“Whether you’re expecting or thinking about starting a family, one of the many choices you will make is choosing a doctor who will guide you through pregnancy and birth. At Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, our obstetricians (also known as OB/GYNs or doctors of Obstetrics and Gynecology) are highly trained and committed to guiding you through a satisfying birthing experience. We know you have a choice, and we would be proud if you selected one of our doctors to share this very personal and exciting time in your life. To assist you in making that decision, we’ve included some guidelines for choosing an obstetrician. We’ve also included some helpful tips for starting a family.”
Frances Smith, M.D. Chief, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Choosing an OB
Selecting an obstetrician (OB) is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for you and your baby. The relationship should be comfortable and trusting. You may want to start by determining which qualities in an obstetrician are important to you. You’ll also want to find out about your obstetrician’s qualifications and background:
- Where did your OB attend medical school and complete his/her residency?
- How long has your OB been in practice?
- What languages does your OB speak?
- Is your OB certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology?
You’ll find the answers to all of these questions in the “Meet our OB/GYN Specialists” area of our OB/GYN site.
Choosing a Hospital
When you select an obstetrician, you also need to select a hospital, so it’s important to know where your obstetrician is on staff.
Kelsey-Seybold’s obstetricians are affiliated with The Woman’s Hospital of Texas near the Texas Medical Center, St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital and other quality hospitals throughout the greater Houston area. Our pediatricians and our Pediatric hospitalists (doctors who care for infants in the hospital) are affiliated with the same hospitals. Should your newborn require special care, our pediatricians also admit to Texas Children’s Hospital in the Texas Medical Center.
Your Kid’s Doctors for Life
Our multispecialty group practice means there is a specialist to care for you and your family at every stage of life. Our pediatricians offer a free, “get acquainted” visit, so you can feel comfortable with your baby’s doctor before you deliver. Kelsey-Seybold has specialists and sub-specialists in Adolescent Medicine, Allergy, Dermatology, ENT, Pediatric Ophthalmology, Pediatric Orthopedics, Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Pediatrics, Radiology, and more than 50 medical disciplines.
Tips for Starting a Family
Just as you would plan any important event in your life, you need to take special steps to plan for your pregnancy. Here are some guidelines:
Get a physical – A woman preparing for pregnancy should visit her doctor for a physical exam to establish whether she has any chronic medical conditions, including hypertension, diabetes or hypothyroidism.
Take your vitamins – A mom-to-be should begin taking prenatal vitamins before pregnancy. This includes at least 40crograms of folic acid a day. Folic acid helps to decrease the chance of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.
Update your immunizations – Women planning a pregnancy should make sure they are current on their measles/mumps/rubella and varicella (chickenpox) vaccines, and discuss hepatitis A and B immunizations with their doctors. An influenza shot is needed during flu season and a tetanus-diphtheria booster is required every 10 years.
Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly – Maintaining a well-balanced and healthy diet and daily exercise are vital to being a healthy mom, which helps produce a healthy baby.
Call 713-442-BABY – For more information, call 713-442-BABY (2229). For assistance in finding a Kelsey-Seybold obstetrician, call our Customer Contact Center, available 24/7, at 713-442-0000.
With a proud tradition of caring for Houston’s families since 1949, we are Your Doctors for Life.