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Expectations: Airmen, AMDS share role in prenatal care

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jami K. Lancette
  • 434 ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  The news of pregnancy often brings with it certain expectations, but for pregnant Airmen, there are expectations placed on them as well.

Expectant Airmen are required to notify the 434th Aerospace Medicine Squadron as soon as they find out they are pregnant, said Tech. Sgt. Nichole Nadasky, 434th AMDS public health journeyman.

"If you find out that you're pregnant, you need to report to the medical squadron as soon as possible to be placed on a profile," Nadasky added. "You will also need to bring with you a letter from your doctor."

As with any prenatal care, this requirement is meant to not only protect the child, but the mother, too.

"The whole purpose is protection for the mother and fetus, so it's important that they report early so that we can make sure they are not in any unsafe situations or areas," said Senior Master Sgt. Jeffrey Castleberry, 434th AMDS health services superintendant.

When put on a pregnancy profile, Airmen can be restricted from certain activities such a physical fitness tests or being in areas they may expose the mother to chemicals or other industrial hazards.

Visiting the clinic in a timely manner also gives AMDS staff and a pregnant Airman's supervisor time to adjust any special workplace environment needs that the expectant mother might require for safety, explained Nadasky.

And while timeliness helps improve safety, the time it takes to report is minimal, said Tech. Sgt. Erica Morgan, 434th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron personnel specialist, who referred to it as an in-and-out trip.

"It was very quick, as long as you bring in your doctor's note with the estimated delivery date you are fine," Morgan added.

For questions about the policy or how to report, contact Nadasky at 688-3597 or Castleberry at 688-3598.

The 434th AMDS is part of the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen and aircraft from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives.

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Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Ben Mota
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Master Sgt. Wendy Day
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer

Senior Airman Benjamin Cowles
Staff writer