Obstetrics

As an expectant mom, you have a lot to consider, and it begins with your pregnancy care. Augusta University Medical Center is the first hospital in Georgia to be designated by the Department of Public Health as a Level III Maternal Care Center providing the highest level of care to pregnant patients. We also have the only academic obstetrics program in Augusta's River Region. We provide,

• Collaborative care: Our board-certified obstetricians' partner with other Augusta University Health specialists across multiple fields of medicine. They meet daily with specialists from anesthesiology, maternal-fetal medicine, nursing, social work, and case management, as well as collaborate with specialists from neonatal and pediatric care at Children's Hospital of Georgia (CHOG).
• High-risk pregnancy care: Hospitals across the area trust us with their most complicated high-risk pregnancy cases. Our maternal-fetal medicine specialists serve moms and babies from 23 counties in Georgia and South Carolina.
• Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs): We are the only health center in the area to offer patients the choice to be seen by practicing midwives that are also licensed healthcare professionals. They assist our obstetricians at our Medical Office Building, Grovetown, and Jefferson County locations, as well as in labor and delivery. Find out more about Nurse-midwifery.
• Breastfeeding and lactation support: Our board-certified lactation consultants are here for all mothers interested in breastfeeding, you can even talk to us before you have your baby.  Learn about breastfeeding and lactation support at AU Health.
• Clinical trials: Because we are a teaching hospital, we continuously strive to find better ways to improve treatment and care for moms and babies. The latest clinical trials are offered to some of our qualifying patients; participation can be discussed between you and your obstetrician.

Urgent care for mothers and babies

You never know what might happen during your pregnancy or while giving birth. Should any complications arise, we have the ability to offer advanced care to you or your baby, if needed.

• Level IV (highest-level) Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): Our NICU is located in the adjoining Children’s Hospital of Georgia (CHOG) for baby(ies) who need intensive care after birth. Parents can rest assured that their child is getting the best care right next door.
• Obstetric Emergency Department (OBED): We are the only dedicated obstetric emergency department that can treat mothers with complications that arise from 16 week of pregnancy through to six weeks after delivery (postpartum). We provide this care 24/7 for the best health outcome possible.

It’s normal to approach pregnancy, childbirth, and the following weeks with a number of questions and expectations. We offer the full range of obstetric care you’ll need - from finding out you’re pregnant through delivering your baby and beyond. Our obstetricians understand your concerns and wishes and are here to guide you through the process. We provide:

Prenatal Care

During the course of your pregnancy, you’ll receive ongoing prenatal care, which includes checkups and tests. It’s important for your health, and that of your baby, to stay on top of your prenatal care and follow the care plan your obstetrician has designed for you. We offer:

• Checkups: These typically occur once a month through 28 weeks of pregnancy, twice a month for weeks 28 through 35, and weekly from week 36 through delivery. During these visits, your obstetrician will examine you, check your blood pressure and weight and your baby’s heart rate and growth, and perform necessary laboratory tests. Find out how to get to the Medical Office Building for your appointments.
• Prenatal testing: Your obstetrician will check your blood type, Rh factor, and look for anemia, infections, and signs that you’re immune to certain diseases. They will also offer additional tests, such as screenings for diabetes during pregnancy, Down syndrome, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). 

Labor and Delivery

We realize that you may have concerns and preferences about labor and delivery. We strive to make childbirth as safe, comfortable, and memorable for you as possible while taking into consideration your wishes. We offer many birthing options, including:

• Vaginal delivery, which may involve certain instruments, such as forceps or a suction to guide your baby through the birth canal.
• Cesarean section, also called C-section, when vaginal delivery isn’t possible — for example, if your baby isn’t positioned with their head down, is too large to move through the pelvis, or is in distress.
• Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), is offered to women based on certain factors, such as the condition of the scar on their uterus from previous cesarean sections.
• Pain management, our obstetric anesthesiologist and anesthesiology team can provide pain medication or anesthesia, if you wish, to help you be as comfortable as possible during childbirth.

• Learn more about Labor and Delivery at Augusta University Medical Center (AUMC).

Postpartum Care

The postpartum period begins immediately following childbirth and lasts six weeks. During this time, a woman’s body readjusts to its nonpregnant state while she adjusts to her new role of caring for a newborn baby. We offer:

• Mother Baby Couplet Care: During your hospital stay to encourage you to spend as much time with your baby as possible so you can learn their feeding and sleeping habits and bond
• Follow-up checkups: Typically we see you within 6 weeks of giving birth and again within 6 months for a pelvic exam. We also give postpartum depression screening and treatment, and discuss birth control options.
• Obstetric emergency care: Is available to patients for any complications that arise within 6 weeks after delivery.

Questions? Email us perinatal@augusta.edu

Most pregnancies are low-risk, meaning both mom and baby are healthy and neither is experiencing any known health conditions that could complicate the pregnancy. High-risk pregnancy, on the other hand, occurs when mom, baby, or both, are experiencing a health condition that could complicate the pregnancy or delivery, leading to problems.

If you’re experiencing a high-risk pregnancy, your obstetrician will refer you to a Maternal-fetal Medicine specialist for additional care. Your obstetrician will partner with a MFM specialist to closely monitor your health, and that of your baby, through the remainder of your pregnancy.

When you’re navigating major life changes, such as having a baby, you deserve all the support you can get. We offer:

• Classes: Register today:
  • Labor and delivery Q&A
  • Breastfeeding and infant CPR
  • Car seat safety (through Safe Kids Greater Augusta)
  • Safe Sleep Class Cribs for Kids 
• Nutrition counseling: Our certified dietitians are available to help patients prevent and treat certain conditions, such as gestational diabetes and hyperemesis gravidarum.
• Breastfeeding support groups: We are here for those who are navigating motherhood and breastfeeding. If you have questions about breastfeeding you can email our lactation services team at lactation@augusta.edu.
• Free access to educational resources: Videos through HealthClips
• Prenatal patient education: Our prenatal packet helps you understand what to expect from your first prenatal visit, through pregnancy, to bringing your baby home. Download packet in English or Spanish.