Your Complete Guide to Maternal Healthcare at Pinnacle Medical Services
Pregnancy and the postpartum period are transformative times filled with joy, anticipation, and sometimes uncertainty. At Pinnacle Medical Services, we’re dedicated to supporting expectant mothers and new families throughout this important journey with comprehensive, compassionate prenatal and postnatal care.
The Importance of Early Prenatal Care
Beginning prenatal care early in pregnancy significantly improves outcomes for both mother and baby. Ideally, you should schedule your first appointment as soon as you suspect you’re pregnant or receive a positive pregnancy test.
Your First Prenatal Visit
During your initial appointment at our Regent Avenue clinic, we’ll:
- Confirm your pregnancy with examination and testing
- Calculate your estimated due date
- Review your complete medical history
- Discuss your current medications and supplements
- Order initial blood work and screenings
- Provide guidance on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle during pregnancy
- Answer all your questions about what to expect
Comprehensive Prenatal Care Throughout Your Pregnancy
Regular prenatal visits allow us to monitor your health and your baby’s development. The typical schedule includes:
First Trimester (Weeks 1-12):
- Monthly visits
- Initial screening tests
- Ultrasound to confirm pregnancy dates
- Discussion of early pregnancy symptoms and management
Second Trimester (Weeks 13-28):
- Monthly visits (more frequent if needed)
- Anatomy ultrasound around 20 weeks
- Monitoring fetal growth and development
- Screening for gestational diabetes
- Discussion of pregnancy discomforts and solutions
Third Trimester (Weeks 29-40):
- Bi-weekly visits starting at 28 weeks
- Weekly visits starting at 36 weeks
- Monitoring for signs of labor
- Birth plan discussions
- Preparation for delivery and postpartum period
Essential Prenatal Screenings and Tests
Throughout pregnancy, we conduct various tests to ensure everything is progressing normally:
- Blood type and Rh factor determination
- Complete blood count to check for anemia
- Screening for infections that could affect pregnancy
- Glucose testing for gestational diabetes
- Group B streptococcus testing in late pregnancy
- Ultrasound examinations to monitor fetal development
Pregnancy Nutrition and Wellness
Proper nutrition during pregnancy supports your health and your baby’s development. We provide personalized guidance on:
- Prenatal vitamin and folic acid supplementation
- Safe and unsafe foods during pregnancy
- Appropriate weight gain for your situation
- Managing pregnancy-related nausea and food aversions
- Hydration needs
- Safe exercise during pregnancy
Managing Common Pregnancy Concerns
Our experienced physicians help you manage typical pregnancy discomforts:
- Morning sickness and nausea
- Heartburn and indigestion
- Back pain and body aches
- Fatigue and sleep difficulties
- Swelling and varicose veins
- Emotional changes and mood fluctuations
When to Call Your Doctor
Contact Pinnacle Medical Services immediately if you experience:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe headaches that don’t respond to medication
- Vision changes or spots before your eyes
- Decreased fetal movement
- Fever over 101°F
- Sudden swelling of face, hands, or feet
- Severe nausea and vomiting preventing food or fluid intake
Immunizations During Pregnancy
Protecting yourself and your baby through vaccination is crucial. We provide guidance and administration of recommended vaccines including:
- Influenza vaccine (safe at any stage of pregnancy)
- Tdap vaccine (recommended between 27-36 weeks to protect baby from whooping cough)
- COVID-19 vaccine (recommended for pregnant individuals)
Recent provincial programs make these immunizations free and readily available at our clinic.
Preparing for Labor and Delivery
As your due date approaches, we discuss:
- Signs of labor
- When to go to the hospital
- Pain management options
- What to expect during delivery
- Postpartum recovery planning
Comprehensive Postnatal Care
The weeks following childbirth are crucial for your recovery and establishing healthy patterns with your new baby.
Your Postnatal Checkups:
We recommend a checkup within the first week after delivery, with a comprehensive examination at 6 weeks postpartum. These visits include:
- Physical recovery assessment
- Incision or tear healing check
- Emotional wellbeing evaluation
- Breastfeeding support and guidance
- Contraception discussion and family planning
- Postpartum exercise guidance
Supporting Breastfeeding Success
For mothers choosing to breastfeed, we provide:
- Proper latching techniques
- Addressing common challenges like sore nipples or engorgement
- Nutrition guidance for nursing mothers
- Pumping and storage information
- Weaning support when appropriate
Monitoring Postpartum Mental Health
Up to 15% of new mothers experience postpartum depression or anxiety. We take mental health seriously and screen for:
- Baby blues vs. postpartum depression
- Postpartum anxiety
- Adjustment difficulties
- Sleep deprivation effects
If you’re struggling, know that help is available. These conditions are treatable, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Newborn Care Guidance
We also provide support for caring for your new baby:
- Feeding schedules and techniques
- Sleep safety and patterns
- Diaper care and normal elimination patterns
- Bathing and cord care
- When to call the pediatrician
- Immunization schedule planning
Family-Centered Approach
At Pinnacle Medical Services, we recognize that pregnancy and new parenthood affect the entire family. We encourage partners to attend appointments and welcome questions from all family members involved in the new baby’s care.
Planning for Future Pregnancies
Whether you’re planning to expand your family further or want to focus on the baby you have, we provide comprehensive family planning services including:
- Contraception counseling
- Fertility discussions
- Preconception planning for future pregnancies
- Interpregnancy care and optimal spacing guidance
Why Choose Pinnacle Medical Services for Your Maternity Care?
- Continuity of Care – The same physician follows you throughout pregnancy and postpartum
- Comprehensive Services – All your prenatal testing, immunizations, and care under one roof
- Convenient Location – Easy to reach at Unit 11 – 1600 Regent Ave West, Winnipeg
- Patient-Centered Approach – We take time to listen to your concerns and answer all questions
- Coordinated Care – We work seamlessly with hospitals and specialists when needed
Start Your Pregnancy Journey with Confidence
Whether you’re planning a pregnancy or just received that positive test, Pinnacle Medical Services is here to support you every step of the way. Our experienced family physicians provide the compassionate, comprehensive care you need during this special time.
Contact us today at Unit 11 – 1600 Regent Ave West, Winnipeg, MB R2C 3B5 to schedule your prenatal consultation or postnatal checkup. We look forward to being part of your growing family’s healthcare team.
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