Philosophy
Your pregnancy is one of the most exciting times of life. It is the most important time for your baby. Getting a good start means fewer problems in the future. Our role is to advise and to monitor your progress. We provide the medical support guiding you and your pregnancy to the best possible conclusion. Keep in mind that there are things beyond our collective control. You may expect open and honest information from us throughout your care at Asheville Women's Medical Center.

Prenatal Care
Your care at Asheville Women's Medical Center is designed to carefully monitor your pregnancy's progress. At your first visit we will confirm your pregnancy and discuss the basic and important parts of the care plan. Usually the second visit is with our nurse practitioner for a comprehensive physical examination and discussion of nutritional guidelines and pregnancy expectations. We generally advise a ultrasound study early in your pregnancy to help us establish an accurate delivery date and to evaluate the baby's growth pattern. Your insurance company may limit access to this service, so be sure to talk about the ultrasound study at your financial counseling time.

Clinical visits are scheduled monthly for the first seven months of pregnancy. As you continue to grow, the visits are scheduled closer together. During the eighth, month you are seen every other week and finally weekly for the last month of pregnancy. If any special problems occur, we may ask to see you more frequently. Our doctors and staff are always available to manage an emergency.

Obstetrical Staff
The doctors at Asheville Women's Medical Center are part of a care team. This group of seven highly trained and caring people combine their unique skills to bring the best to you. You are encouraged to select a primary physician to watch over your care and meet as many of the group as possible. The doctors share hospital call on a scheduled basis. Our staff and doctors are involved in the community and with their families. The call schedule allows them to enjoy a balanced life, which of course keeps a well-rested doctor at your bedside when needed.

The doctors at Asheville Women's Medical center are the best in the region. Early every Thursday morning the group meets to discuss problem cases. The Thursday Morning Obstetrical Meeting brings the collective knowledge and wisdom together to meet your special needs. The importance of this group communication cannot be over emphasized. All doctors and nurse practitioners attend this weekly care planning process.

Obstetrical Care Team
Dr. Eric Hawes
Dr. Chrsti Hunt
Dr. Lydia Jeffries
Dr. Michelle Simmons
Ms. Amy Burris
Ms. Kim Kay, PA-C

Common Laboratory Testing
Prenatal Blood Panel
Pap Smear
Obstetrical Ultrasound
AFP (Alpha Fetal Protein) study or "Triple Screen"
Genetic Testing (maternal age indicated)
Glucose Tolerance Screening
Group B Strep Screening