Obstetrics

Welcome! We are delighted that you have chosen Paradise Valley Women’s Care & Aesthetics for your obstetric care. We are here to help you in every way to experience a healthy and joyful pregnancy.

Due Date: Your due date or EDC (expected date of confinement) will be determined at your first visit. It is initially based on the first date of your last menstrual period, and will be confirmed or adjusted by ultrasound examination. Your due date is an estimate, not an exact date for delivery. Most babies are born two weeks before or within two weeks after due date, but only 1 in 20 are born on the due date.

Perenatal Visits: Prenatal visits are scheduled every 4 weeks until about 28-30 weeks, then every 2 weeks until the 36th week, and then weekly until delivery. You will also be scheduled for a six week postpartum exam.

Hospital for Delivery: Scottsdale Healthcare Shea is the facility that we have chosen for delivery.

Rescheduling Appointments: Your appointment may be rescheduled if the doctor needs to leave the office to attend a delivery. You will usually be rescheduled for the next day or the same week. Please let the scheduler know if you have a problem that requires attention sooner. We appreciate your patience and understanding if you are rescheduled. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible, so that you may be rescheduled in a timely manner. If you delay certain prenatal visits, you may miss the opportunity for testing which is offered at a specific gestational age of pregnancy.

Night and Weekend Coverage:  We have established a relationship with a group of Obstetric physicians who deliver at Scottsdale Shea. The on-call doctor is available for urgent care issues through OUR ANSWERING SERVICE TEL: (480) 303-1716. The number is also available on recording by calling the office after hours.You may also call the answering service if you are having trouble getting through to the office during regular hours. Please let them know that you are a pregnant patient of Dr. Norman, and her on-call group does not provide obstetric care. If you have a non-emergent problem or a question at night, it would be appreciated that you call first thing the next morning when the office opens.

Childbirth Classes:  Childbirth classes are offered at Scottsdale Healthcare Shea and through various other facilities.

Ultrasound Examinations: Most women will have a detailed ultrasound examination at approximately 18 weeks of pregnancy to measure the baby and to check the baby’s anatomy. You may also have an exam earlier, to date the pregnancy. An ultrasound examination in the 3rd trimester is sometimes obtained to evaluate growth.

Nausea and Vomiting in Preganancy:  Nausea and vomiting is extremely common. If you are experiencing nausea or vomiting, try to sip fluids, such as Gatorade, weak lemonade, ginger ale, or iced tea. Water seems to be difficult for some women to keep down when they are feeling sick. Snack on light foods such as crackers or plain cookies. Ginger or lemon flavors may calm the stomach. Avoid strong flavors, spicy or fatty foods, or anything you think might make you sick. Do not force yourself to eat anything because you think it is good for you. The nausea and vomiting almost always passes by the end of the 1st trimester, and rarely lasts past 20 weeks, so you will have plenty of time to eat well. If you are unable to keep anything down for 24 hours, please call for evaluation.

Warning Signs - Please Call Immediately if you are Experiencing any of the Following:

  • Fever with a Temperature of 100° or Greater
  • You are Unable to Keep Fluids Down for 24 Hours
  • Vaginal Bleeding
  • Severe Abdominal Pain
  • Significant Shortness of Breath, Chest Pain, and/or Sever Headaches

Sexual Activity:  Sexual activity may be continued as long as you are comfortable. Do not have intercourse if you think the bag of water may have broken. If you have bleeding or spotting, please avoid intercourse until your physician has evaluated you. If you are concerned about the possibility of exposure to STDs please request testing. Please let us know about herpes outbreaks or exposure.

Call (602) 288-2340 today to book your appointment