Health and Wellness
Prenatal Care
Taking care of yourself during pregnancy not only helps you but it can also promote a healthy baby and healthy birth as well. that is why getting early, appropriate prenatal care is so important.
- June 28, 2021
- By Grand Itasca
What is Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is health care for both mom and baby throughout your pregnancy. Regular, prenatal check-ups include monitoring your pregnancy symptoms and your baby’s development.
Prenatal care can begin as soon as you know you are pregnant, or sometimes, even before you are pregnant. You can talk with your doctor about your medical history, current health issues or medications, diet, lifestyle, and any other questions you may have. Being prepared for pregnancy early helps to ensure you, and your future baby, are as healthy as possible.
Initial Appointments
Once you receive a positive result on a pregnancy test you should call to schedule an appointment with an obstetrics provider. At your first appointment we will do a confirmation pregnancy test and determine accurate dating of the pregnancy. Around 8 weeks, a first-trimester ultrasound would also be ordered.
At this initial appointment, you and your doctor will discuss prenatal vitamins, current medications, things to avoid during pregnancy, such as drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, healthy weight, and any other questions you may have.
Your provider may also have suggestions on how to manage the early symptoms in pregnancy such as nausea and constipation.
Frequency of Appointments
Monthly visits are recommended during the first two trimesters, weeks 1 through 28. At each appointment we will monitor the growth and heart rate of the baby. For mom, we will monitor blood pressure, make sure weight is progressing normally, and talk about any symptoms that may be making you uncomfortable.
At the beginning of the third trimester, appointment frequency will increase to bi-weekly. This schedule is maintained from weeks 28 to 32.
After week 32, appointments will be scheduled weekly to monitor blood pressure and watch for any early signs of labor.
What to Expect at Appointments
At every prenatal appointment we will discuss your symptoms and questions, followed by vital sign monitoring to include blood pressure, weight, and heart rate.
Throughout the course of the pregnancy there will be lab monitoring, such as blood work and urinalysis. You will also have screenings for anemia, gestational diabetes, and STDs that could affect the pregnancy.
Ultrasound is a big part of prenatal care. The first ultrasound, around week 8 or 9, confirms the pregnancy and shows us if there is one, or more, babies. The 20-week ultrasound provides a full anatomy scan to help identify any potential issues with the baby. This is also when we can see the gender of the baby if you want to know in advance.
Getting early and regular prenatal care is important for you and your growing baby. Regular checkups, even when you are feeling fine, are the best way to keep yourself and your baby healthy.