COVID-19 UPDATE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have made some temporary changes to our office. It is our top priority that all our patients and staff remain safe and healthy! Read more...

TO OUR PATIENTS: We are grateful that we have not had any increases to our self-pay pricing for over 10 years... Read more...

213-250-9461

 

TELEMEDICINE UPDATE: We have some great news for you! We have introduced Telemedicine into our practice and it is a great tool for those of you that already have been to our office before, and have a problem that does not require a physical exam. Read more...

Events Calendar

Preceding Day
Monday 08 May 2023
Following Day
No events were found
Last month May 2023 Next Month
Events Coming Soon
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31
image1 image2

"The best gyno I've ever been to. Always a quick in and out! The staff is so nice and they actually care about you. I will continue to come here for all my needs."

Alayna L.

10 Pregnancy Milestones

1image5

Your pregnancy test is positive...what happens next?

Once you discover that you are pregnant, you should begin to arrange your prenatal care.  One the first visit we will obtain a complete medical/ family history and perform a physical exam including a pelvic exam, pap test and prenatal labs.  You may also have an ultrasound to verify your due date.

During your prenatal visit you should freely ask any questions you may have about your pregnancy and discuss with us any pregnancy-related issues. We can help you understand the most effective ways to stay healthy while pregnant.

For starters, you can eat a healthy, balanced diet that is high in protein and fiber but low in carbohydrates, drink plenty of water (and avoid soda, sweet juice, and other high-sugar beverages), and follow a regular exercise regimen!

As soon as you learn your pregnancy test is positive, you should start taking prenatal vitamins if you are not already doing so. We recommend a vitamin that contains at least 800mcg of folic acid and a good dose of DHA (an omega-3 fish oil).

2image5

Viability – there is a heart beat!

This is a great milestone and one of the earliest times mothers typically start to form a very real bond with the baby inside of them. A heart beat is usually visible on ultrasound any time after 6 weeks.

This is also a time when you may start feeling nauseous and start to have morning sickness or, as we like to call it, “all day sickness.” Two effective over-the-counter remedies you can try are: ginger-based lozenges and vitamin B6 lollipops. If these do not seem to be helping you, however, be sure to discuss your symptoms with your doctor

It is fun to get a pregnancy app at this time, such as Sprout, or sign up for an email-based pregnancy “club” like Babycenter.com!

3image5

Yay! Moving past the first trimester.

Your doctor will check on your health and make sure the baby is growing as expected. Most prenatal visits will include:

  • Checking your blood pressure
  • Monitoring your weight gain
  • Measuring the abdomen to see how much your baby has grown (once you begin "looking pregnant")
  • Verifying the baby has a healthy heart rate

Your nausea will likely subside around this time or, at least, begin to improve.

Screening for Down’s and other congenital disorders should be well on its way – make sure to ask your doctor about these tests!

4image5

Starting to show

It gets harder to hide your "baby bump" once you reach the middle of the second trimester, which is considered to cover the period between your 12th to 28th week of pregnancy.

A lot of people choose not to tell their family and friends about the pregnancy until they are out of the 1st trimester. Deciding when to reveal your pregnancy is a very personal decision.  The risk for a 1st trimester miscarriage lies between 1 in 4 and 1 in 5 pregnancies.  The incident of pregnancy loss continues to decrease after the first trimester.  However, fear of miscarriage should not be a barrier to sharing your good news.  Having the support of your friends and family during your pregnancy is helpful and important regardless of the outcome.

5image5

Finding out the gender!

While you're pregnant, you also will have some routine tests. Some of these tests are recommended for all pregnant women to take, such as blood tests that check for anemia, blood type, HIV, and a number of other pregnancy-related issues. Other tests might be given based on age, personal/family health history, ethnic factors, or the results of more routine tests you have already taken.

We recommend all our patients obtain a fetal anatomic ultrasound survey between 18-20 weeks of pregnancy.  This is the “all points check” ultrasound that will evaluate most of your baby’s anatomic structures and screen for any congenital abnormalities.  This special ultrasound is usually performed by a perinatologist. If we haven’t been able to figure out the gender yet, this will be the time, so be sure you invite your partner to this appointment!

6image5

High-risk prenatal care

A high-risk pregnancy is one that that is complicated by a maternal health problem or a fetal abnormality.

Some women find that they have a heightened risk of complications even before getting pregnant. These women may need additional testing, more frequent visits, and closer monitoring throughout their pregnancy. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, make sure to ask us all of your important questions so you will have a good understanding of what is going on.

For many women, the time between 20 and 28 weeks is the most comfortable part of their pregnancy. Enjoy this part and treat yourself well! Sleep at least 8 hours a night, drink plenty of water, eat healthy, and enjoy exercises like pregnancy Yoga, swimming, and working out at the gym.

7image5

My baby after 24 weeks...feeling the kicks

24 weeks is a major milestone because we now consider the baby to be big enough to have a chance of survival outside the womb. Of course, we don’t want you to have your baby anytime soon, but it is reassuring to know that this little person is getting stronger and stronger every day. You have likely already been feeling some kicks over the past month or so, but now, they will get stronger and will grow more regular.

8image5

Testing for diabetes

Between 24 and 28 weeks you will have your second gestational diabetes test. You can lower your risk for diabetes by eating a healthy diet that is high in protein and fiber and low in carbs, while also exercising regularly. This will help prevent excessive weight-gain during pregnancy and lower your risk of diabetes. However, if you have a strong underlying predisposition to diabetes (your body just doesn’t handle sugar that well), you may still develop gestational diabetes.

The reason we test is so we can help you manage your diabetes, and we want to stress that it is really important to get tested!

9image5

Third trimester – starting to feel big?

Once you enter the third trimester at 28 weeks, you will slowly start feeling a lot more “pregnant,” Keep up the good work and don’t stop exercising! Exercise will increase your chances for a successful, healthy pregnancy and help ease your delivery.

Common complaints in the third trimester include: lower back pain, pressure on the lower abdomen and vagina, frequent urination, Braxton-Hicks contractions, swelling of the ankles/feet, heartburn, shortness of breath, constipation, hemorrhoids, and simply "feeling tired."

Start looking into attending  a good childbirth preparation class, start thinking about your goals for your birth experience and even consider hiring a professional doula to assist with an empowering, positive birth experience.

Treat yourself to a pregnancy massage or do something that relaxes you…you deserve it!

10image5

Full Term – you made it!

Once your doctor starts talking about GBS testing, you know you are nearing the end of pregnancy and preparing for birth!

A pregnancy is considered full term when you reach 37 complete weeks; normally about 3 weeks before your actual due date. That is a huge milestone in your pregnancy, your baby can safely be born, and the lungs (the last organ to mature) should be ready for the outside world.

GBS testing is done with a vaginal culture. It checks for Group B streptococcus, bacteria that is a normal part of the vaginal perineal flora but can potentially cause an infection in a newborn baby. Mothers that test positive for GBS are recommended to receive an antibiotic during the “active phase” of their labor, or their water breaks.

Now is the time to get prepared!  Have a hospital bag ready that includes a comfy pair of slippers, loose-fitting clothes for post-delivery, your favorite body wash, toiletry kit, a set of baby clothes, a receiving blanket to take your baby home in, "grandma" underwear, and a nursing bra.

If you haven’t received informational materials regarding breastfeeding, be sure to ask your doctor. There are many advantages to breastfeeding for both mother and child, and we recommend everyone breastfeed if possible, while enjoying bonding with your baby.

As time draws closer, you may wish to discuss a birth plan with your doctor. We recommend a one page birth plan that includes specific preferences, such as to walk about freely, for an unmedicated birth, and to have/not have your baby receive a vitamin injection and/or antibiotic eye ointment.

After the delivery, we will be here for you to ensure you have a great experience. Congratulations!

image1 image2 image3 image4
image1 image2

"Dr. Kaiser is truly wonderful! She made me feel comfortable. This was my first visit and she took her time with me. She has a special energy. I feel very lucky to have found her. All the staff was very sweet, warm & helpful! Thank you!"

April S.

“Homebirth” in the Hospital? Yes you can!

AWC’s natural childbirth plan is simple! Our philosophy is that most women who desire natural childbirth can accomplish this goal if given the freedom and support they need during the labor process. We believe that you can achieve a “home birth experience” in the hospital with the right team and a little planning.

AWC’s plan for your natural childbirth experience include the following elements/options:

Preparation

We love to see patients make the hospital room their own. Things like wearing your own clothes, soft lighting and soothing music, comforting snacks and drinks, and your support team (of course!) always at your side make all the difference. Feel free to make your labor room all you would love it to be—a place that is not only eminently safe but that is filled with a homey, yet "magical" ambiance. You can bring your own music, electronic candles, aromatherapy, cushy pillows from home, and your favorite “big T-shirt” or robe. Creating a calm, home-like environment reduces stress levels for both you and your support team and enhances your natural production of endorphins (your body’s natural pain killer), which help reduce the intensity of contraction pains. One more thought: birthing in a tranquil, softly lit environment makes those moments after birth a gentler transition time for your baby.

Doulas are an important and respected member of the birthing team.  While we are focused on supporting and supervising a safe birth, your doula is total there just for you and your family.  Your doula will support you physically, emotionally and spiritually during the most important experience in y our life.  We encourage you to explore the use of a professional doula. Please see our resources page for links to local doula organizations and websites. We love, love, love doulas!!! 

If you have no risk factors or conditions that would require IV access, we prefer that you stay hydrated by drinking sips of water or ice chips during labor. In a normal, low-risk labor, there is usually no need for IV fluids. In some instances, however, use of IV antibiotics during labor may be necessary. If this is the case with you, you will be provided with an IV saline lock, which can be connected/disconnected as needed to allow for plenty of freedom of movement for things like usage of the shower and bathroom.

We encourage you to be as active as possible during labor. Walk, squat, use the exercise ball, sit in the rocking chair, get in the shower or bath, get on all fours, and do pelvic tilts. We will encourage you to use whatever position makes you comfortable!  Check out one of our favorite books, Active Birth, for great ideas and stories about labor and birth.

We believe it is generally best to avoid continuous fetal monitoring during normal deliveries. However, we do need to check on how your baby is handling the contractions from time to time. This can be done by means of either a hand-held Doppler (like the one used in your prenatal visits) or by brief episodes of electronic fetal monitoring during labor.

We prefer that you push in the position you find to be most comfortable and that is most effective in moving your baby down the birth canal. Most patients like to push on their sides or by utilizing a squat bar. Or in any position comfortable in the birthing tub.   We never use stirrups in normal natural labor, but our birthing beds are equipped with foot rests and grip handles, which can be adjusted and customized to your needs to help you gain maximum leverage. A squat bar is available for you to use if you feel it is helpful. Bottom line: we encourage you to try pushing in whatever position seems to work best for you!

Episiotomy (cutting the vaginal opening) is NOT a routine procedure at AWC. We believe in the competent design of our bodies, and episiotomy is certainly not part of that philosophy. During the crowning phase, we will apply vitamin-E oil and use a perineal massage to help reduce tearing. We will coach you on how to push in a gentle, controlled manner that will allow your baby to come slowly over the perineum, thus minimizing tearing.

The first moments after your baby is born are magical and precious. We want you to hold your baby, skin to skin, immediately after delivery!

Once your baby is born, we will place him/her on your chest. All medical care not of immediate urgency, including cord clamping, can be delayed until you have had the opportunity to hold and bond with your baby. Some babies will even latch and start nursing right after birth. We encourage you to give it a try!

You have the option to accept or decline antibiotic eye ointment application, vitamin K prophylaxis, and hepatitis-B vaccination. We recommend that you talk about these treatments with your provider so that you are fully informed about your decision.

Our hospitals do not have a newborn nursery, and your healthy baby will remain at your bedside throughout your hospital stay. NICU is reserved only for newborns requiring immediate medical attention or observation.

Our philosophy is that most healthy women can achieve a normal labor and delivery with minimal intervention. As long as mom and baby are healthy and stable, we try to wait as long as possible before suggesting any interventions. We will always try other alternatives, if appropriate and safe, before discussing intervention options with you.

Some women find that they need help with pain management during labor. Some need only a little help, while others need a lot, and we will adjust to your needs. Options we might try, before using narcotic analgesics or an epidural, would be hot packs, massage, warm shower/bathtub soak, position changes, calming the room, aroma therapy, and Yoga breathing. (Many of these techniques are taught in your childbirth preparation classes). If you find that these are not helpful/desirable, then we can guide you on selecting the right analgesic and get you comfortable as soon as possible. While epidural anesthesia may not be a first-choice scenario for you, it’s important to be educated about all your options, so you can make an informed and wise decision. Here are Dr. Kaiser’s thoughts on how to best use epidural anesthesia. Be sure to discuss pain management options with your provider at your next prenatal visit and ask any questions you might have about analgesia for labor.

Artificial rupture of membranes (AROM) is not a routine practice at AWC. We prefer laboring moms to rupture membranes spontaneously as a normal course of the labor process.

AROM should be reserved for situations where this intervention would provide needed relief, likely aid the natural progression of labor, and/or help to avoid other interventions.

Induction of Labor/Labor Augmentation

We seldom induce labor, but in certain cases, a solid medical reason for doing so may exist. If all is well, we prefer to wait for labor to begin on its own, but if you pass 41 weeks and still have not delivered your baby, we need to start a discussion about planning an induction. In the meantime, we would be monitoring your amniotic fluid and your baby’s heart rate to make sure it is still safe to wait it out for a while longer. We do support the safe use of certain homeopathic/herbal preparations for labor induction where appropriate. 

Oxytocin augmentation during labor is not routine but can be very helpful in achieving a vaginal birth if labor progress slows. Augmentation is only applied when absolutely necessary and very likely to prove beneficial. We do not use oxytocin to “hurry” the process of normal birth.

Average postpartum hospital stays are about 48 hours. However, some families prefer early discharge if all is well with mom and baby. You can go home after 24 hours or less if there are no postpartum complications and your pediatrician feels that your baby does not need continued observation. If you think you might prefer early discharge after delivery, talk with your provider about it at your next prenatal visit.

Remember, we are partners in your care and want to work towards providing the best experience possible. Make sure to put together your list of questions and ideas so we can discuss them at your next prenatal appointment.

image1 image2

"Quite honestly, I was stunned by how magical the entire staff was. I literally called my mom after to give her my glowing review. Never in my life have I had such a good experience at the gynecologist - the entire staff was so warm, it almost made me feel like part of the family. 10/10 won't be going anywhere else in the future."

Summer M.

Meet Our Team

x

Bente Kaiser, MD

Dear Patients,

My philosophy of patient care is to always "practice from the heart," which is the reason I established All Women's Care in the year 2010. After my training, it became clear to me that in order to better serve my patients in accord with my underlying philosophy, I needed to create a place where the patient can be seen as a holistic individual. Each person is different, has different needs, and requires a different approach.

In 2000, I earned my medical degree, graduating with honors from the Free University of Brussels in Belgium. I then moved to New York City to be with my current husband and to participate in research at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan. While in New York, I also completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Bronx Lebanon Hospital. Following my residency, I went on to complete a two-year fellowship in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, being offered by the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, at the Montefiore Medical Center of Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx.

In July of 2008, my family and I decided to move to Los Angeles in order to raise our children in "sunny Californian," which was my husband’s original home State. After practicing for two years in Los Angeles, I was inspired by my patients to open my own practice – All Women's Care.

I have been board-certified with the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) since 2008, am also certified in Holistic Medicine, am a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and am also a member of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL).

I hold full privileges at CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center where I am Medical Director of Labor and Delivery, and also hold full privileges at Good Samaritan Hospital.

Born in Norway of Dutch parents and partially raised in Germany, I speak Spanish, Dutch, German, French, and Norwegian. Currently, I live in South Pasadena with my husband and two children.

team-1 matica8

Bente Kaiser, MD

My philosophy of patient care is to always "practice from the heart," which is the reason I established All Women's Care in the year 2010. 

image1 image2

"Dr. Bente Kaiser is one of the nicest and proactive gynecologists I've ever been too. I've been having medical issues for a few weeks and went to a different doctor and they were no help until I found this practice! They were so eager to help me and figure out what was wrong! It was so nice and relieving to find a doctor who actually cared about their patients! I highly recommend them!"

Gabby W.

Our Facilities

It is our pleasure to welcome you to our bright, spacious, and eminently comfortable women's care office. We are located in CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, on the 7th floor of the Doctor’s Tower, with panoramic views of the Franklin Hills and Downtown Los Angeles.

We have a spacious general waiting area with comfortable seating, quick access to the receptionist and a family waiting room where your toddler can safely roam. Our restrooms and exam rooms are welcoming and discrete. Many procedures, diagnostic testing and laboratory studies can be completed in-house making your visit even more convenient.

We understand that doctor’s visits may make you a little apprehensive and uncomfortable, but we will always do everything possible to keep you as comfortable as we can while you are a guest in our office. Please let any of our staff know if there is anything else we can provide you with to make you feel more at ease!

 

image1 image2

"I loved Dr. Kaiser. She was the best. Made me feel very comfortable she was very knowledgeable. Every time I would email her with a concern she would reply the same day! I went there because I was pregnant, I'm so glad I chose her for the journey and she also birthed my baby. I recently had to change doctors due to location however if I could have stayed with All Women's Care I would have."

Nori H.

mod-jnpopup-1

Contact Us

All Women
All Women
Contact Us

Menu