 weeks: appointments every two weeks; 36+ weeks: appointments every week
At 18 weeks, an optional blood test called a quadruple screen or penta screen will be offered. This test is optional and evaluates whether your baby is at an increased risk for Spina Bifida, Trisomy 18 and Down’s Syndrome.
At 20 weeks, a comprehensive ultrasound will be ordered at the hospital of your choice. This ultrasound will screen for structural abnormalities and growth. If you want to know the sex of your baby, ask the technician at this appointment. If you don’t want to know, be sure to tell the technician.
At 28 weeks, a screening lab test for Gestational Diabetes will be ordered. If your blood type is negative, you will also have an antibody screen for Rho-GAM drawn.
At 36 weeks, you will have a vaginal/rectal culture for Group B Streptococcus. You will also have a pelvic examination to determine cervical change and the position of the head. You will have a pelvic examination each week until delivery.

When to Call the Office?

A sudden and dramatic increase in swelling of the face and hands
Chills and fever
Contractions greater than 6 per hour if you are more than 4 weeks from your due date
Leakage of amniotic fluid
Severe abdominal pain
Severe, continuous headaches not relieved with Tylenol and rest
Significant decrease in fetal movements
Vaginal bleeding

Childbirth Classes

We encourage you to attend these free classes at the hospital of your choice. Please call to register. Topics covered include labor and delivery, pain management, breastfeeding and infant care.

St. Mary’s Hospital: 217-464-2334
Decatur Memorial Hospital: 217-876-3448

General Pregnancy Information

Fish & Seafood: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and The March of Dimes have the following recommendations for all women who are or might become pregnant, who are nursing and for young children. Limit fish and shellfish intake to no more than 12 ounces per week. Completely avoid shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish. Most fish and shellfish contain trace amounts of mercury, but the fish listed above have the highest levels. We will discuss food safety during pregnancy at your first prenatal visit.
Nausea & Vomiting: You may choose to use an over-the-counter prenatal vitamin or your doctor can write you a prescription for a name-brand vitamin if you prefer. If you’re having problems with nausea and/or vomiting and you think your prenatal vitamins are making it worse your doctor can suggest some alternatives.
Smoking: Mothers who smoke during their pregnancies frequently have smaller infants. These smaller infants tend to have an increased incidence of health problems, respiratory illnesses, learning disorders, newborn deaths (including SIDS (crib) deaths), and spontaneous abortions. Smoking is not recommended during pregnancy.
Alcohol: A pregnant woman who consumes large amounts of alcohol risks having a child with birth defects. The effects of limited or moderate drinking are unknown. It is best to avoid alcohol completely during pregnancy and nursing.
Exercise: It is not necessary to avoid exercise as long as you do not become overly fatigued or exceed a pulse rate of 140. If you are in good physical condition and are accustomed to being active there is no reason that being pregnant should keep you from participating in activities you enjoy. Use common sense and avoid activities that carry a risk of bodily injury. Walking and swimming are excellent means of exercise for pregnant women. Hot tubs and saunas should be avoided.
Travel: Provided there are no complications with your pregnancy you may continue to travel until 36 weeks. It is advised that you stretch each hour on long trips to decrease the risk of blood clots.
Exposure to fumes: Painting is safe provided the room is well-ventilated. Should a headache or nausea occur, just leave the area. Hair coloring and permanents are OK.
High altitudes: Due to the decreased oxygen level at high altitude, it is recommended that you avoid spending prolonged periods at altitudes over 10,000 feet. Also, no vigorous activity above 8,000 feet.
Weight gain: For the woman whose weight is normal prior to pregnancy, a gain of 25-35 pounds appears to be associated with the most favorable outcome. Generally, this can be accomplished by an increase of 300 calories a day. In most women this can be achieved by eating according to appetite – three meals a day adequate in low-fat milk and dairy products, fruits, vegetables, meats or other protein foods and whole grain breads and cereals. For snacks, choose foods such as fruits or vegetables that will help provide you with your daily nutritional needs. Avoid snacks such as candies, pastries and chips that are high in calories but low in nutrition. If you are underweight or overweight, we’ll give you specific recommendations for weight gain in pregnancy at your prenatal visit.
Prenatal vitamins: Prenatal vitamins are specially formulated multivitamins for the expectant mother. These vitamins ensure that pregnant women don't get too much of a certain vitamin (such as Vitamin A) that can be toxic to the developing baby. Prenatal vitamins also contain folic acid in a dosage that has been shown to reduce the risk of some serious birth defects of the brain and spinal cord.