Obstetrics
Each pregnancy is a unique journey—and we’re dedicated to making that journey as healthy, safe and wonderful as possible for you and your baby.
Meet our OB-GYN Providers
Pre-Pregnancy Care
Before you become pregnant, you may choose to schedule a pre-pregnancy care checkup to:
- Discuss nutrition, medications, supplements and lifestyle.
- Review health conditions, medical and family history.
- Make sure your vaccinations are up to date.
- Start taking prenatal vitamins.
- Decide whether you and your partner would like to have carrier screening tests for certain genetic disorders that may run in your family or ethnicity.
Check with your insurance on coverage for the preconception care checkup.
Pregnancy Care
You’re pregnant! This can be an exciting time and a baffling one too. Every trimester holds new milestones and symptoms, and we want you to be prepared for everything. The scheduled times you will see below for prenatal care are typical, but each person and each pregnancy is different. Your care here is personalized. If you feel you need to be seen sooner than your upcoming appointment, or you have questions that can’t wait for your scheduled appointment, we encourage you to call us any time.
Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
After hours and weekends call 507-625-1811
Ask for the OB-GYN provider on call.
Prenatal Care
- Your first visit with us should be 9 to 11 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period. If you can, bring your partner or a support person with you to this appointment as you will receive a lot of information.
- Prenatal visits will be scheduled every 4 weeks until you are 28 weeks pregnant.
- After 28 weeks, we will see you every 2 weeks until you are 36 weeks pregnant.
- After 36 weeks, we will see you every week until you deliver your baby.
Extra Support
First Steps is a community initiative to connect expecting parents to free or low-cost services and resources. You can meet with our First Steps coordinator in the OB-GYN department when you are here for your prenatal visits. We are here to answer your questions, find resources and services, and help you with the First Steps of becoming a parent.
Complex Pregnancies
During your first visit, we will review your health, pre-existing conditions, medical history and family history.
- We pay close attention to complications during past pregnancies, premature labor or delivery, and miscarriages.
- A pregnancy can be complex from the very beginning, or it can become complex.
- If your pregnancy is complex, we may recommend more frequent:
- Office visits
- Ultrasounds
- Fetal monitoring
- Lab tests
Helpful Information
How to help prevent morning sickness (nausea/vomiting)
Special morning sickness (hyperemesis) diet
Medications you can use while pregnant
How to handle common discomforts of pregnancy
Surrogacy
Our obstetricians are dedicated to helping people build families. We are honored to care for surrogates who are carrying a baby for a couple or individual. Find out more about surrogacy and our fertility program. Read a blog from one of our obstetricians that dispels the myths surrounding surrogacy.
Birthing Classes and Resources
The more you know, the more confident and relaxed you will be. That’s why we offer a wide variety of classes to help you prepare for childbirth and for bringing your new baby home.
Labor and Delivery
This is a big day! After being together throughout your pregnancy, our providers will be with you at Mayo Clinic Health System hospital in Mankato to deliver your baby.
- You and your baby will be our entire focus on this day. If you have a birth plan, goals or personal preferences, please let us know. We will follow your preferences to the best of our ability—and that of the hospital. Our ultimate goal is a safe delivery and a happy and healthy mother and baby.
- We know keeping families together during delivery and the first day of life is good for babies and family members. It’s why we provide family-based labor and delivery where mothers, babies and other family members room-in together during the hospital stay to promote bonding.
After the Birth: Postpartum Care
The postpartum period begins after the delivery of your baby. This is a time to pay attention to your body.
- We will see you for your first postpartum checkup 6 weeks after your delivery.
- If you’ve had a C-section or high-risk pregnancy conditions like preeclampsia, we may want to see you sooner.
- This is a time to talk about breastfeeding, baby care, contraception and any challenges you may be experiencing.
- Know that many women (70–80%) struggle with feeling sad the first few weeks after having a baby. If you are struggling, please reach out to us at 507-389-8522 during regular office hours. After hours call 507-625-1811 and ask for the OB-GYN provider on call.
Find a pediatrician
Learn more about our Children’s Health Center and find a pediatrician for the new member of your family.
Find a family medicine doctor
Learn more about Mankato Clinic doctors who can care for your whole family.