Ensuring good health before planning your pregnancy and after giving birth is just as crucial as maintaining it during your pregnancy. In this recent article in Community Impact, Julia M. Voelkl, MD, MPH, Obstetrics/Gynecology at ARC South Ob/Gyn in Austin, discusses the importance of prenatal and postpartum care.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to take care of patients in all phases of their lives, including primary care, pregnancy, menopause transition, and beyond. I believe the foundation of a great patient-physician relationship is patient education and shared decision-making," Dr. Voelkl said.
Schedule a pre-pregnancy exam
A pre-pregnancy exam is a way for the doctor to get to know the patient and determine if there is anything they need to pay attention to in preparation for the pregnancy.
Postpartum
Once a patient is in the postpartum phase after giving birth, they might experience other unfamiliar symptoms.
The "baby blues" can sometimes occur only for a few hours each day and often disappear within 14 days after delivery. Postpartum depression, on the other hand, can occur within four weeks to several months after childbirth and can last up to a year. More about baby blues and postpartum depression.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists now recommends that all women have contact with their healthcare provider within three weeks of giving birth and continue to seek ongoing medical care, as needed, during the postpartum period.
More about ARC Ob/Gyn
ARC Ob/Gyn doctors and APCs focus on women's health issues, including pregnancy, fertility, birth control, mammograms, menopause, STD testing, ultrasounds, and more.
ARC Ob/Gyn physicians and APCs are here to help you on your pregnancy journey. ARC has many resources to help new moms. Learn more about preparing for pregnancy at ARC.
Make an appointment today
"I have always been interested in reproductive health since shadowing a local Ob/Gyn in high school. Although I enjoyed other specialties in medical school, nothing compared to the diversity of obstetrics and gynecology," said Dr. Voelkl.
Let Dr. Voelkl help guide you through your pregnancy. She is accepting new patients of all ages. Call to make an appointment at ARC South Ob/Gyn in Austin at 512-383-9752 or do so online through MyChart or ARC Help Me Book.