OBSTETRICS
Our highest priority is the health, safety, and comfort of you and your baby.
You can expect to see Dr. Sullivan throughout your entire pregnancy. You will not be faced with the uncertainty of seeing multiple doctors and you can enjoy the comfort of knowing that the same friendly faces will be with you every step of the way. Although deliveries can be unpredictable, Dr. Sullivan does his best to be with you at the time of birth. In preparation for your delivery, we will help you to create a Birth Plan including:
Which friends and family will be with you at the delivery
When you deliver: Scheduled C-Section or Induction
What type of Delivery: Vaginal, C-Section, VBAC
How we will manage pain: Epidural, Spinal, Natural
“I absolutely love doctor Sullivan!!! He is an amazing doctor with a heart like no other!!! If it wasn’t for him and the man upstairs having faith and believing with us we wouldn’t have our sweet little miracle!...”
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Vaginal & Cesarean Deliveries
Although Cesarean (C-section) deliveries are considered quite safe, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends a vaginal delivery for most women unless there’s a medical reason for a C-section. For example: your baby is relatively large or in breech (bottom-first) position. In either vaginal or C-section, Dr. Sullivan has abundant experience and up-to-the-minute knowledge, you can be sure he will deliver your baby with exceptional calm and skill.
Genetic Screening
Based on the genetic backgrounds and family medical histories of you and the father, we recommend fetal genetic tests for certain inherited conditions. Using the most accurate tests available, we can help you prepare for any special medical needs your baby may have.
High Risk Pregnancies
Dr. Sullivan is experience and well-trained in caring for higher-risk pregnancies and conditions including:
Recurrent Miscarriages
Pregnancy after age 35
Preterm (premature) labor
Chronic diabetes (present prior to pregnancy)
Gestational diabetes (onset during pregnancy)
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Cervical insufficiency (also called “incompetent cervix”)
Multiple pregnancies (twins or more)
Pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy)
Anti-Phospholipid Antibody Syndrome (when the immune system attacks normal blood proteins, increasing the risk of blood clots and pregnancy complications)
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Section (VBAC)
OFFICE VISITS
Along with a spacious “kid-friendly” waiting area and a second more private OB waiting room, adjacent parking, and a welcomingenvironment, we also offer two ultrasound rooms, an on-site lab, and the latest in equipment and technology including: in-office 3D (three-dimensional) and 4D (motion effect) ultrasound images to check the development of your baby and the latest, most accurate tests available to ensure the health and safety of you and your baby.
At your Initial Office visit in Statesboro, we will do a test to confirm your pregnancy, review your medical/obstetrical history and previous providers, answer your questions, and get you started on a prenatal vitamin. We will also draw blood to test your blood type and screen for any health conditions that might require special attention during your pregnancy.
The Next Step is to schedule the first ultrasound to confirm your due date. You will Meet with the nurse to review nutrition, your blood generation's history, and your options for labor and delivery. You will have a complete physical examination, including a pap smear. We are the best Statesboro women's health specialists. Call us for more information.
Subsequent Office Visits will be scheduled:
Every 4 weeks until you are 26 to 28 weeks pregnant.
Every 2 weeks until you are 35 to 36 weeks pregnant.
Weekly after you are 35 to 36 weeks pregnant until delivery.
Certain conditions require more frequent office visits, such as: diabetes or high blood pressure, if you’re 35 or older, if the baby is not growing as expected, history of pre-term delivery, etc…
3D (3 dimensional) & 4D (motion effect) Ultrasound Schedule
First Office Visit Following a positive pregnancy test: Pelvic ultrasound to determine likely due date
Second Office Visit If less than 12 weeks gestation: Ultrasound to determine the fetal heart rate
Between 18 and 20 weeks. Anatomy ultrasound to check baby’s internal organs and health - At this time, we can usually determine the sex of your baby
Between 24 and 26 weeks. 4-D ultrasound is offered free of charge. If we couldn’t tell the baby’s sex at the previous office visit, the 4-D ultrasound should make it clear - GTT (blood sugar) test as well
Between 36 and 37 weeks. Fetal weight ultrasound to check the approximate size of your baby
Testing during Pregnancy
Between 15 and 20 weeks: The Quad Screen or AFP4 Test. This is an optional test that screens for birth defects.
Between 18 and 20 weeks: Anatomy ultrasound to assess your baby’s growth and organ development. You may also to find out the sex of the baby, depending on its position.
Between 24 and 28 weeks: GTT, or diabetes screening, test. Scheduled in the morning, so you don’t eat or drink after midnight the night before. It takes about one hour.
At the GTT appointment, you will receive a complimentary 4D ultrasound. The quality of this view will depend on the position of the baby.
Between 34-36 weeks: The G-BS (group B Strep) screening. A simple vaginal culture used to test for a common bacteria which may require treatment during labor. Possibly another ultrasound to estimate and assess fetal weight and position.
Statesboro Women's Health Specialists
Becoming a parent starts long before your baby is born. Dr. Gary Sullivan ensures that your entire journey to parenthood is supported by connected care and coverage. We coordinate your care before, during, and after your pregnancy to make it easier for you and your baby to stay healthy.
Why is obstetrics care so important?
Obstetrics care or Prenatal is a critical part of a healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby. We will be able to monitor the pregnancy's progress and ensure your baby is developing healthily. Obstetrics screenings also focus on your health, checking for gestational diabetes, and any other potential complications.
What if I have a high-risk pregnancy?
It’s important to understand that having a high-risk pregnancy means you will probably need a bit more monitoring and you may need to take additional precautions during your pregnancy.
Many things can cause your pregnancy to be designated as high risk. For example, mothers over the age of 35, autoimmune disease or diabetes, having twins or other multiples, or even a history of miscarriage can lead to a high-risk pregnancy. Dr. Gary Sullivan has extensive experience managing high-risk pregnancies, understands the stress a high-risk pregnancy brings, and works with you to make this journey as beautiful as you expected.
What can I do to have a healthy pregnancy?
The most important thing you can do to ensure a healthy pregnancy and prepare for a new addition to your family is to follow the obstetrics appointments requested by Dr. Gary Sullivan and his team. They will give you advice and tips based on the progress of your pregnancy, such as diet, prenatal vitamins, etc.
"I absolutely love doctor Sullivan!!! He is an amazing doctor with a heart like no other!!! If it wasn't for him and the man upstairs having faith and believing with us we wouldn't have our sweet, sassy, and all around full of life little miracle! Aubrey's birthday is coming up and how could we have ever known Gods plans?!?! She shares her birthday with someone so dear and special to us! We could never repay you for everything!! I hope you will be in office on your birthday because me and Aubrey will have something for you!!"
- Tamara G.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
