WOMEN CAN BE MONITORED FOR AT-RISK PREGNANCIES

Pregnant women in the Cape Girardeau area who may be at risk for early labor and delivery now have access to a nationally linked monitoring system, which they can use at home to monitor their pregnancies.

According to Noel Botsch, owner of the Option Care office in Cape Girardeau, the system assists in reducing the chance of premature deliveries.

"We feel a responsibility to provide our community with the newest technology in every health area we touch upon. Therefore, our office has elected to become involved in Option Care's Women's Health Options program," said Botch.

The Cape Girardeau Option Care office was required to achieve special certification in order to offer in-home monitoring for at-risk pregnant women.

"This program will bring more peace of mind to expectant mothers, as well as more healthy births in Cape Girardeau," said Botsch.

Through Option Care's program, women who are identified as at-risk are referred by their physicians for Option Care's in-home monitoring. The monitoring process is taught to the patient by a local Cape Girardeau nurse who visits the patient's home and who is available on a 24-hour basis by telephone for questions and support.

The patient-monitored information is automatically transmitted to the Women's Health Options Center in Denver, Colo., where it is immediately reviewed by the center's 24-hour nursing staff.

If needed, the patient's local physician is contacted immediately. The physician can then prescribe in-home treatment in an attempt to maintain the pregnancy.

"The system allows the patient to view her uterine activity on her television," said Botsch." With the nurse's help, the patient is taught how to recognize her contractions, allowing for greater involvement in her own care. This can decrease anxiety for the patient.

"In addition, bed rest is typically an important part of the prescription for women during at-risk pregnancies. The ability to be monitored at home, rather than making a trip to the hospital, can be an important benefit."

Option Care is the nation's third-largest provider of home infusion therapy. Founded in 1979, Option Care is headquartered in Bannockburn, Ill., and has 196 offices serving 41 states. The Cape Girardeau office is located at 61 Doctor's Park. For further information, contact Option Care at 335-1500, or consult your physician.