PREGNANCY CARE

Genetic Counseling

We encourage genetic counseling because it enables future parents to be fully informed about their individual situation. However, we respect the fact that some couples have religious or other personal reasons for not wanting genetic testing. Alternatively, some families may have experienced tragic genetic problems and may request testing that is not generally considered standard in the mothers age group. Since the parents are the ones who must live with the consequences of these choices, we feel that they are the ones who should make the final decision on genetic testing.

DETAILED PATIENT EDUCATION

Prenatal Care

Once pregnancy has occurred, we really have two patients to care for: the mom-to-be and her unborn child. The safety of both of these patients is our primary goal. Our practice offers state-of-the-art technologies such as nuchal translucency (NT) screening, a non-invasive alternative to amniocentesis for early screening of Down Syndrome and Edwards Syndrome. We also offer 3-D live ultrasound which produces images so detailed that you can see your baby's smile long before he or she is born!

Diet and nutritional counseling is provided to help the mother attain an adequate weight gain without "overdoing it". Nutritional safety (i.e. fish for omega-3 but without mercury or PCBs) is important and we educate our patients on these issues.

We've identified six methods of preventing pre-term delivery:

1. antibiotics
2. ultrasound measurement of cervical length
3. cervical cerclage (a procedure in which a suture is inserted into and around the cervix early in the pregnancy and removed after the greatest risk of miscarriage has passed)
4. testing for fibronectin (a substance made naturally by the body in pregnancy; if it is found in high quantities in your vagina in pregnancy, you are more likely to deliver preterm)
5. medications to delay the onset of labor and
6. medications to enhance fetal pulmonary maturity

We also treat many of the conditions commonly associated with high-risk pregnancies such as diabetes, hypertension, multiple pregnancy, prior pre-term birth, recurrent miscarriage and advanced maternal age.

DETAILED PATIENT EDUCATION

Labor & Delivery

Even though Dr. Garofalo has delivered more 4,300 babies, he still considers it a thrill each time he helps bring a new person into the world. He considers it an extraordinary privilege to be part of this miracle and everything is done to make the experience a joyful one..

Our patients are offered every option for labor pain relief — epidural, natural methods, "just a little injection" — it is completely the mother’s decision.

In the case of labor following a prior cesarean section, we let the patient make that decision after we discuss all the details of her individual situation. While there are risks associated with labor after a cesarean section, each patient is unique and we treat each case on an individual basis.

Because ours is a solo practice (one of the few left), patients can expect that Dr. Garofalo will be there to deliver their new little bundle of joy. We find that patients are very comforted to know that the same doctor who has cared for them throughout their pregnancy will be the one by their side on the big day. Of course, there are a few occasions when it's not humanly possible for Dr. Garofalo to be there and, in these rare situations, he reliees on a trusted colleague to provide the same sensitive, quality care that we provide.

DETAILED PATIENT EDUCATION

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