Obstetrics is the medical field of study that involves pregnancy, childbirth and the time following a birth. Donald Eckhardt Jr., M.D. , Kari Eckhardt W.H.N.P., C.N.M., combines obstetrics with gynecology to provide quality care to women in need of specialized care. While other medical professionals can help to deliver a baby, seeing a professional who specializes in pregnancy can provide services that other medical physicians cannot.
We can provide relief and management of symptoms that occur during pregnancy while also monitoring the health of the child. Along with providing treatment, we also monitor a patient’s health and help them maintain said health for years to come.
Do not let a health condition get in the way of living your life to the fullest.
Pregnancy is a complex process that can change per patient. While there are similar steps and milestones, each patient is unique and can have different experiences during pregnancy. Some patients will have what is known as a high-risk pregnancy that puts their and the health of the child on the line. That is why visiting us is crucial to remaining healthy throughout the pregnancy.
We can identify the early signs of any issues and develop counter measures to help keep the pregnancy on track and healthy. Symptoms and conditions that pregnant women will struggle with include:
Fortunately, these symptoms will vary per each patient and are fairly manageable. In the cases where symptoms become more problematic, we will recommend treatment techniques and other tips to help keep the patient and child healthy.
As an obstetrician, we can provide multiple services before, during and after the pregnancy. While some people do not always plan to get pregnant but find that they are, other people will wait until a certain stage of life to try and have children. We can help patients map out the process and develop a treatment plan.
We can also guide the patient through any changes or phases of the pregnancy that can complicate the process. Here are a few of the services that we can offer patients throughout the pregnancy.
Monitor the health of the patient and child
One of the first steps to maintaining a healthy pregnancy is with regular appointments. While a patient can request appointments if she feels it is necessary, we will usually remain on a set schedule. From about the fourth week to the 28th week of the pregnancy, the patient will only need one prenatal visit per month. For weeks 28 to 36, we will typically schedule prenatal visits every two weeks. From week 36 to 40, we will have one prenatal visit each week until delivery.
Conduct Tests and Checkups
The visits to our practice may include ultrasounds, measurements and checking for any pre-existing conditions that can harm or affect the child’s health. These conditions can include high blood pressure, genetic disorders, infections and diabetes, to name a few.
Determine any risks or Issues in the Pregnancy from Pre-existing Conditions
If a patient has any pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, lupus, anemia or obesity, then the patient will need more appointments. Along with that, we can determine and take any countermeasures to help ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Explain All Necessary Steps if it is a High-Risk Pregnancy
If a patient has any of the pre-existing conditions listed above, is over the age of 35, is carrying multiple children, has a history of miscarriages and other issues, then it is a high-risk pregnancy. In these cases, we will take any condition into account before developing a pregnancy plan for the patient. A high-risk pregnancy will require specialized care that we can go over with the patient.
Review any Diet, Exercise or Lifestyle Changes that are Necessary
We will go over any foods or lifestyle habits that can harm the child. This can include drinking wine, eating sushi, over-exerting one’s body and more. Thus, we can act as a source of information and guidance throughout the pregnancy to help keep the child healthy.
Help the Patient Cope with Symptoms of Pregnancy
We can also help patients cope with the symptoms of pregnancy, including morning sickness, heartburn, constipation, sore back/legs, cramping and more. While we cannot stop these changes from happening, we can help to reduce some symptoms. It is important to note that while pregnant, women have to be cautious about which medications to take. We can help to guide the patient on this matter.
Help Oversee the Birth
As obstetricians, we can also oversee the birth and help ensure everything goes well. Call us to schedule an appointment and learn more about what we can do for you.
Donald Eckhardt Jr., M.D. , Kari Eckhardt W.H.N.P., C.N.M. is located at
13635 Michel Road
Tomball, TX
77375.