Offering obstetric, gynecology, surgery, infertility, and ultrasound services.
Obstetric Appointment Guide
Once your pregnancy has been confirmed, the prenatal period officially begins. Prenatal care involves a series of regular examinations and tests by a care provider. In an uncomplicated pregnancy, most women will see their practitioner once a month until the 32nd week of pregnancy. At this point, you will be seen every two weeks. As you anticipate your baby’s arrival during your last month of pregnancy, you will have a visit with a care provider every week.
The initial prenatal visit is often the longest and is facilitated by our NOB nurse. During this first visit, a detailed family history and lab work will be performed. At this visit, the nurse will calculate your baby’s due date, which will serve as a reference point in future visits as the baby’s growth is assessed. For a list of common blood tests performed during this initial visit, see below.
During your first prenatal visit with a care provider, you will have a physical examination of your overall health. Your care provider will then perform an obstetrical exam that includes a look at your abdomen, a measurement of the height of your uterus and a Pap smear.
All prenatal visits include a measurement of your weight, urine testing and a recording of your blood pressure. Urine testing is performed to check for the presence of sugar and protein. Sugar in the urine could indicate gestational diabetes, and the presence of protein could indicate toxemia. Rest assured your care provider will pay close attention to all of the above details.
In reviewing your list of upcoming appointments, you may notice a handful of visits scheduled past your due date. This was done in an attempt to “reserve” you an appointment with your care provider in the event you go over your due date. During the last month of your pregnancy, we strongly encourage weekly appointments and thus reserve you a few. Once we receive notice that you have delivered, we will cancel those appointments and schedule your postpartum visit(s).
If you have any questions regarding your appointments, please feel free to call.
I have nothing but wonderful things to say about The Women’s Health Group. I had a high-risk pregnancy last year and, since suffering from previous miscarriages, was very concerned with this pregnancy. I was so blessed to have my doctor.