Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology

Obstetricians

Obstetricians are doctors who specialize in the health care needs of women. Our obstetricians will guide and manage your normal or high-risk pregnancy, as well as support your ongoing and changing needs. At Carle Foundation Hospital, an obstetrician is in the hospital 24 hours a day, adding a level of safety and security during labor and delivery.

Our obstetricians offer a comprehensive array of obstetrical, gynecological and surgical services to meet your every need. This includes: breast and pelvic exams, Pap smears, fetal monitoring, premature labor therapy, ultrasound evaluations, biophysical profiles, nonstress testing, treatment for diabetes and other medical conditions during pregnancy, amniocentesis and genetic counseling. The department provides full surgical expertise including laser and microsurgery and gynecologic oncology. PMS counseling and therapy are also offered, as is AIDS testing and counseling. For couples who are experiencing difficulty conceiving, Carle offers state-of-the-art fertility treatment and assisted reproduction.

Perinatologist (Maternal-Fetal Medicine)

A perinatologist, or maternal-fetal medicine subspecialist, is an obstetrician who has received specialized training in the care of women with high-risk pregnancies. The perinatologist also diagnoses and treats the fetus with birth defects. Maternal-fetal medicine offers a variety of services including comprehensive targeted ultrasound evaluation, fetal echocardiography, genetic counseling, chromosomal analysis, amniocentesis, analysis of pregnancy loss, and prenatal/prepregnancy counseling for medical, hereditary and genetic disorders. Carle’s preinatologist works closely with obstetricians, family practitioners and certified nurse-midwives to treat those women needing special care and medical attention. Appointments must be made by your doctor or nurse-midwife.

Certified Nurse-Midwives

Carle’s certified nurse-midwives offer a safe, satisfying family-centered childbirth alternative based on a philosophy of total physical andmental wellness in which birth is a natural event. For women with low-risk pregnancies, nurse-midwifery provides sensitive, personal care in a hospital setting by highly-skilled healthcare professionals with degrees in nursing and nurse-midwifery. Carle’s nurse-midwives guide you through pregnancy, work with you through labor and childbirth and care for you after delivery. Nurse-midwives also provide women’s healthcare education and preventive health care. They are supported by our obstetricians and perinatologist. Carle’s midwifery service is available in Urbana 24 hours a day. We also provide appointments at the Carle Clinic – Tuscola branch.