Obstetrical Care FAQ
Thanks for checking our website! Here are some answers to our most common Frequently Asked Questions about Yearly Appointments and GYN Care.
If you have a question that is not addressed here, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you!
When can I pre-register for delivering my baby?
Pre-registration may be done beginning at 36 weeks.
Please go to the Pre-admission testing offices on the 3rd floor of the main RMC hospital (the main floor), and ask to pre-register for maternity, and they will collect your information.
Can I record my ultrasound?
You can purchase a DVD for $5.00 when you come for your ultrasound appointment and we will record on this DVD.
If you would like to provide your own DVD, it must be +RW type of disk.
I thought that my big ultrasound is to just find out the sex of my baby? What else do you look for?
Your “big” ultrasound is a ‘Level 2’ ultrasound, performed at 18-22 weeks gestation, and is called a “complete” ultrasound, because we evaluate the growth of your baby and survey all of the fetal anatomy to rule out any abnormalities.
Can I have an ultrasound early to find out the sex of the baby?
Yes, but this is usually a ‘courtesy’ ultrasound, which is elective. While the Level 2 ultrasound is covered by insurance, the cost of this ultrasound is $60.00. A DVD is provided, and can be used again at your Level 2 ultrasound.
How many sonograms do I get to have with my pregnancy?
We do a minimum of two sonograms
Your first one will be at your initial obtsetric appointment, and it will usually be a Transvaginal (TVS) sonogram. This helps us determine your dates of gestation.
The second will be at 18-22 weeks, and is called the Level 2 sonogram. This is when you will find out the sex of your baby and we ensure your baby’s growth and development is on track.
Additional sonograms may be necessary, as determined by Dr. Richmond. Please inquire with our billing department if you have questions of insurance coverage for additional sonograms.
Can I take over the counter prenatal vitamins?
Yes, but they are NOT as good as prescription vitamins, due to the higher iron content, which is needed to prevent anemia.
How often will I have appointments when I am pregnant?
We see you once every 4 weeks until week 20 of your pregnancy, then every 3 weeks until week 30.
We will see you every 2 weeks until week 35, and then we will see you weekly until delivery.
I am experiencing cramping and/or bleeding and I am in my first trimester of pregnancy. What do I do?
While some of this may be a part of your normal pregnancy experience, please call and ask to speak with one of our nurses. They will help you determine if you need an appointment with Dr. Richmond or not.
How quickly can I be seen for a new pregnancy?
In most cases, Dr. Richmond will see you between 6 and 8 weeks, based on your last cycle.
Please be prepared with your correct cycle dates when you call. Earlier than 6 weeks, we can run an HCG lab work panel, to ensure your hormone levels are correct. If you come in to see the doctor before you are greater than 6 weeks, we will not be able to tell much on your first sonogram.
I just took a positive home pregnancy test. What do I need to do now?
Congrats! Please call our office, and we will set you up an initial pregnancy visit, called a New OB appointment, with Dr. Richmond.
Make sure that you are prepared to give us the first day of your last cycle, so that we can best determine when to make this appointment.