Prenatal Specialist

What is prenatal care?

Prenatal care is health care offered for pregnant women during the course of development and labor. If you are pregnant or think you could be, call the clinic to schedule an exam with the obstetrician. The doctor will schedule several appointments throughout your pregnancy.

Why do I need prenatal care?

Prenatal care is there to monitor the progress of you and your child healthy. Babies born to mothers who don’t get prenatal exams are 3 times more likely to have a low birth weight and 5 times more likely to struggle with infant mortality. The obstetrician can identify health issues early on when the mothers have consistent exams. Doctors can also go over what to expect and how moms can provide their unborn child with a healthy beginning.

How often should I see my doctor during pregnancy?

The obstetrician will provide you with a schedule of all the exams you will need. Most experts suggest that women see go in for an exam:

• Once each month between weeks four and 28
• Twice each month between weeks 28 and 36
• Each week from week 36 to labor and birth

If women are old than 35 or have a high-risk pregnancy, they will need to see the obstetrician more frequently to ensure everything is going smoothly.

What happens during prenatal visits?

During the first prenatal exam, expect the obstetrician to:

• Ask about health and family history such as previous operations, diseases, or other pregnancies
• Conduct a physical exam with a pelvic exam and pap smear
• Obtain a blood and urine sample
• Record blood pressure, height, and weight
• Get an approximate due date
• Answer any questions

During the first exam, you should ask questions about any issues or concerns related to the pregnancy and development. Prenatal exams are usually shorter near the end of the pregnancy. The doctor will evaluate your health and make sure the baby is growing as it should. Most prenatal exams will now include:

• Monitoring blood pressure
• Measuring weight and the abdomen
• Monitoring the baby's heart rate

While you're pregnant, you also will have routine tests including blood tests to check for anemia, blood type tests, HIV testing, etc. throughout the pregnancy. Depending on your age, personal health and family history, ethnic background, and the results of these tests more exams or screening may be needed.