Obstetrics - Maternity and Pregnancy

At Ochsner LSU Health, there are several clinics available for prenatal care. With options in Shreveport and Monroe, our women's services teams are here to take care of you and your baby throughout your pregnancy. Many of our clinics offer extended hours or same or next-day appointments for women who need quick care.

During the first prenatal visit, you can expect your doctor to:

• Ask about your health history including diseases, operations, or prior pregnancies
• Ask about your family's health history
• Do a complete physical exam, including a pelvic exam and PAP smear
• Take your blood and urine for lab work
• Check your blood pressure, height, and weight
• Calculate your due date
• Answer your questions

At the first visit, you should ask questions and discuss any issues related to your pregnancy.

Later prenatal visits will probably be shorter. Your doctor will check on your health and make sure the baby is growing as expected. Most prenatal visits will include:

• Checking your blood pressure
• Measuring your weight gain
• Measuring your abdomen to check your baby's growth (once you begin to show)
• Checking the baby's heart rate

While you're pregnant, you also will have some routine tests. Some tests are suggested for all women, such as blood work to check for anemia, your blood type, HIV, and other factors. Other tests might be offered based on your age, personal or family health history, your ethnic background, or the results of routine tests you have had.

Our maternal fetal medicine doctors specialize in high-risk pregnancies and prenatal diagnoses, including first-trimester screenings. Our nurses are committed to the health, safety and comfort of you and your baby before, during and after delivery. Our team delivers around 2,000 babies every year, and with the only exclusive women’s and children’s hospital in the area, we have the knowledge, experience and dedication to provide unrivaled care for you and your baby. With our in-house board-certified anesthesiologists available 24 hours a day and our board-certified OBGYNs, you can take comfort in knowing that our team is here no matter what time of day you need us.

Our childbirth centers offer the ideal setting for your baby's birth. Our large, private labor and delivery rooms allow for moms and their babies to recover in a comfortable, quiet space. The Women's and Children's Center at our St. Mary Medical Center's campus offers newly remodeled labor and delivery rooms, private suites, up-to-date finishes with dedicated storage for personal belongings. Each room includes a 32" LCD television, as well as a sofa bed for your visitor.

Private tours of our Women and Children's center in Shreveport for expecting families can be scheduled by calling. Call 318-626-1521 now to schedule a tour.

Our St. Mary Medical Center and Monroe Medical Center, are both renowned for their exceptional birthing facilities. St. Mary Medical Center has achieved the Louisiana Birth Ready+ designation, and Monroe Medical Center has achieved the Louisiana Birth Ready designation. These designations recognize consistent, thoughtful healthcare improvement work focused on safety, equity, and promoting dignified birth experiences.

Our St. Mary Medical Center also earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care (ACPC) by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.

Ochsner LSU Health is dedicated to improving perinatal and neonatal outcomes across our region.

Prenatal Childbirth Education Classes

Our childbirth preparation classes guide the expectant mother and support person through their birth experience. From prenatal hospital tours to childbirth and breastfeeding classes, our certified instructors help build confidence and knowledge through education and hands-on training. Whether you are expecting your first child or busy raising your family, our prenatal and parenting classes will help you prepare for each stage of parenting. Learn more about these classes.

Topics include:

• Birth Boot Camp: Preparing Your Body for Baby - 2nd Thursday of the month
• Baby Safety - 2nd Tuesday of the month
• Feeding Your Baby - 1st Thursday of the month
• Infant/ Child CPR - 3rd Thursday of the month
• Prepared Childbirth - 1st Monday of the month