Choosing the doctor who will support you throughout your pregnancy, along with the hospital where you'll give birth, are important decisions. We’re here to make that choice easier by offering advanced maternity care in a comfortable environment that feels like home.
Heartfelt maternity care
The first moments with your baby are some of life's most precious. We're honored to be the place (and the people) you choose to share them with. From prenatal care to delivery and beyond, we are here to ensure you feel confident and cared for at every stage.
Our seasoned team of obstetrics and maternity experts has years of experience bringing babies into the world. In fact, many of our doctors and care team members choose to have their own babies here, too.
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Conditions
We treat a range of conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care, from routine labor and deliveries to more complex conditions. These include:
- Gestational diabetes
- High-risk pregnancy
- Labor and delivery
- Postpartum depression
- Preeclampsia
- Preterm labor
Testing
Pregnancy can be a time filled with questions about what to expect next and how to best care for your growing little one. We provide parents-to-be with a full range of diagnostic tests before and during pregnancy to answer these questions.
Prenatal testing
We will advise you on testing but a typical prenatal timeline may look like this:
- 8–10 weeks: Your first prenatal visit will be complete with an exam, bedside ultrasound, counseling and blood work.
- 11–14 weeks: Your doctor will perform a nuchal translucency ultrasound to measure fluid in the back of the baby's neck for chromosomal abnormalities.
- 11–21 weeks: Your doctor will perform non-invasive prenatal testing for Down syndrome as well as trisomy 18 and trisomy 13. You also have the option to learn your baby's gender at this point in your pregnancy.
- 18–21 weeks: You'll receive a complete anatomy scan, which is an ultrasound scan of the baby's entire anatomy.
- 24–28 weeks: Your doctor will perform a blood test to check blood sugar and complete blood count.
- 28 weeks: During this visit, your doctor will give you the Tdap vaccine. If you're Rh negative (Rh-), you'll also receive a Rhogam injection.
- 36 weeks: You'll receive a vaginal culture to check for group B strep (GBS).
- 37–40 weeks: Your doctor may check your cervix for dilation.
Health screenings + tests for high-risk pregnancies
For women and assigned females at birth (AFABs) with high-risk pregnancies, we work closely with our maternal fetal medicine team to support the health of both the parent (or gestational carrier) and baby during pregnancy, labor and delivery.
Genetic testing + counseling
We offer preconception and prenatal genetic counseling to better provide parents with the information they need to make informed decisions about family planning. A genetic counselor will walk you through your testing options and the pros and cons of each procedure.
Preparing for pregnancy
Because trying to conceive a baby looks different for everyone, we encourage speaking with your gynecologist or primary care doctor when you're ready to start growing your family. Seeking advice early on will help you better prepare for a healthy pregnancy. Tips may range from quitting smoking to maintaining a heart-healthy weight.
It's important to know that if you've been trying to conceive for 6–12 months without success, there may be an underlying cause of infertility. Our specialists offer a full range of fertility testing for all involved partners.
Treatments
We’ll create a maternal health plan that’s uniquely you, from conception to delivery and beyond.
Family planning
Having a child is a big decision that comes with lifelong responsibilities. While that decision is ultimately yours to make, being as informed as possible can help you understand your options.
We encourage you to first meet with our family planning experts to discuss your pregnancy and anything you might need to do to prepare for it, like reaching a healthy weight or quitting smoking.
If you and your partner are among the 1 in 6 people who struggle to conceive naturally, your doctor may refer you to our fertility program, where our skilled doctors and nurses provide the full range of fertility testing and treatment services. Fertility treatment can also fulfill the possibility of parenthood for LGBTQIA+ persons and single parents by choice.
Obstetrics emergency care
You want the best for your baby, and we want the best for both of you. That’s why we recommend speaking with your OBGYN to set up guidelines and protocols for emergencies. This way, you’ll be on the lookout for symptoms that could be warning signs for a more complex condition or require immediate medical attention.
Our OBGYN experts are available around the clock should an emergency arise. We provide emergency care services for people who are currently pregnant or several weeks postpartum, like:
- Access to on-site obstetric specialists whenever you need them
- Coordination and communication of your symptoms and treatments with your primary OBGYN
- Enhanced safety and satisfaction
- Evaluation and management of pregnancy-related concerns and labor, as well as treating postpartum-related issues in the first few weeks after delivery
During visits with our OBGYN emergency care team, we’ll use a medical screening exam and relevant tests — like fetal heart rate monitoring — to see if you should be admitted to the hospital or are safe to return home. You can trust that we’ll provide prompt and thorough treatment for you and your baby.
Labor + delivery
The place where you give birth should feel like home. Our private labor and delivery rooms are designed for your comfort and safety, while supporting your preferences for how you want to welcome your baby into the world. We offer various pain management options, including epidurals, with anesthesia services available 24/7. We also support the choice to experience childbirth without the use of pain-relieving medication.
Labor pain management
Some people compare labor to climbing a mountain: long stretches of pain and strain between brief periods of rest and relief. It’s important to remember that pain is subjective, and the amount of pain people feel during labor varies. That’s why we make getting the relief you need as easy as 1, 2, 3.
Once you decide on a level, you can adjust your pain management throughout your labor. As always, your doctor or registered nurse is there to answer any questions.
Level 1: Comfort measures
We offer these comfort-boosting methods to ease labor pains and help you relax:
- Birthing ball
- Deep breathing
- Massage
- Rocking chair
- Shower or jacuzzi bath
- Walking
- Warm packs
We also offer nitrous oxide to help you stay calm and manage pain. Nitrous oxide is delivered through a face mask. It’s safe, effective and starts working faster than an epidural. Rest assured, inhaling nitrous oxide won’t affect your baby.
Level 2: Analgesics
Analgesics are strong medicines that rapidly reduce pain for a limited time. Your doctor may directly inject analgesics into your muscle or through an IV.
Analgesics often make people feel “fuzzy.” While some people find that these medications help them relax, others prefer to avoid this fuzzy feeling. Analgesics are a good option for people who are unsure about what type of pain relief they need.
Level 3: Epidural anesthesia
With epidural anesthesia, an anesthesiologist inserts a soft, narrow plastic tube called a catheter into an area covering the lower back and spine. Pain medicine continuously passes through this tube to reduce the labor pains for an extended time.
You’ll be fully awake, and your legs may feel warm and tingly. Before you can have an epidural, we’ll need about 45 minutes to run lab tests and ensure that:
- Your platelets aren't low, which would increase the risk of serious bleeding
- You don't have any prior conditions (including anatomical)
4 levels of nursery care
Once you have welcomed your baby into the world, there are 4 levels of nursery care, from the well-baby nursery where your baby will receive essential care after birth, to more specialized care units.
Levels 1 + 2: Available at Lowell, Melrose and Tufts Medical Center
- Well-baby nursery (provides health screenings and other routine care)
- Special care nursery (provides support and oxygen but does not use respirators)
Levels 3 + 4: Available at Tufts Medical Center
- Full NICU (provides respiratory assistance, specialized feeding, and other life-saving interventions)
- A regional center or NICU (provides the most advanced and comprehensive care for the most critically ill or premature babies.
If your baby needs level 3 or 4 care, you will be transferred to Tufts Medical Center.
You and your baby also have access to services provided by:
- Lactation consultants
- Physical therapists
- Respiratory therapists
- Social workers
Breastfeeding support
There are many benefits to breastfeeding — your baby gets high-quality nutrition, and you’re able to bond with your newborn through skin-to-skin contact. Breastfeeding is a learned skill that takes some time to perfect.
New parents may find it helpful to work with a lactation consultant — a health professional specially trained to address all of your breastfeeding questions and concerns.
Helpful resources for new + experienced parents
Whether you’re a first-time parent or adding to your family, there’s always something new to learn about parenthood. That’s why our nurses and support staff work with you and your family to help you pick up new skills and knowledge.
Our credentialed educators cover many important topics, including:
- Baby care basics
- Breastfeeding
- Childbirth education
- CPR and first aid
Even after you take your child home, we’re here for you. A registered nurse is available to provide round-the-clock telephone support every day of the year. You can also have a home visit by a nurse within 48 hours after you leave the hospital. During the visit, the nurse will answer any questions you may have and will make sure that you and the baby are healthy.
Our locations
From regular office visits to inpatient stays, find the healthcare you need and deserve close to home.
Our doctors + care team
Meet the doctors and care team devoted to supporting you every step of the way along your path to better health.
Clinical trials
A Food is Medicine Intervention among Pregnant Women
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GO MOMS
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