Services
Our general services are based on trimester.
Read below for our services based around each trimester.
First Trimester
Prenatal Screening Tests can identify whether your baby is more or less likely to have certain birth defects, many of which are genetic disorders. These tests usually include blood tests, a specific type of ultrasound and prenatal cell-free DNA screening.
Antenatal Testing describes procedures performed during pregnancy to detect health problems in the growing fetus; establish characteristics such as fetal age, sex, or weight; or diagnose any material conditions that may affect fetal development.
Initial Blood Work or Prenatal Panel, includes your blood type, your blood count, and your status on if you're immune to rubella (measles) or not. There are several infectious tests we check: syphilis, gonorrhea, Chlamydia, HIV is optional. We're trying to get a good medical background at the start of this pregnancy.
Second Trimester
A Level 2 Ultrasound, also called an Anatomy Scan, is a comprehensive, detailed evaluation of fetal anatomy and development. It is a much more in-depth evaluation of the fetus than the ultrasound you had in your first trimester. This diagnostic ultrasound examination is usually performed at 18-22 weeks gestational age.
RH Antibody Screen checks your immune system to see if your red blood cells are different from your baby's because that may cause problems. By far, the most common difference is related to the + or - part of your blood type, called the Rh factor. So, we take a look and make sure this isn’t an issue.
Gestational Diabetes Screen checks blood sugar levels. If you're at average risk of gestational diabetes, you'll likely have a screening test during your second trimester between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. If you're at high risk of diabetes, such as family history or obesity, we may recommend testing for diabetes early in pregnancy.
Third Trimester
GBS Screens test for the presence of group B streptococcus (GBS) in the vagina or rectum to determine the risk that the mother will pass the bacteria on to her newborn during labor and delivery, possibly resulting in a serious infection in her newborn called early-onset GBS.
All prenatal screenings are available to you, however you have the choice to decline certain screenings.
Contact us to find out which prenatal screening is mandatory and which screenings may be right for you.
Prenatal Care
You and your baby’s safety and well being comes first. Plan for thirty minutes to an hour for your prenatal exams at Panhandle Birth Services. This way there is plenty of time to voice concerns, ask questions, and discuss your care plan. We also set these times aside so your appointments are never rushed and we can avoid long wait times, while still getting personal care by the same caregiver each visit.
Each visit your blood pressure will be taken, we will listen to your baby’s heart, and check your baby’s growth. Weight, diet, and any upcoming tests will be discussed. Generally, we will see you every month until you are 30 weeks, then every other week from 30-36 weeks, and finally once a week from 36 weeks until birth.
Labor and Birth
We will have a general idea of when to expect the baby but when your labor begins, you will call Panhandle Birth Services and let us know if your water has broken. While in labor you are free to move and eat. We also ensure adequate fluid intake during labor.
During active labor, our professional birthing specialist will be listening to the fetal heart tones of your baby. We also listen during the pushing stage to ensure your baby is handling labor well. We encourage pushing in whatever position is comfortable for you and baby. We attentively keep an eye and ear on mom and baby and make recommendations to make the birth as smooth as possible. Once you give birth, the umbilical cord is rarely cut until your placenta delivers. Leaving this cord intact ensures that your baby has gotten their full blood supply.
We recommend a water birth using the birth pool in a Box Standard Eco or Mini. You will either need to purchase a liner or you may purchase your own pool. We can help you choose the best option for your birthing scenario and goals.
Here is a link to the Pros and Cons of Water Birth and the research that has been done.
We also have a great community support team to help give you the birth you want. Everything from additional doulas in our community to photographers that will help capture those precious moments can be arranged.
At Panhandle Birth Services we deliver your birth, your way.
After the birth, we take vital signs of the newborn and mother. We consistently assess and chart both for the first three hours after birth. We make the mother and child comfortable and allow time to bond while doing this. After the charting is complete, and we feel both mom and baby are stable, we provide postpartum care instructions in great detail and leave the birth area clean. Finally, to make sure that you are completely confident in our postpartum care, we provide 24/7 phone support through calling and texting.
After birth, we generally see clients at 36 hours, again at 5 days and in 2 weeks. During these visits, we recommend newborn screenings but parents can decline them if they so choose.
All Birth Certificates are certified within 5 days of your baby's birth and can be picked up within 24 hours after being registered with the state.
Previous Cesarean Section
The International Cesarean Awareness Network, or ICAN, is a great resource for women who are considering a vaginal birth after a C-section. We can assist you with an out of hospital vaginal birth after cesarean or VBAC.
Click here to learn more about a vaginal birth after a caesarean section and get information and support from others.
Sneak Peek Early Gender
We also offer Sneak Peek Early Gender DNA testing at Panhandle Birth Services. Discover your baby's gender as early as 8 weeks with a 99.1 percent accuracy. The tests are quick and easy and results come straight to you in just a few days.
Click here to learn more!
We start by setting an appointment for a free consultation. We have these consultations at either your home or our office, where we can relax and talk. During this consultation we will address your questions and concerns as well as address any specific birthing or care needs you may have.
Message us today to set up your free consultation.