What is prenatal care?
Prenatal care refers to the specialized care women need during their pregnancy. Getting early and regular care from your OB/GYN at Mott Women Healthcare ensures both you and your baby remain healthy throughout your pregnancy.
Women who don’t get the care recommended are more likely to have a low-birth-weight baby or experience other complications. Getting regular, routine care can help identify problems early and prevent more serious issues that can affect you or your baby.
How often do I need to visit my OB/GYN?
How often you see your OB/GYN at Mott Women Healthcare depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy and if you have any special health risks.
In general, you can expect to see your OB/GYN:
- Once a month from weeks four to 28
- Twice a month from weeks 28 through 36
- Weekly from week 36 to birth
If you’re over 35 or carrying more than one baby, your OB/GYN will want to see you more often.
What can I expect during prenatal care?
Prenatal care varies depending on where you are in your pregnancy and your individual health needs. But some care is routine.
During your first prenatal visit you can expect:
- Pelvic and physical exam
- Blood and urine test
- Confirmation of pregnancy
- Review of your and your partner’s health history
- Calculation of your due date
This is also a good time for you to ask questions about what to expect or express concerns you have about your health or your pregnancy.
Subsequent visits are shorter and can include:
- Blood-pressure check
- Weight check
- Urine test
- Abdominal-girth measurement
Your OB/GYN uses a special instrument on your belly so that you’re able to hear your baby’s heartbeat.
Do I need special tests?
Throughout your pregnancy, you can expect additional testing. These tests include ultrasounds to view your baby and glucose-tolerance tests to check for gestational diabetes.
Depending on your age and pregnancy risk, you could also undergo genetic testing at various points, such as:
- Amniocentesis, which tests for fetal abnormalities
- Chorionic villus sampling, which tests for chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus
- Genetic blood testing, to check for inherited disorders
For expert prenatal care, call Mott Women Healthcare or schedule an appointment using the online booking agent.
