Prenatal Care in Fort Worth

Before Labor

Prenatal Appointments: Attend regular prenatal check-ups with your doctor or midwife to monitor your baby’s development and overall health. Your healthcare provider will also discuss any potential concerns and prepare you for labor and delivery.

Birth Plan: Consider creating a birth plan outlining your preferences for pain management, labor positions, and who you want present during the birth. Keep in mind that flexibility is important as unexpected situations may arise.

Childbirth Classes: Attend childbirth classes to learn about the stages of labor, breathing techniques, pain management options, and postpartum care. These classes can help you feel more prepared and confident about the birthing process.

Pelvic Exercises: Practice Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. This can help improve muscle tone, making labor and recovery smoother.

Nutrition and Hydration: Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins, protein, and fiber to support your body during pregnancy and prepare for labor. Stay hydrated to prevent dehydration during labor.

Signs of Labor: Be aware of the signs of labor, which may include regular contractions, water breaking, back pain, or a bloody show. If you suspect you are in labor, contact your healthcare provider.

Pain Management Options: Discuss pain relief options with your healthcare provider, including natural methods (breathing exercises, massage, warm compresses) and medical options (epidurals, nitrous oxide, IV medications etc.). Understanding your options ahead of time will help you make informed decisions during labor.

Packing for the Hospital: Pack a hospital bag with essentials such as comfortable clothes, toiletries, snacks, baby items (diapers, onesies, blanket), and important documents (ID, insurance card, birth plan).

Transportation and Support: Ensure you have transportation ready to the hospital or birthing center, and arrange for a support person to be with you during labor and delivery.

Immediately After Delivery

Recovery in the Hospital: After delivery, you will spend a few hours in the recovery room where nurses will monitor you and your baby. During this time, you may feel tired, sore, or emotional, and it’s important to rest and bond with your baby through skin-to-skin contact.

Pain and Discomfort: It’s normal to experience vaginal soreness, especially if you had an episiotomy or tears. Over-the-counter pain medications (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen) can help with discomfort. You may also receive cold packs or sitz baths to reduce swelling.

Uterine Contractions: After delivery, your uterus will contract as it shrinks back to its pre-pregnancy size. These contractions (known as afterpains) may be more intense if this is not your first baby, but they should subside within a few days.

Vaginal Bleeding (Lochia): Expect vaginal bleeding, known as lochia, which starts heavy and red but gradually turns lighter in color over the next 4-6 weeks. Use sanitary pads, not tampons, to prevent infection.

Bladder and Bowel Care: You may experience difficulty urinating or having a bowel movement after delivery due to swelling and tenderness. Drink plenty of fluids, eat fiber-rich foods, and use stool softeners if recommended by your doctor to prevent constipation.

Breastfeeding: Start breastfeeding as soon as you and your baby are ready. Breastfeeding can help your uterus contract and provides essential nutrients and antibodies to your baby. A lactation consultant can assist if you encounter any difficulties.

Perineal Care: Keep the perineal area clean and dry. Use a peri bottle to gently rinse the area after using the bathroom, and pat the area dry. Avoid using harsh soaps or scrubbing the area.

Emotional Well-being: It is common to feel emotional after delivery due to hormonal changes, exhaustion, and adjusting to motherhood. This is often referred to as the “baby blues.” However, if feelings of sadness, anxiety, or depression persist beyond a few weeks, contact your healthcare provider, as this may be a sign of postpartum depression.

In the Days and Weeks Following Delivery

Rest and Recovery: Prioritize rest as your body recovers from childbirth. Sleep when the baby sleeps, and ask for help from family and friends with household tasks and baby care.

Pain Relief: Continue using pain relievers, sitz baths, or ice packs as needed to manage perineal discomfort. Follow your doctor’s advice regarding any prescribed medications.

Pelvic Floor Exercises: Begin gentle pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) as soon as you feel comfortable. These exercises can help strengthen the muscles and improve recovery after childbirth.

Most women would benefit from additional treatments to strengthen the pelvic floor and improve overall feminine health. Two treatments to consider are Emsella and Emfemme. Be sure to ask your provider how these could assist in your recovery.

Vaginal Bleeding: Lochia will decrease over time, but if you experience heavy bleeding (soaking more than one pad per hour) or large clots, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Bowel Movements: Constipation may persist for a few days after delivery. Continue drinking water and eating fiber-rich foods. Your doctor may recommend stool softeners.

Sexual Activity: Avoid sexual intercourse for 6 weeks or until your healthcare provider confirms that you have healed properly. This helps prevent infection and gives your body time to recover.

Follow-Up Appointment: Schedule and attend your postpartum follow-up appointment (typically 4-6 weeks after delivery). During this visit, your doctor will check your healing progress, address any concerns, and discuss birth control options if needed.

Physical Activity: Avoid strenuous physical activities and heavy lifting for at least 4-6 weeks. Gentle walking and stretching are encouraged to promote circulation, but check with your doctor before starting more intense exercise routines.

Signs of Complications: Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
• Severe abdominal pain or worsening perineal pain
• Heavy bleeding or large clots
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Difficulty breathing, chest pain, or severe headaches
• Signs of infection around stitches (redness, swelling, pus)

Emotional Support: It is normal to experience a range of emotions after childbirth. Surround yourself with a supportive network of family, friends, or a counselor, and communicate openly about your feelings. If you experience prolonged sadness, irritability, or difficulty bonding with your baby, speak with your doctor about postpartum depression.

After the 6-week postpartum checkup, most women would benefit from additional treatments to strengthen the pelvic floor and improve overall feminine health. Two treatments to consider are Emsella and Emfemme:

Emsella for Pelvic Floor Strengthening: Emsella is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to stimulate and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. This treatment is particularly beneficial for women who experience urinary incontinence or weak pelvic muscles following childbirth. Emsella can improve muscle tone, restore bladder control, and enhance sexual function, helping you feel more confident in your postpartum recovery.

Emfemme for Feminine Wellness: Emfemme is a radiofrequency-based treatment designed to improve feminine wellness by tightening the vaginal area and addressing symptoms like vaginal laxity and dryness, which can occur after childbirth. Emfemme stimulates collagen production and improves tissue health, leading to enhanced comfort and sexual satisfaction.

These treatments can complement your postpartum recovery and help restore your pelvic health after the physical stresses of childbirth. Consult your doctor to determine when it’s safe to begin these treatments and how they can fit into your overall postpartum care plan.

By following this pre and post-care guide, you can help ensure a smooth labor, delivery, and recovery after a vaginal birth. Always communicate with your healthcare provider and follow their specific instructions for a healthy postpartum recovery.

Before Your C-Section

Consultation and Planning: During your prenatal visits, your doctor will discuss the reasons for your scheduled C-section (such as breech presentation, multiple births, or medical conditions). Be sure to ask questions and clarify any concerns about the procedure.

Medical Evaluation: Your doctor may perform a physical exam, blood work, and an ultrasound to assess the baby’s position and overall health before the surgery. If you have any health issues (like diabetes or high blood pressure), your doctor will monitor them closely.

Diabetes Management: If you have diabetes, your doctor will advise you on managing blood sugar before and after surgery. You may need to adjust medications like insulin or oral diabetes treatments.

Other Medications: Discuss all medications, including vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies, with your doctor. They may need to be adjusted before surgery.

Fasting: Your doctor will instruct you to fast (no food or drinks) for 8-12 hours before the procedure, especially if you are receiving general anesthesia.

Pre-Surgery Preparation

Bowel Preparation: Your doctor may recommend a mild bowel prep or advise you to avoid heavy meals before the surgery.

Shaving: Avoid shaving the abdominal area yourself; the medical team will take care of it to reduce the risk of infection.

Smoking and Alcohol: Stop smoking at least 4 weeks before the procedure to enhance healing and reduce the risk of complications. Avoid alcohol consumption for 48 hours before surgery.

Arrange for Support: Arrange for someone to be with you at the hospital during the procedure. You will also need assistance at home during the initial recovery period.

Pack a Hospital Bag: Pack essentials such as comfortable clothes, toiletries, baby items, and any personal items like nursing bras, robes, and slippers.

On the Day of Surgery

Arrival: Arrive at the hospital or surgical center at the scheduled time. Follow all pre-surgery instructions from your healthcare provider.

Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose-fitting clothing to the hospital for comfort after surgery.

No Makeup or Jewelry: Remove all makeup, jewelry, and contact lenses before arriving for the procedure.

Immediately After Surgery

Recovery Room: After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room where your vital signs, bleeding, and incision site will be monitored. You may experience shaking or mild nausea due to the anesthesia, which should pass quickly.

Pain Management (ERAS Approach): Many hospitals now use an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol for C-section recovery. This involves a multimodal pain management approach that minimizes the use of narcotics and focuses on early mobility. You may be given a combination of non-opioid medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, along with local anesthesia (e.g., a type of block) to manage pain effectively while reducing the side effects of opioid medications. The goal is to manage pain, minimize nausea, and help you recover faster.

Early Catheter Removal and Mobility: With the ERAS protocol, your catheter will be removed within 6 hours of surgery. Early removal allows for quicker mobilization, which is crucial for recovery. You will be encouraged to get out of bed and start walking soon after the catheter is removed to improve circulation, promote healing, and reduce the risk of blood clots. Light walking and movement are essential parts of the recovery process.

Incision Care: The surgical incision will be covered with a dressing. Keep it clean and dry, and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for wound care. Your doctor will tell you when the bandage can be removed and how to care for the stitches or staples.

Bowel Movements: Anesthesia and pain medications can slow down your digestive system, causing constipation. Drink plenty of fluids, eat fiber-rich foods, and take a stool softener if recommended by your doctor.

In the Days Following Surgery

Pain and Discomfort: It is normal to experience some abdominal pain, tenderness, and cramping as your body heals. Take pain medications as prescribed, and use a support pillow when sitting up or moving to avoid straining the incision area.

Walking and Light Activity: Start walking as soon as you are able, usually within 6 hours after surgery. Walking helps improve circulation and prevent blood clots, but avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and bending for at least 6 weeks.

Vaginal Bleeding: Expect vaginal bleeding (lochia) for 4-6 weeks after surgery. The bleeding will gradually decrease in volume and change color from bright red to pink and then brown. Use sanitary pads rather than tampons to prevent infection.

Breastfeeding and Lactation: Breastfeeding can begin as soon as you and your baby are ready. If you have difficulty breastfeeding due to incision pain, ask for assistance with positioning your baby. A lactation consultant can help ensure breastfeeding is comfortable for you and the baby.

Sexual Activity: Avoid sexual intercourse for 6-8 weeks after a C-section or until your doctor gives the go-ahead. Wait until your body has healed, and the risk of infection has subsided.

Emotional Well-Being: It’s common to feel a range of emotions after a C-section. Hormonal changes, fatigue, and the demands of caring for a newborn can lead to “baby blues” or even postpartum depression. If you experience persistent sadness, anxiety, or difficulty coping, speak to your doctor or a mental health professional.

Incision Care: Keep the incision area clean and dry. Follow your doctor’s instructions for caring for the incision, including when it is safe to shower. Avoid soaking the incision in water (no baths, swimming, or hot tubs) for at least 2 weeks.

Signs of Complications: Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
• Severe or increasing abdominal pain
• Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking more than one pad per hour)
• Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina or incision
• Redness, swelling, or drainage from the incision site
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Severe headaches, vision changes, or dizziness

In the Weeks Following Surgery

Activity and Rest: Continue to avoid strenuous activities, lifting heavy objects, or exercising until your doctor clears you, typically around 6-8 weeks postpartum. Rest and take naps when possible.

Follow-Up Appointment: Schedule and attend your follow-up appointment, typically 4-6 weeks after surgery, to check the healing of the incision and address any concerns.

Emotional Adjustment: Recovery from a C-section can be emotionally challenging. Be patient with yourself, and allow time for physical and mental healing. Ask for help from family and friends with household tasks and baby care.

By following this pre and post-care guide, you can ensure a smooth recovery after your C-section. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and attend all follow-up appointments for the best possible outcome.