Obstetrics

Our Obstetrics Team

Our office has a wide variety of OB specialists including a physician, nurse midwife, and 2 nurse practitioners. Dr Simon is a specialist in obstetrics, including high risk pregnancies. Dr Simon has attended over 5,000 deliveries. As a nurse midwife, Ana Amato, CNM, NP has also delivered babies. Although she no longer does deliveries, she enjoys providing care to women throughout their pregnancy.

Preconception Care

You should schedule your first prenatal visit as early in the pregnancy as possible. During this visit a thorough medical history will be taken as well as a family history and past pregnancy history. Problems will be identified and a plan will be formulated. A thorough medical examination will be performed including a breast exam, pap smear, chlamydia screen, cervical culture and prenatal labs, including complete blood count, rubella titer, HIV screen (optional), VDRL, Hepatitis screen, and urinalysis. During the visit you will be informed about prenatal classes, ultrasounds, and plans for delivery.

Later in the pregnancy a full series of prenatal classes for first time parents, as well as a shorter, refresher series, are offered through the hospital.

Your nutrition during pregnancy is an important factor in assuring a healthy infant. We encourage a healthy well balanced diet including lots of fruit and vegetables.

For the first 30 weeks of your pregnancy (pregnancy lasts 40 weeks), you will be scheduled for a visit every four weeks. At 30 weeks you will begin scheduling your appointments every two weeks, and at 36 weeks you will be seen every week until you deliver. Of course this is very individualized. If you need to see us more, we are here for you.

At your regular prenatal visits we will weigh you, check your blood pressure, measure uterine size and listen for the baby's heart sounds. We will also check for swelling or any other problems that might be arising. You are encouraged to let us know of any bleeding, fluid leakage, pelvic pressure, cramps, headaches, visual changes, nausea, swelling, painful urination or constipation. These visits are our opportunity to get to know you. Please do not hesitate to discuss any questions or problems including adjusting to pregnancy, job adjustments, etc. We are here to help you with pregnancy, labor, and your new baby as comfortably as possible.

NT Testing (Nuchal Translucency)

This test combines ultrasound measurement of nuchal translucency (fluid under the skin at the back of the baby's neck) with two proteins (free beta HCG and PAPPA) from the maternal blood. Together with the maternal age to calculate an overall risk for fetal Down syndrome as well as Trisomy 18. Increased NT can also help to identify fetuses that may have certain types of birth defects, such as heart defects. This test is offered to our pregnant patients between 11-14 weeks pregnant. The detection rate is 85%-90%, false positive rate 5-7% for Fetal Down Syndrome.

Ultrasound in Pregnancy

Generally, at 18 and 30 weeks gestation, ultrasounds are performed. We have found that an 18-week ultra-sound is very reassuring to us and you. This ultrasound demonstrates anatomy, placental placement, fluid and fetal movement. Many problems can be identified during this ultrasound. At the 18-week scan, gender can be determined, if this is your desire. A 30-week ultrasound demonstrates fetal growth, placental aging and fluid accumulation. If you have questions or reservations about ultrasounds, please feel free to discuss them with us.

Remember bring a CD-R for still photos of your ultrasound for a keepsake that you can share with your family and friends.

All necessary lab work will be discussed with you during the appropriate time frame in your pregnancy. The lab work includes blood sugar testing, triple screen for Down's Syndrome, spinal cord defect and Trisomy 18. All options will be discussed with you.

Classes

All prenatal, parenting, breastfeeding, pregnancy exercises and pregnancy yoga are offered through the Scottsdale Healthcare System. Information can be obtained by calling 480-882-4636.

Labor and Delivery

The majority of our patients deliver at Scottsdale Health Care Shea. They offer excellent obstetrical care in a quiet and relaxing environment. The staff fully supports natural delivery and encourages bonding after the baby is born. The rooms are all private and state of the art. We find their nursing staff courteous, friendly and eager to assist patients with breast-feeding and newborn care. We have had nothing but positive reactions to this hospital and feel that you will be pleased with the care provided.

Dr. Simon does most of her own obstetrical deliveries. In the event of Dr. Simon's absence, the other doctors will be available. The covering doctors' philosophy and medical practices are similar to Dr. Simon's and patients are always quite satisfied with their care.

© 2007 - 2009 Armity A. Simon, M.D. Obstetrics and Gynecology

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