Most people have between 8 and 14 prenatal visits throughout the course of their pregnancy. During this time, you'll see a lot of your healthcare practitioner. That's why it's so important to choose someone you like and trust. If you're not comfortable or satisfied with your provider after your first visit or visits, don't be afraid to find someone with whom you have a better connection.
Typically, a pregnant woman will visit their doctor, midwife , or nurse practitioner every four weeks during the first and second trimesters. In the third trimester, you'll be seen more often — usually every other week until 36 weeks, and then every week until the baby is born.
Your first prenatal visit. Second trimester prenatal visits 14 weeks to 27 weeks. Third trimester prenatal visits 28 weeks through the end of pregnancy. The specific number of scheduled appointments you'll have depends on if your pregnancy is considered to be high-risk. This is determined by your medical history and whether you have any complications or conditions that warrant more frequent checkups, such as gestational diabetes , high blood pressure , or a history of preterm labor.
If you've had any medical problems in the past or develop any new problems during this pregnancy, you may need more prenatal visits than the average pregnant woman. In the weeks before each visit, jot down any questions or concerns in a notebook or a notes app on your smartphone. This way, you'll remember to ask your practitioner about them at your next appointment.
You may be surprised by how many questions you have, so don't miss the opportunity to get some answers in person. For example, before you drink an herbal tea or take a supplement or an over-the-counter medication , ask your provider about it. You can even bring the item itself — or a picture of the label — with you to your next appointment. Then, your doctor, midwife, or nurse practitioner can read the label and let you know whether it's okay to ingest. Of course, if you have any pressing questions or worries, or develop any new, unusual, or severe symptoms , don't wait for your appointment — call your practitioner right away.
In addition to your list, you may want to bring a partner, friend, family member, or labor coach with you to some or all of your prenatal visits. They can comfort you, take notes, ask questions, and help you remember important information.
The goal of prenatal visits is to see how your pregnancy is proceeding and to provide you with information to help keep you and your baby healthy. It's important that you go to all of your prenatal appointments, even if you're feeling just fine and believe that everything is progressing perfectly. Your practitioner will start by asking how you're feeling physically and emotionally, whether you have any complaints or worries, and what questions you may have.
They'll also ask you about your baby's movements once you begin to feel them, typically during the second trimester. Your practitioner will have other questions as well, which will vary depending on how far along you are and whether there are specific concerns.
Near the end of your pregnancy, your provider may also do a pelvic exam to check for cervical changes. You will also discuss your delivery plan in more depth. At the end of each visit, your practitioner will review their findings with you.
They'll also explain the normal changes to expect before your next visit, warning signs to watch for, and the pros and cons of optional tests you may want to consider. Lifestyle issues will likely be a topic of discussion, as well. Expect to talk about the importance of good nutrition , sleep, oral health, stress management, wearing seatbelts, and avoiding tobacco , alcohol , and illicit drugs. Many people look forward to their prenatal appointments but are disappointed to find that, with the exception of the first visit, they're in and out of the office in 10 minutes.
A quick visit is typical and is usually a sign that everything is progressing normally. Still, you want to make sure your concerns are addressed — and that you and your baby are being well cared for. Keep in mind, too, that some days are busier than others. That doesn't mean your practitioner doesn't have to answer your questions, but sometimes a discussion can be continued at the next visit if it's a really busy day or if your practitioner needs to head to the hospital to deliver a baby.
It includes a comprehensive physical exam, pelvic exam, and medical history. You may also have a Pap smear and other tests such as a blood test, STD test, and urine test. At this early stage of pregnancy, we give you lifestyle guidelines, such as maintaining proper nutrition, exercising daily, and taking prenatal vitamins to support your health and the healthy development of your baby. Your visits are scheduled closer together as your pregnancy progresses.
Most women have a schedule of prenatal visits that follows this timing:. This schedule is only a guide. We may require more appointments with less time between visits if you have preexisting medical conditions or other issues associated with a high risk of complications.
After your first appointment, your prenatal visits include a physical exam and tests specific to your medical condition and stage of pregnancy. As you progress through your pregnancy, your visits may change to monitor specific medical conditions or physical changes affecting you or your baby. Without prenatal care, your baby is also five times more likely to die than a baby whose mother was routinely monitored during pregnancy.
It allows your health care provider to monitor your baby's growth and the progress of your pregnancy, as well as schedule tests or procedures at the most appropriate times. To estimate your due date, your health care provider will use the date your last period started, add seven days and count back three months. The due date will be about 40 weeks from the first day of your last period. Your health care provider can use a fetal ultrasound to help confirm the date.
Your health care provider will typically check your blood pressure, measure your weight and height, and calculate your body mass index to determine the recommended weight gain you need for a healthy pregnancy. Your health care provider might do a physical exam, including a breast exam, pelvic exam, and screening exams of your heart, lungs and thyroid.
You might need a Pap test to screen for cervical cancer as well, depending on how long it's been since your last screening. Prenatal tests can provide valuable information about your baby's health. Your health care provider will typically offer a variety of prenatal genetic screening tests, which may include ultrasound or blood tests to screen for certain fetal genetic abnormalities, such as Down syndrome.
Your health care provider might discuss the importance of nutrition and prenatal vitamins. Ask about exercise, sex, dental care, vaccinations and travel during pregnancy, as well as other lifestyle issues.
You might also talk about your work environment and the use of medications during pregnancy. If you smoke, ask your health care provider for suggestions to help you quit. You might notice changes in your body early in your pregnancy. Your breasts might be tender and swollen. Nausea with or without vomiting morning sickness is also common. Talk to your health care provider if your morning sickness is severe. Your next prenatal visits — often scheduled about every four weeks during the first trimester — might be shorter than the first.
Near the end of the first trimester — by about 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy — you might be able to hear your baby's heartbeat with a small device that bounces sound waves off your baby's heart Doppler. Your prenatal appointments are an ideal time to discuss questions or concerns. Also find out how to reach your health care provider between appointments. Knowing help is available can offer peace of mind. There is a problem with information submitted for this request.
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