You’ll go through many changes during pregnancy, so it’s reassuring to know that you can count on compassionate prenatal care and delivery, not to mention emotional support, from Dr. Carrie Carda at Women’s Health Specialists. In addition to comprehensive medical care during your pregnancy, the doctor also offers infertility counseling and treatment for couples having a hard time getting pregnant. Call the practice in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, or schedule an appointment for pregnancy testing and prenatal care online.
About 12-15% of couples have a hard time getting pregnant after a year of unprotected sex. Some of the most common causes of infertility include:
If you haven’t been able to get pregnant, Dr. Carda can help with infertility counseling, diagnosis and treatment of ovulation disorders, and by providing artificial insemination.
Prenatal visits ensure you receive regular care throughout your pregnancy. At every appointment, Dr. Carda checks your weight and blood pressure and the baby’s growth and heart rate. You’ll also receive routine tests at specific times during your pregnancy to check for potential health problems such as:
During your prenatal care, you’ll talk with Dr. Carda about labor and delivery, so you can plan for pain relief and be prepared for potential issues that may require labor induction or a cesarean delivery.
A high-risk pregnancy exists when a health problem affects your pregnancy or increases the chance of complications during delivery. Dr. Carda is well-trained and has the expertise you can count on to provide the highest level of care for a high-risk pregnancy.
The most common causes of a high-risk pregnancy include:
Prenatal screening tells whether your baby is at a higher risk for a genetic disorder. During the first and second trimesters, blood tests and ultrasound can screen for problems like Down syndrome, neural tube defects, and major physical problems.
If either parent has a family history of genetic disease, carrier screening can be done before or during pregnancy to determine whether they carry the genes. When screening of the parents or their baby indicates a potential problem, you may decide to get genetic testing, which determines whether your baby actually has a genetic disorder.