Obstetrics

For Expectant Parents

Congratulations to soon-to-be moms and dads! When it is time to decide where baby will be born, BMC is an excellent choice. Comprehensive obstetric care is provided at BMC and at affiliated community health centers. Prenatal care is provided by a variety of fully trained practitioners including OB/GYN physicians, family medicine specialists and certified nurse midwives. Every woman delivering a baby at BMC is eligible for labor support from the Birth Sisters doula program.

See below for a full list of services and resources.

BMC Has Specialized Expertise in the Following Areas

  • Complications to mother's health including mothers over 35 years of age, diabetes, hypertension, cardiac disease, HIV, lupus or sickle cell disease
  • History of pregnancy or childbirth complicated by recurrent miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm delivery or fetal growth abnormality
  • Pregnancy complicated by cervical insufficiency, preterm labor, fetal abnormalities or multiple gestation

Dr. Adegoke is a gem in her field. She's approachable, compassionate, and very knowledgeable and always takes my opinion and feelings into consideration, which is appreciated. I travel over an hour to see her and it's worth the ride."

~ Hillarie G.

"The fact that I can write this review is a testament to Dr. Bell's skills. She's very knowledgeable and extremely thorough, I had zero questions after consultations and I will definitely seek her out should I have a need for surgery again."

~ Majalia A.

"My second time with Dr. Crane and her team and they are just the best. So friendly and efficient."

~ Mariah C.

Contact Us

617.414.2000

Monday, Thursday: 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM, Tuesday, Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Specialty Clinics

Programs and Services

Conditions We Treat

Diagnostics and Tests

The Antenatal Testing Unit (ATU) provides care to women in need of routine weekly and bi-weekly testing as well as specialized care for those experiencing complications during pregnancy.

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Our Team

Shannon L. Bell, MD

Obstetrician-Gynecologist; Associate Clinical Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alan D. Solomont & Susan Lewis Solomont Clinical Simulation & Nursing Education Center

Patient Resources

Hey Mama

Congratulations soon-to-be parents! We are thrilled that you’ve chosen Boston Medical Center for care while you are pregnant. Maybe you are pregnant for the first time. Maybe you have been pregnant before. Either way, you probably have many questions, thoughts, and feelings. You also probably want to know how your baby is growing and how to take care of yourself. While you will have many visits with your provider during your pregnancy, the Hey Mama website has a lot of great information to help you during your pregnancy.

Sterilization is a safe form of birth control. It is permanent, meaning it cannot be undone.  When you have the surgery (sterilization) after having your baby, both of the fallopian tubes are taken out. The tubes cannot be put back in the future.

What will happen if I have a post-partum sterilization surgery?

If you have a vaginal birth:

  • You can have the surgery after the birth of your baby, sometimes the same day or up to two days after the baby is born.
  • The surgery is done in the operating room.
  • A 3-4cm cut (incision) is made above or below the belly button.
  • Both fallopian tubes are removed.
  • The incision is closed with stiches that dissolve on their own.
  • The surgery will take about 30 minutes.

If you have a c-section (cesarean):

  • The tubes can be removed after the baby is born.
  • You do not need a different surgery (incision).
  • The surgery will be about 10 minutes longer when the fallopian tubes are taken out.

What is used for pain if I have a post-partum sterilization?

  • Epidural or spinal anesthesia is used. This is an injection in the back.
  • You are awake for the surgery.
  • You might feel pulling or pressure, but should not feel pain.
  • Sometimes, we need to use general anesthesia which means you are asleep with a tube to help you breath, but that is less common.
  • You can take Ibuprofen and Tylenol for pain. Some people need something stronger and can take a narcotic medicine.

What are the benefits of post-partum sterilization when both of the fallopian tubes are removed (salpingectomy)?

  • Sterilization by removing the fallopian tubes can prevent pregnancy almost 100% of the time.
  • Removing both the tubes is better to prevent pregnancy than old methods like cutting out a piece of the tube or placing clips or bands on the tubes.
  • It can reduce your risk of developing ovarian cancer in the future.

What are the risks of sterilization with salpingectomy?

  • There is a very small risk of bleeding, infection, and other surgical complications.
  • There is a small chance that the surgeon cannot safely remove both tubes. If this happens a portion of each tube may be removed or the surgery may not be done.
  • The surgeon will explain exactly what happened and if you need to use something else for birth control.

Will removing the fallopian tubes change my periods?

  • Removing the tubes does not change your periods.
  • If you have been using hormonal birth control and then stop after removing the tubes, you may notice changes in your periods.

What if I decide I want to get pregnant after I have my fallopian tubes removed?

  • This surgery is not reversible. You would need to use IVF (in vitro fertilization) to get pregnant. It costs around $10,000 and is invasive.
  • You should only have sterilization surgery if you are sure you do not want to have more children.

What are other birth control choices if I don’t want post-partum sterilization?

  • There are lots of birth control options!
  • Some birth controls are almost as effective at preventing pregnancy as sterilization.
  • There is also a permanent sterilization procedure for men called a vasectomy. Your doctor or midwife can talk to you more about these options at any time.

What should I do if I want to have post-partum sterilization?

  • Talk to your provider!
  • You may need to sign papers before your due date. Your provider will help you with this.

Explore Departments

Obstetrics

Child Passenger Safety

One of the most important jobs you have as a parent is keeping your child safe when riding in a vehicle. Massachusetts state law requires that all children under age 8 and less than 57 inches tall be properly fastened and secured in a federally approved car seat or booster seat. Boston Medical Center recognizes and uses the CDC’s Child Passenger Safety recommendations. Boston Medical Center requires all newborns leaving the hospital have an appropriate car seat prior to discharge home.

Provider Resources