Medical Care During Pregnancy
For some pregnant women, regular visits to Primary Care Partners of South Bend are essential to a healthy pregnancy and baby. In our office, we work closely with your prenatal care provider to help manage your physical or mental health complications during pregnancy. Therefore, your prenatal care provider can focus on your pregnancy with ultrasounds and belly checks, while we focus on your overall health.
Pregnancy can be an exciting time, but we understand that it can also be a cause for uncertainty and worry to expectant mothers. When mental or physical health challenges you and your baby, we are here to provide gentle, compassionate care and support. Additionally, Dr. Zabukovic provides an extensive program to help mothers with addiction have a healthy pregnancy and baby. Regardless of your situation, we always care for and support pregnant women with respect and dignity.
It is crucial to share your detailed medical history with us so that your doctor and prenatal care provider can work hand in hand to best care for and support you and your developing baby. For more general information and resources regarding maternity care, visit the CDC’s maternal and infant health page.
Gestational Diabetes
This common condition is a result of high blood sugar in pregnant women. It affects how your cells use sugar and as a result can cause complications in the baby’s health. Often, there are little to no symptoms initially but can cause the baby to be born with low blood sugar or breathing problems. It may also put the mother at a higher risk for type 2 diabetes later in life.
Treatment plans vary but generally include monitoring blood sugar daily, exercising more, eating healthier, and in some cases with very high blood sugar levels, medications may be used.
Asthma
If you already have asthma, it becomes even more important to manage the condition and symptoms while pregnant. Babies will develop better if the mother can breathe easily.
Most treatments for asthma will not affect the developing baby. Make sure to inform us if you have asthma and are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. We will then be able to work closely with you to set up a maternity care plan to better manage your asthma.
Mood Disorders
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact your local hospital immediately by calling 911.
During pregnancy and after the baby is born, it is very common for women to develop depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders. Additionally, a woman with a history of substance abuse, family history of depression, marital or financial problems, and lack of support can have a higher risk for mood disorders during pregnancy.
Symptoms of a mood disorder during pregnancy may include
- Frequent feelings of sadness or hopelessness and/or frequent crying
- Losing interest or excitement in becoming a mother
- Strong anxiety or fear, especially about not being a good mother
- Losing sleep or consistently low energy
- Loss or increase in weight and/or appetite
- Frequent headaches, chest palpitations, or hyperventilating
If during pregnancy these feelings become present or more apparent, schedule a maternity care appointment right away. We have several options for mental health support.
Our Philosophy on Care During Pregnancy
We are here to support you and your child throughout your pregnancy unconditionally and without judgment. By working closely with your prenatal provider, they can focus on your pregnancy while we care for your overall physical and mental health. Therefore, you receive care that centers on both you and your baby. We are here to support you and your child throughout your pregnancy unconditionally and without judgment. At our practice, we work in concert with your prenatal care provider to help foster a healthy pregnancy, mother, and baby. If you have just found out you’re expecting – congratulations! We are here to answer all your questions and help you through the entire process- you can request an appointment online or give us a call at (574)251-1200 to set up an appointment today!
