Pregnancy

Pregnancy often defines what it means to be a woman. From planning, through conception, to birth and beyond, Dr. Susanne Ramos and her team in Santa Barbara, California, are your partners through all stages of pregnancy, assuring good health for both you and your baby. Call today or book online for an appointment.

What are some of the early signs of pregnancy?

There are several classic signs that indicate the onset of pregnancy, including missed periods, morning sickness, and food cravings. Some women just know when conception occurs, but many first-time mothers miss some of the other signs that could indicate you’re pregnant. These may include:

• Light spotting, called implantation bleeding
• Fatigue, due to elevated levels of progesterone associated with pregnancy
• Nausea and vomiting at any time, not restricted to mornings, usually starting at about three weeks
• Food aversions, including odors, which may trigger nausea
• Swollen and tender breasts, due to fluctuating hormone levels
• Mild uterine cramping in the first few weeks

What can I expect for obstetric care from Dr. Ramos?

At the start of your pregnancy, Dr. Ramos provides you with an obstetrics welcome packet. It’s a comprehensive reference outlining many contingencies for a pregnancy. In the packet, she introduces her nurse practitioners, who may also be monitoring your progress.

Office hours and contact information is noted and, perhaps more importantly, after hours contact procedures are listed, in case of emergency. The remainder of the packet describes procedures you’ll encounter and self-treatments you can try, including lists of safe medications and dosages. Virtually any question that may arise is answered, and Dr. Ramos invites you to contact her and her team if you need clarification.

Does Dr. Ramos provide postpartum care?

Yes. The postpartum period is as important as any other stage of pregnancy, since you’re recovering, as well as caring for your new baby. There are special care instructions for both vaginal and caesarean section births that may include office visits for follow-up.

Generally, you can expect bleeding up to six weeks after giving birth. If you undergo heavy physical activity, it could get more intense, and you may see some blood clots. This is normal, and there’s no need to notify the office unless:

• Bleeding saturates more than one maxi pad per hour
• The area around an episiotomy or Caesarean incision becomes painful, swollen, and red
• Your body temperature reaches 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
• You’re feeling depressed, exhausted, or overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caring for your child