Pregnancy Specialist

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

What’s your first step when you find out you’re pregnant?

Pregnancy is an exciting time. Dr. Patrick Diesfeld and the healthcare providers at Women’s Health Group of Ventura strive to make your experience as comfortable, safe, and enjoyable as possible. You can see your own Midwife, and be delivered by her. All births are monitored by Dr. Diesfeld.

Dr. Diesfeld also can deliver you himself if you choose. This unique aspect of the practice avoids the inconvenience of being delivered by an “on-call Doctor” unknown to you! Whether you’re thinking of becoming pregnant or you’re already expecting, call Women’s Health Group of Ventura today or schedule an appointment online. This personalized private practice is located conveniently on the hospital campus in Ventura, California.

Receiving prenatal care is especially important for women with high-risk pregnancies. You should call Women’s Health Partnership Medical Group as soon as you suspect you’re pregnant. Dr. Diesfeld assesses your overall health and determines an appointment schedule to closely monitor your pregnancy. He’ll also recommend prenatal vitamins, including folic acid.

If you’re considering becoming pregnant, Dr. Diesfeld recommends scheduling an appointment for a pre-pregnancy checkup.   

What’s a high-risk pregnancy?

This designation can refer to either maternal issues, or fetal problems, that impart increased risk to the "mother/baby unit".

Medical problems that can impact pregnancy outcomes include diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), obesity, pre-eclampsia, previous Caesarian section, and previous preterm birth.  These are just a few of the issues which your doctor and midwife are screening you for, at each and every visit.

Fetal problems, such as multiples (twins, triplets), growth restriction, Macrosomia (big baby), and fetal anomalies (birth defects) are some of the issues that can arise, and become evident in the developing fetus.

The medical care involves working with the patient to reduce the severity of these problems, and to identify the optimal time of delivery.  At times, an induction of labor may be indicated, if the intra-uterine environment is no longer able to safely promote the growth and development of the fetus.

Ultrasound assessments, such as the Biophysical Profile, are a valuable way to evaluate fetal status.  High-risk pregnancies usually are seen by a Perinatologist, as well.  These pregnancies may require more frequent office visits as well.

The ultimate goal of a healthy newborn and healthy mother can best be achieved through the partnership of a committed doctor, a dedicated midwife, and an informed patient!

What are the risk factors that contribute to a high-risk pregnancy?

Your pregnancy can be high-risk due to preexisting medical conditions or a condition that develops during pregnancy affecting you or your baby. Factors that increase your chance of having a high-risk pregnancy include:

• Being 35 years old or older
• Smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, or using illegal drugs
• Your previous pregnancy history, such as a prior C-section, a low birth weight baby, or a preterm birth
• A family history of genetic conditions, pregnancy loss, or the death of a baby shortly after birth
• Chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and epilepsy
• Complications that develop during pregnancy, such as problems with the uterus, cervix, or placenta
• If you’re carrying multiple babies

Why choose Women’s Health Group of Ventura for your pregnancy care?

Because Women’s Health Group of Ventura is a smaller, private practice, they can offer specialized care. Dr. Diesfeld and the staff can help monitor your pregnancy every step of the way from your prenatal care to your delivery.

When it’s time for you to deliver, you’ll be well acquainted with the medical professional caring for you and your baby. This makes for a more personal and intimate experience throughout your pregnancy.

Women’s Health Group of Ventura also offers 3D ultrasound exams. The machine snaps multiple 2D images at various angles and then pieces the images together to form a 3D rendering.

Midwives care available, with experienced and empathetics Midwives: Sally, Bethany, or Jacquie.

Our Office is right on top of the Hospital campus! Because it's not about us, it's about you!

We have declined joining a large call group so that you can have this personalized experience with the midwife and doctor you know!

If you recently found out you’re expecting, or you plan on expecting, call Dr. Diesfeld at Women’s Health Group of Ventura or schedule an appointment online.