Cass Regional Medical Center | Wellness Matters | Spring 2021

10 cassregional.org | 816-380-3474 Cass Regional welcomes newobstetrician Cass Regional Medical Center is pleased to welcome RebeccaWard, DO, to its medical staff. Dr. Ward is a board-eligible obstetrician-gynecologist withMidwest Women’s Healthcare Specialists in Kansas City, Missouri. She received her medical degree from Kansas City University. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. Dr. Ward provides care for women of all ages, including well-woman exams, prenatal and pregnancy care, and management of menopause. Dr. Ward is trained in robotics, and excels at both minimally invasive and other gynecologic procedures. She is able to provide prenatal care for women at her office in Harrisonville, and will deliver babies at Research Medical Center in Kansas City. PRENATAL CARE Good for mom, good for baby It doesn’t matter whether this is your first pregnancy or one of many. As soon as you know you’re expecting, or think youmight be, it’s time to see your doctor for prenatal care. These pregnancy checkups are one of the best ways for a doctor to help keep you and your baby healthy. Consistent care gives your doctor the chance to keep a close watch on the two of you—and to spot any problems early, when they’re often easier to treat. Babies of moms who don’t get prenatal care aremore likely to have a low birth weight and face potentially serious medical problems. Everyvisit counts It’s important to showup for every visit your doctor advises, even if you feel fine. Typically, routine checkups occur: • Once a month for weeks four through 28. • Twice a month for weeks 28 through 36. • Weekly for weeks 36 to birth. At most visits, your doctor will check your blood pressure and weight, check your baby’s heart rate, andmeasure your abdomen to check on your baby’s growth. You’ll also have other routine tests throughout your pregnancy, including ones that look for anemia and harmful infections or thatmeasure your risk of developing a kind of diabetes somewomen get when they’re expecting. These visits are also your chance to talk to your doctor about what precautions to take to give your baby the healthiest possible start in life. Sources: March of Dimes; Office on Women’s Health ➤ Your partner in health. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ward, please call 816-444-6888 .