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Baystate OBGYN Group

Pregnancy

Our experienced team of practitioners delivers high quality, individualized pregnancy care.

Care for All Stages

Our experienced team of practitioners delivers high quality, individualized pregnancy care from pre-conception through the postpartum period.

Routine Pregnancy Appointments

We respect the fact that your prenatal visits are a special time for you. During your appointments we will track your health and your unborn baby’s health and development. We have designed our appointment schedules with you in mind – visits available at varied times of the day with our obstetricians and certified nurse midwives. We are available 24/7 for any urgent needs that may arise during your pregnancy.

Once your pregnancy has been confirmed, we will schedule you for an obstetrical history appointment. 

Prior to your appointment, we may ask you to complete and return pertinent paperwork. Having this information prior to your visit will help us address pertinent topics during your visit. The purpose of the history appointment is to: 

  • Discuss the health histories/genetics of you, your family, the baby’s father, and his family.
  • Learn about prenatal screening tests.
  • Review and sign consent forms.
  • Talk about obstetrician and midwifery options in our practice. 
  • Receive information about and resources for your pregnancy. 
  • Coordinate necessary blood tests to be completed at a lab. 

Following your obstetrical history, we will see you for your obstetrical physical which includes an exam similar to an annual gynecological physical and may include the  following: 

  • Urine test for glucose (sugar) and protein.
  • Pelvic exam to verify gestational age by the size of your uterus. 
  • Pap smear and breast exam if needed. 
  • We will listen for your baby’s heart rate although it is completely normal not to hear it at this early stage.

After your ob physical, your routine prenatal visits will occur at intervals appropriate for your gestational age to follow your health and the health of your baby. 

  • Monthly until approximately 28-32 weeks
  • Every two weeks until 36 weeks
  • Weekly from 36 weeks until delivery; an internal exam may be performed from roughly 38 weeks until delivery to check for dilation of your cervix.
  • Additional visits may be scheduled outside of these intervals as needed throughout your pregnancy.


At each prenatal checkup, we will: 

  • Ask for a urine sample to monitor for problems
  • Listen to your baby’s heartbeat
  • Check your baby’s approximate growth by assessing uterine size 

Routine Care, Procedures, Tests & Results

Learn more about procedures and tests that may come up during prenatal care.

  • Timing: When you think you are pregnant
  • Testing method: urine sample
  • Performed: in our office
  • Results: available immediately
  • Timing: Usually ordered at the obstetrical history appointment between 8-10 weeks and completed prior to your obstetrical physical appointment between 10-12 weeks.
  • Tests included: Blood type and antibody screen, CBC, Hepatitis B, Rubella, RPR (Syphilis), HIV. (Your practitioner may recommend other tests as well).
  • Reason for test: To screen for maternal health and blood status.
  • Performed: at a laboratory (such as Labcorp)
  • Results: sent to our office usually within a few days of having your blood drawn. Usually pertinent results are discussed at the ob physical.
  • Timing: After 10 weeks gestation
  • Reason for test: To screen for bacterial infection in the bladder
  • Performed at: The specimen is collected in our office and sent to the lab for analysis
  • Results: We will notify you if the results are abnormal.
  • Timing: After 10 weeks gestation
  • Reason for tests: To screen for risks for specific chromosomal abnormalities
  • Performed: Method of testing depends on the specific test(s) desired
  • Timing: Approximately 20 weeks gestation
  • Testing method: ultrasound
    Usually performed in-office; occasionally performed at Baystate Medical Center.
  • Reason for test: To survey and assess fetal anatomy, measurements, etc.
  • Results: You will observe the entire scan on a large wall-mounted screen and will be able to see images of your baby during the scan. Your ultrasound will be sent to one of our obstetricians for review.
  • Timing between 24-28 weeks gestation
  • Testing method: blood
    Performed at a laboratory
  • Reason for test: To screen for diabetes in pregnancy
  • Results: Sent to our office within a few days of your blood draw. We will review the results with you at your next office visit. You will be notified sooner if results are abnormal.
  • Pertinent notes: You will be given an orange-flavored drink that tastes similar to orange soda. One hour after drinking the solution, your blood will be drawn to test for blood sugar levels. There is no fasting prior to this test.
  • You will also be rescreened for anemia and syphilis during the glucose test.
  • Timing: Between 36-37 weeks
  • Testing method: vaginal/perianal culture
  • Performed: Culture is collected during a prenatal visit and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
  • Reason for test: To screen for Group B Strep for proper care during delivery
  • Results: We will discuss results with you at your next prenatal visit. If needed, treatment for this is done when you go into labor.
  • Timing: Starting at 38 weeks gestation
  • Testing method: your practitioner will insert one or two lubricated, gloved fingers into your vagina
  • Performed in our office during your routine ob visits, but you can choose not to have an exam at any visit.
  • Reason for test: to check for cervical dilation as you near the end of your pregnancy
  • Timing: 40-42 weeks gestation, or when medically indicated
  • Testing method: external fetal monitoring via a small device that is attached to your abdomen with an elastic band.
  • Performed in our Springfield office and sometimes at the hospital.
  • Reason for test: testing for contractions and fetal well being
  • Results: The ultrasonographer and a physician will review your results on the day of your testing.
  • Timing: 40-42 weeks gestation, or when medically indicated
  • Testing method: ultrasound
  • Performed in our Springfield office and sometimes at the hospital
  • Reason for test: testing for fetal breathing, tone
  • Results: The ultrasonographer and a physician will review your results
  • Who will be a candidate for this test: Any patient who receives a positive result on their one-hour GTT.
  • Timing: Completed after receiving results of an elevated 1 hour GTT
  • Testing method: Blood
  • Testing location: External laboratory
  • Reason for test: to test for gestational diabetes
  • Who is a candidate: Pregnant patients in whom the baby is oriented in a position not favorable for a vaginal delivery (for example, breech).
  • Timing: Typically around 37 weeks gestation
  • Where will procedure be performed: At Baystate Medical Center
  • Reason for procedure: To manually rotate the baby to a head first (down) position.

Pregnancy Timeline & Key Events

Every pregnancy is unique.

The information provided here is a general guideline. If you have questions about the timing of a key event during your pregnancy, your baby’s development, or the changes that you are noticing in your body, please ask!

Vaccinations during and after pregnancy

  • Access the CDC’s resource page related to vaccinations during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Pertinent tests and clinical events

  • Up to a year prior to trying to conceive: Contact us to discuss  preconception planning. Visit our preconception planning page!
  • Once you know (or think) you are pregnant: Call our office and visit our early pregnancy resource page.
  • 8-10 weeks gestation: Obstetrical history appointment; may include blood tests
  • 10 weeks gestation: Ultrasound appointment to confirm the due date of your pregnancy
  • 10-12 weeks gestation: Obstetrical physical appointment
  • After 10 weeks: Various optional screenings for abnormalities
  • 14-20 weeks : (Optional) Sign up for childbirth classes. Many local hospitals offer childbirth classes and other prenatal classes, including Baystate Medical Center – please contact the hospital for more information.
  • 20 weeks (approximately): Baby’s anatomy ultrasound!
  • 24-28 weeks: Glucose tolerance test (GTT) – a screening test for diabetes in pregnancy. Anemia screening and repeat syphilis testing is also performed with the glucose test. Expecting mothers who have Rh negative blood type will receive an injection of Rhogam
  • 27-36 weeks: Tdap vaccine recommended
  • 36-37 weeks: Group B strep culture
  • 38 weeks: Weekly internal exams are offered to check for dilation
  • 40-42 weeks: Non stress test (NST) and/or biophysical profile test (BPP), performed in ultrasound

Disability, FMLA & Forms

Please submit medical disability forms related to your pregnancy and childbirth to our office as soon as possible – this may include FMLA, state-sponsored Paid Family Medical Leave (such as MA PFML), group disability through your employer and/or individual disability insurance.

As your healthcare provider we are able to complete the healthcare provider certification section on these forms specifically related to your medical disability. We cannot complete medical disability (also called “serious health condition”) forms for time that is related to bonding with your newborn unrelated to your period of medical disability. We will complete your form(s) based on your individual circumstances.

Helpful resources:

Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) in Massachusetts

If you are eligible for MA PFML, you can initiate the bonding portion of your leave (if you are choosing to take bonding leave) by contacting the MA Department of PFML – this is separate from your medical disability leave.

Federal Family and Medical Leave Act

Frequently Asked Questions

IMPORTANT: If you are unsure about a medication that is not listed below, have questions about a medication, or if you are presently taking any prescription or non-prescription medication (not discussed here), PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE AND SPEAK WITH A NURSE OR PRACTITIONER.

The following medications ARE allowed anytime during pregnancy:

  • Antacids: Maalox, Mylanta, Tums and Pepcid
  • Antibiotics: Amoxicillin, Erythromycin, Penicillin, and Zithromax
  • Novocaine
  • Cough preparations: Robitussin DM, Triaminic
  • Cough drops
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) in accordance with the directions provided on the label

If you have any bleeding, with or without cramping, please call our office for further evaluation. Pink or brown spotting or even heavier bleeding may occur during the first three months in any pregnancy. This is sometimes caused by implantation or by irritation of the cervix after sexual relations.

We strongly encourage pregnant and lactating women to stay current with flu and COVID-19 vaccines as recommended by the CDC and if not contraindicated. If you have any questions about your particular circumstances, we encourage you to speak with your provider.

Prenatal vitamins are available by prescription (recommended) or over the counter. You can fill your prescription at your pharmacy and take them throughout your pregnancy. If you need a refill on a vitamin prescription, please call your pharmacy.

It is recommended that vitamins be taken 1-2 hours after a meal. For best absorption, it is best not to take vitamins with calcium rich foods.

It is important that you give your baby an excellent start by eating a well balanced diet. If you are experiencing nausea and/or vomiting, we suggest that you eat small, frequent meals and increase your protein intake. Vitamin B-6 supplements of 25 mgs (available over the counter) can be taken three times a day ; this may help reduce nausea/vomiting. NOTE: If you are unable to hold down anything in a 24-hour period, please notify us.

Walking, swimming, stationary bike riding, or prenatal yoga are our preferred choices of exercise. If you are accustomed to a more rigorous exercise program, please discuss this with your practitioner at your first visit.

Avoid all alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco throughout your pregnancy. Products containing caffeine should be used in moderation.

Women should continue with their routine dental and eye care during pregnancy.

For illnesses not related to the pregnancy such as respiratory or ear infections please contact your primary care provider (PCP).

We routinely listen for the baby’s heartbeat at your obstetrical physical appointment around 12 weeks gestation although it may not be audible at that point in your gestation. Thereafter, we check the heartbeat at each routine visit.

It is up to you if you would like us to share our interpretation of the sex of your baby. This is usually possible with the genetics test that is offered after 10 weeks gestation or at your 20 week fetal ultrasound scan.

Absolutely! (Please check with the office for any restrictions that may be in place due to COVID-19 or other health emergencies).

Our obstetricians perform cesarean sections when medically necessary.

We do not perform home births. We perform deliveries at Baystate Medical Center and will support your personal decisions throughout your labor and delivery with experienced medical guidance. The labor and delivery unit at Baystate Medical Center offers excellent personalized facilities, specialists when needed, and the area’s best Neonatal Intensive Care Unit if necessary.

Our ultrasound appointments are for medical purposes only. We do not offer separate non-medically oriented ultrasound appointments to obtain images of your baby.

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Our practitioner options and 24/7 availability for urgent obstetrical care and deliveries set us apart from other practices.

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BOGG Offices will be OPEN at 1pm on Thursday 2/6/2025.