Pregnancy & Prenatal Care in South Charleston, WV
Pregnancy is one of life’s most exciting journeys — and one that deserves the very best care. At Patel & Patel, M.D., Inc in South Charleston, WV , our experienced team provides exceptional prenatal care for all expectant mothers, including those navigating a high-risk pregnancy.
Board-certified OB/GYN Kiran Patel, MD, board-certified family medicine physician Leela Patel, MD, and their dedicated care team are with you every step of the way — from preconception planning through delivery and postpartum recovery. Call (304) 766-4300 today to get started or schedule a consultation using our online booking tool.
How Do I Prepare for Pregnancy?
A healthy pregnancy begins before conception. The team at Patel & Patel, M.D., Inc provides comprehensive preconception counseling to help you prepare your body for motherhood and maximize your chances of a healthy pregnancy. Our guidance includes:
- Advice on optimizing your chances of conception and the best timing for trying
- Recommendations on prenatal supplements such as folic acid
- Nutrition and weight management counseling
- Guidance on quitting smoking and other unhealthy habits
- Stress management and exercise recommendations
- Noninvasive prenatal genetic testing and carrier screening
- Fertility evaluation if you are having difficulty conceiving
Our goal is to ensure that both you and your body are as prepared as possible before your pregnancy begins.
What Happens Once My Pregnancy Begins?
After confirming your pregnancy, your provider at Patel & Patel, M.D., Inc develops a personalized pregnancy plan that outlines all the routine exams, tests, and evaluations you will need over the coming nine months. You will be seen regularly throughout your pregnancy so your provider can monitor both your health and your baby’s growth at every stage.
For your convenience, Patel & Patel, M.D., Inc offers:
- In-office lab services for all prenatal blood tests — available on-site through our LabCorp partnership
- In-office 3D and 4D ultrasound performed by skilled, experienced ultrasound technicians
- Management of pregnancy risk factors and high-risk conditions
- Guidance on diet, exercise, and managing common pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness, acid reflux, swollen legs, and back pain
- 24/7 after-hours access to the on-call provider for any urgent concerns
What Tests Are Done During Pregnancy?
Prenatal testing at Patel & Patel, M.D., Inc includes both routine screenings performed for all patients and optional tests you may choose based on your individual circumstances and risk factors. Common prenatal tests include:
- Gestational diabetes screening — blood sugar testing to detect gestational diabetes, typically performed between weeks 24 and 28
- Cystic fibrosis screening — carrier screening for both parents
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) screening — tests for neural tube defects and spinal abnormalities
- Noninvasive genetic testing — screens for chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome without risk to the baby
- Amniocentesis — an optional diagnostic procedure available for patients who need more detailed chromosomal evaluation
- 3D and 4D ultrasound — state-of-the-art imaging performed in our South Charleston, WV office that shows your baby in remarkable detail at every stage of development
Our team has extensive experience managing both routine and high-risk pregnancies, so you can feel confident that you and your baby are in expert hands throughout your entire pregnancy journey. To learn more about prenatal care at Patel & Patel, M.D., Inc in South Charleston, WV , call (304) 766-4300 or book an appointment online today.
Frequently Asked Questions – Pregnancy & Prenatal Care in South Charleston, WV
When should I schedule my first prenatal appointment?
You should schedule your first prenatal appointment as soon as you confirm your pregnancy — ideally within the first 8 weeks. Early prenatal care is essential for establishing your pregnancy plan, identifying any risk factors, and ensuring the best possible start for you and your baby. Call (304) 766-4300 to schedule your first visit at Patel & Patel, M.D., Inc in South Charleston, WV .
What prenatal services does Patel & Patel, M.D., Inc offer in South Charleston, WV ?
Patel & Patel, M.D., Inc provides comprehensive prenatal care including preconception counseling, routine and high-risk obstetric care, in-office prenatal blood work, 3D and 4D ultrasound, gestational diabetes screening, cystic fibrosis screening, AFP testing, noninvasive genetic testing, and 24/7 after-hours provider access — all available at our South Charleston, WV office.
Does Patel & Patel, M.D., Inc provide care for high-risk pregnancies?
Yes. Our OB/GYN team has extensive experience managing high-risk pregnancies, including those involving advanced maternal age, multiple pregnancies, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and pre-existing health conditions. Your provider at Patel & Patel, M.D., Inc will monitor you and your baby closely throughout your pregnancy to ensure the safest possible outcome.
What prenatal tests will I need during my pregnancy?
Routine prenatal tests at Patel & Patel, M.D., Inc include gestational diabetes screening, AFP testing, cystic fibrosis screening, routine blood work, and in-office ultrasound. Optional tests such as amniocentesis and noninvasive prenatal genetic testing are also available. Your provider will recommend the appropriate tests based on your age, health history, and individual risk factors.
What is preconception counseling and do I need it?
Preconception counseling is a consultation with your OB/GYN before you begin trying to conceive. It covers optimizing your health for pregnancy, prenatal supplement recommendations such as folic acid, fertility awareness, lifestyle modifications, and genetic carrier screening. Preconception counseling is beneficial for all women planning a pregnancy, especially those with chronic health conditions or a family history of genetic disorders.
Where does Patel & Patel, M.D., Inc deliver babies in South Charleston, WV ?
Dr. Kiran Patel and Dr. Akhil Patel deliver at Thomas Memorial Hospital in South Charleston, WV . The hospital features a newly renovated, family-centered labor and delivery unit with a special care nursery staffed by a neonatologist, a lactation consultant, childbirth and baby care classes, and a complimentary car seat for every new family.
Is after-hours support available during my pregnancy?
Yes. Patel & Patel, M.D., Inc provides 24/7 after-hours access to the on-call provider for any urgent pregnancy concerns. Our answering service connects you with the provider on call so you are never without support during your pregnancy. Call (304) 766-4300 anytime for urgent concerns.