Be prepared for the adventure of a lifetime
Extreme sports have rocketed into fashion. The participants push the limits of their strength and skill to the very edge of possibility. Whiteknuckled spectators hold their breath in anticipation and marvel at the amazing outcomes.

I’m not a risk-taker. I prefer a cup of tea and a good book to scaling the face of a rock wall or jumping off a bridge with elastic strapped to my waist. Yet 13 years ago, my husband and I took the plunge with the most exciting, frightening and skillful sport of all.

Parenthood.

It’s been the adventure of a lifetime.

The early training plan
Any experienced athlete will tell you that success is based only partially on raw talent. The time and effort spent perfecting skills at practice is critical. Couples who anticipate adding a child to their family should approach the idea with the same enthusiasm and dedication as an aspiring athlete.

The right time to plan a pregnancy is different for each individual. “Overall physical health, financial stability and maturity are all factors that weigh into the ‘readiness’ quotient for each patient," says John Byron, M.D., a board certified OB/GYN specialist with Southern Pines Women's Health Center. "Women who may want to have children someday need to become knowledgeable about their health well in advance."

Dr. Byron encourages women to establish a trusting relationship with an OBGYN early in their lives to ensure that they have access to the most advanced information about general women's health issues as well as that related to healthy pregnancy and childbirth.

"Planning should begin well before conception," says Stephen Szabo, M.D., a board certified OB/GYN specialist with Pinehurst Surgical Women's Care Center. "In fact, we recommend pre-conceptual counseling at least one to two months prior to becoming pregnant. Women need to be certain that they are up to date on immunizations and Pap smears as well as begin taking vitamins such as folic acid to decrease the risk of birth defects and other adverse outcomes."

Off the bench and in the game
Early signs of pregnancy may include fatigue, nausea, tender breast tissue and forgetfulness. Women experience these symptoms in varying degrees and for differing periods of time. It is important to remember that like every woman every pregnancy is unique. In fact, the same individual may have several children and experience totally different symptoms with each.

Women who suspect pregnancy should not wait to contact a physician. "As soon as one week following the first missed period or immediately after a positive home test, call your physician," says Lanny Hadley, M.D., a board certified OB/GYN specialist with Richmond OB/GYN. "When we schedule the first appointment may depend on your previous medical history, but typically we want to see you right away.”

At the initial visit, the physician will compile a detailed medical history. An ultrasound may be scheduled to pinpoint the location of the fetus as well as to identify its size and stage of development. Additional lab procedures will be performed early in the pregnancy as well.

“Standards of care differ based on geographic location,” says Dr. Szabo. “Locally, we follow guidelines established by the American College of Gynecology (ACOG). If everything is progressing appropriately, we will see a patient about once a month through week 28.”

After week 28, visits will increase to every other week through week 36. From that point to delivery, the patient will see the physician at least once a week.

Routine tests during pregnancy include such procedures as a Group B Strep test, alpha-fetoprotein test (for congenital defects), diagnostic ultrasound and glucose tolerance test. The results of these procedures enable the medical team to better manage care and predict potential problems. Prior to each procedure, the physician will explain why and how the test will be performed.

Additional procedures may be recommended based on the results of the routine screenings, maternal or paternal medical history or the age of the mother.

As the pregnancy progresses, women need to ask questions when necessary. If you don’t understand something or need additional information, do not hesitate to talk with your medical provider.

“We want our patients to be active participants,” says Dr. Szabo. “Ask questions. Make a connection with the physician. We are partners in this process. Call, come in or e-mail us with your concerns. Only you feel what is happening in your body. How we manage your pregnancy depends on the information you share with us.”

Education
It is a good idea to enroll in an education program no later than mid-way through the pregnancy. Such classes may be available through your physician’s office, hospital or a private childbirth educator.

“Every couple needs information about a variety of topics as they move toward childbirth and parenting,” says Dr. Hadley. “Understanding what to expect during the pregnancy, in the delivery room and those first few days at home improves your ability to cope with changes as they occur and to handle any unexpected turns that may arise.”

Locally, childbirth classes cover a wide variety of topics ranging from pregnancy progression and how to manage symptoms to breastfeeding techniques. The group sessions also emphasize pain management during delivery such as breathing techniques, massage and pharmaceutical intervention.

Often, women begin pregnancy with an absolute plan. “I try to encourage my moms to keep an open mind,” says Dr. Byron. “Every pregnancy and delivery is different. Some patients whose expectations differ from the actual process express a feeling of failure or disappointment. Being open to changes in the plan and understanding why they may be necessary helps everyone maintain a positive outlook.”

A new player on the team
If you take the time to question a room full of mothers, each will share her own amazing story of the birth of her child. For those who have experienced the process, it is a story that never grows old.

As with the symptoms of pregnancy, childbirth differs for every mother. For some it occurs naturally; others may require induction; and still more may have a scheduled Caesarean section. Labor may last as little as two hours or as long as 12 or more. Normal covers a wide spectrum of possibility.

“Childbirth is a team effort,” Dr. Szabo says. “The physician, the nurses and the new family each have an important position to fulfill. Working together, we can ensure the best possible outcomes for mother and baby.”

Staff members on hand for labor and delivery will include the physician, labor and delivery nurses and other professionals who will care for the new infant. Parents who are delivering multiples, such as twins or triplets, should expect a medical team for each baby. At the time of delivery, infants are assessed for overall health.

“We encourage bonding as soon after delivery as possible,” says Dr. Byron. “In the case of a C-section, the mother sees the baby at surgery. For routine deliveries, we encourage breastfeeding as soon as we are certain that the baby is healthy.”

To further promote bonding between parent and infant, most babies room with the mother during the recovery period in the hospital. The nursing staff assists with newborn care instruction including feeding, diapering and bathing as needed.

Typically, mom and baby are discharged from the hospital 24 to 48 hours following delivery.

“If everything is OK at the time of discharge, we will usually see the new mother in the office one week after delivery for C-sections and four to six weeks after the birth for vaginal deliveries,” says Dr. Byron. “Of course, if there are any problems, patients are advised to contact us immediately. We have a physician dedicated to the hospital 24/7 specifically for emergencies and the care of our hospital patients.”