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gynecology

Obstetrics in Covington, LA
Dr. Stefanie A. Schultis

Dr. Stefanie A. Schultis considers it a privilege to help women as they both plan for starting a family and navigate the changes that await during pregnancy, delivery and the post-partum period.

  • Family Planning and Pre Pregnancy Visits

  • Preconception Counseling

  • Prenatal care and testing​

  • Fetal monitoring​

  • High risk pregnancies including blood disorders, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes

  • Labor and delivery care

  • Postpartum care

Guidelines for a Healthy Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a very exciting time.  While mothers-to-be are busy shopping for supplies and getting the nursery ready, it is important for the patient to remember to take care of herself and her unborn baby.

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  • Seek prenatal care

  • Take prenatal vitamins

  • Eat a well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole-grain breads and low-fat dairy products

  • Avoid eating raw foods, unpasteurized cheeses and fish containing mercury

  • Drink plenty of water (helps curb constipation)

  • Limit caffeine consumption

  • Get moderate exercise such as walking and swimming

  • Get enough sleep

  • Avoid alcohol, recreational drugs and smoking

  • Check with your physician regarding over the counter and prescription medications to be sure they are safe to take during pregnancy

  • Avoid changing the litter box (toxoplasmosis is harmful to a developing baby)

  • Avoid direct contact with herbicides, pesticides, paint and cleaning solutions as they may have chemical compounds which may be harmful

Eating for Two!

A pregnant woman needs more protein, iron, calcium and folic acid than non-pregnant women. You also need more calories.

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But, "eating for two" doesn't mean eating twice as much.  Rather, it means that the foods you are eating are the main source of nutrients for your baby.

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Sensible, balanced meals combined with regular physical fitness is still the best recipe for good health during your pregnancy.

Indulge Yourself!

You may think you're busy now, but once the baby comes you'll have even fewer precious moments to yourself. Treating yourself to a lunchtime manicure, spending a much-needed night out with the girls, or simply taking a quiet walk can help you relax and de-stress -- and that's good for both you and the baby.

Trimesters

A normal, full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks, and can range from 37-42 weeks. It’s divided into three trimesters.

 

Each trimester lasts between 12 and 14 weeks, or about three months. Each trimester comes with its own specific hormonal and physiological changes.  Being aware of the ways that your growing baby is affecting your body will help you to better prepare yourself for these changes as they happen. It’s also helpful to be aware of the specific risk factors (and associated medical tests) for each of the three trimesters.

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First Trimester Months 1-3

Starts with the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP) and ends with the last day of the 13th week thereafter. During your last period (which will be your last for a while), your uterus is preparing for ovulation and your body is gearing up for pregnancy, so technically, you can start counting from this point.

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In the first few weeks following conception, your hormone levels change significantly. Your uterus begins to support the growth of the placenta and the fetus, your body adds to its blood supply to carry oxygen and nutrients to the developing baby, and your heart rate increases. These changes accompany many of the pregnancy symptoms, such as fatigue, morning sickness, headaches, and constipation.

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Second Trimester Months 4-7

Starts at the beginning of the 14th week after your LMP and lasts through the 27th week of pregnancy.

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The second trimester (weeks 13-27) is the most comfortable period of time for the majority of pregnant women. Most of the early pregnancy symptoms will gradually disappear. You will likely feel a surge in energy levels during the daytime and be able to enjoy a   more restful night's sleep. Your abdomen will start to look pregnant, as the uterus will grow rapidly in size. It's a good time to invest in maternity wear, avoid restrictive clothing, and spread the good news of your pregnancy to your friends and family.

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Third Trimester Months 7-9

Starts at the beginning of the 28th week after your LMP and ends with labor.

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The third trimester lasts from the 28th week through to the birth of your baby. During the third trimester, you’ll start seeing your doctor more frequently. Your doctor will regularly:

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  • test your urine for protein

  • check your blood pressure

  • listen to the fetal heart rate

  • measure your fundal height (the approximate length of your uterus)

  • check your hands and legs for any swelling

 

Dr. Stefanie Schultis will also determine the baby's position and check your cervix in order to monitor how your body is preparing for childbirth.

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The third trimester is a good time to educate yourself about labor and delivery. Take time out to enroll in a childbirth class. Childbirth classes are designed to prepare you and your partner for labor and delivery. It's a great way to learn about the different stages of labor and delivery options, and gives you the opportunity to ask any questions or voice any concerns to a trained childbirth instructor.

Pregnancy Resources

Dr. Schultis' patients come from Mandeville, Covington, Madisonville, Hammond, Folsom, Slidell and New Orleans. She is affiliated with both St. Tammany Parish Hospital and Lakeview Regional Medical Center.  These hospitals have a wide variety of services to help you during your pregnancy. We urge you to take advantage of these services.

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St. Tammany Parish Hospital - Pregnancy, Labor & Delivery

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Lakeview Regional Medical Center - Pregnancy, Labor & Delivery

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