The best prenatal care includes regular checkups for the mother, screening for illnesses and educational classes – all services offered at the Ann Schnormeier Center for Birthing Care at Knox Community Hospital.

Dr. Michael Sullivan, an obstetrician with KCH, discussed with the Mount Vernon News how physicians can support a healthy pregnancy for both mother and baby.

For routine pregnancies, Sullivan said the mother should undergo regular checkups throughout the first and second trimesters; then weekly appointments between 35-40 weeks.  

At the Center for Birthing Care, Sullivan said, doctors first screen the patient’s blood for chronic illnesses, addictions or sexually transmitted diseases (STD screening is state-mandated). These conditions can have a negative impact if they are not caught early and managed throughout the pregnancy.

“One of the most important tests, though, would be our diabetes screening that we do at 28 weeks,” Sullivan said.

Additional testing is performed as early as 9 weeks gestation for genetic factors, such as down syndrome or spina bifida, which interferes with the proper formation of the brain and spinal cord. Other genetic abnormalities can be detected as well, such as trisomies, marked by the presence of extra copies of chromosomes. These conditions can cause developmental abnormalities.

Sullivan said most mothers-to-be undergo ultrasound scans at regular intervals, starting during the first two trimesters, to determine due date and assess anatomical development.

“For most women, we get a third ultrasound in the third trimester just to reassess the growth and health of the baby before delivery to help us estimate the weight and make sure there's no problems developing through pregnancy,” the physician said.

A common condition during pregnancy is preeclampsia, which causes high blood pressure, swelling, weight gain, dizziness and other symptoms.

“Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a big issue, and they’re very common in central Ohio,” Sullivan said. 

Since education is a crucial part of prenatal care, the center offers several classes for the expectant mother. All classes are free of charge, and cover Lamaze, lactation, nutrition and what to expect during the birthing process.

During the pandemic, many of the classes were held online, but over the last month, they’re starting to meet in-person again, he said. The education program’s goal is to make sure that during their pregnancies, women have necessary support before and after the birth.

“We have dedicated social workers in the hospital that help patients that are having issues with getting what they need to take care of a baby at home,” Sullivan said. “Each patient is assigned a social worker (if they need help) when they are discharged.”

The Ann Schnormeier Center for Birthing Care is part of the recently constructed Wright Family Medical Pavilion at 1330 Coshocton Ave. in Mount Vernon. The building was funded by the Ariel Foundation and the Wright family, as well as the support of the Knox Hospital Foundation.

The Ann Schnormeier Center for Birthing Care was underwritten by a gift from Ann and Ted Schnormeier. 

“As a foundation board member and a trustee on the hospital Board, Ann tirelessly contributed her time and talents to the project’s success,” according to the KCH website.

Besides obstetricians, the center is staffed with other specialists, including pediatricians, cardiologists and endocrinologists. All are on hand to address potential complications.

“It's a comprehensive family medical care pavilion that is state of the art,” he said. “It's really amazing that a town this size would have such a beautiful facility, so we're really proud of that.” 

To make an appointment with an OBGYN provider, call 740-326-3531.