Could family medical history affect your prenatal journey?

Savannah OB/GYN Dr. Claire Sejour explains why every patient gets an individualized plan of care tailored to their needs

When a woman who has been trying to conceive learns she is pregnant, the prevailing emotions tend to be excitement and joyous anticipation. But for women with a family history that might affect her or her baby, there may also be a little nervousness. For example, a woman whose mother or sister has type 2 diabetes may worry that she will develop gestational diabetes.

Claire H. Sejour, DO, of St. Joseph’s/Candler’s Physician Network – OB/GYN, assures her patients that whether they have a family history or not, everyone receives an individualized plan of care tailored to their needs and concerns.

“All of my patients are offered universal screening and diagnostic tests within a certain window of time,” Dr. Sejour says. “That range is based on guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. So, for example, if I have an overweight patient with a strong family history of diabetes, I may do their glucose testing at 24 weeks rather than the traditional 28 weeks, but that is still within the recommended range.”

A family history doesn’t necessarily mean more prenatal visits are required, either.

“Depending on the condition in your family history, we may need to do additional testing,” Dr. Sejour explains. “If it’s something that can affect the pregnancy, we might refer to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist or a genetic counselor. But most pregnancies are not affected by family history alone. There are many other factors involved.”

Still, Dr. Sejour always makes sure to ask about family history because it helps guide her care for each patient.

“Your prenatal schedule will still be within the universal screening range, but we use that range to help tailor our care to you,” Dr. Sejour says. “We use screening to catch or prevent certain conditions for every woman, regardless of family history, and do everything we can to ensure a healthy, successful pregnancy.”