Prenatal Appointment Schedule: How Often to See the Doctor
Prenatal visits are vital to your pregnancy and will become a routine. Lots of moms will attest to the fact that these visits are always filled with joy.
Your due date and your baby’s heartbeat will be confirmed at this appointment. In addition to keeping an eye on both you and the baby’s vitals, your doctor will advise you on how to prepare for labor and delivery, what to expect during the early days of parenthood, tips on prenatal care, and how to best care for and feed your newborn.
What To Expect in a Prenatal Visit?
Depending on your gestational age, you might be required to undergo a battery of prenatal tests. The following will also be done at almost all prenatal visits by your doctor or midwife:
- The Blood Pressure Needs to be Checked.
It is essential for all pregnant women to monitor their blood pressure because it is one of the main reasons why the unborn child and the mother get risk.
- Consider the Scales.
The doctor will have you and the baby on the scale to check your weight and growth. The size of your uterus will be measured by your doctor, either vaginally or with ultrasound. During the second and third trimesters, when you’ve gained weight, she’ll take your belly measurement and use her hands to get a feel for where the baby is.
- Collect a Urine Sample.
The doctor will want to see your urine in a cup to look for signs of preeclampsia, including abnormally high protein and sugar levels.
- Take Note of Any Swelled Fingers, Toes, or Lips.
Edema, or excess fluid accumulation, in these areas may be a symptom of preeclampsia, also known as high blood pressure in pregnancy.
- Keep an Ear Out for Heartbeats in the Womb.
Doppler monitoring, in which sound waves are bounced off the baby’s tiny ticker to create a sweet thumping sound, is typically performed between the 12th and 14th week of pregnancy. After 20 weeks, you may be able to listen to your unborn child’s heartbeat.
When Should You Start Getting Prenatal Checkups?
When you learn about your pregnancy, you should plan to make a few extra doctor’s appointments in the next nine months.
1. The First Prenatal Checkup
Around 10-12 weeks into your pregnancy, most doctors recommend you have your first prenatal checkup, a pregnancy confirmation visit, and possibly an early ultrasound typically occur between 5-8 weeks. This visit typically lasts the longest because it entails a complete physical examination and the standard battery of prenatal lab tests.
2. The Importance of Regular Exams
For healthy pregnancies, visits to the doctor should be spaced out every four weeks until the 28th week. Between 28 and 36 weeks, prenatal visits are typically scheduled every two weeks.
Between the time you reach 36 weeks along, and the time you give birth, you should visit your doctor every week.
At each visit, the doctor will measure the mother’s weight, take her blood pressure, and allow her to hear her unborn child’s heartbeat. The fetal heartbeat can be detected with a handheld doppler for the first time between 10 and 12 weeks into the pregnancy.
3. Examining Through Screens
During your pregnancy, you will have several checkups and screenings.
The most common times for various types of routine screenings are detailed below.
- A 20-Week Ultrasound Anatomy Study.
At this visit, you will be able to learn the gender of your unborn child. Curious about the other procedures performed during an anatomy ultrasound?
Between 26 and 28 weeks is when gestational diabetes and anemia are typically diagnosed.
The risk of developing gestational diabetes can be lowered through healthy eating and regular exercise. Even so, some pregnant women will still be diagnosed with gestational diabetes for reasons that medical science has yet to explain fully.
Treatment for gestational diabetes can range from dietary changes to insulin injections, depending on the individual’s needs.
- Whooping Cough (Tetanus) Vaccine: 28 Weeks
Tetanus and diphtheria vaccines will help keep your child safe.
It is still recommended that the vaccine be given to all pregnant women, regardless of whether or not they have previously received it.
- Rhogam: 28 Weeks (For “Rh Negative” Blood Types).
At 28 weeks of pregnancy and again at 72 hours after giving birth, Rh-negative women will need to receive the RhoGAM injection. Should you be Rh-negative and your unborn child is Rh-positive, this would help avoid complications. For more information, read this Pregnancy Corner piece.
- Pregnancy Must be Between 35 and 37 Weeks to Detect Group Beta Strep.
25% of all healthy adult women are positive for Group B streptococcus. It does not usually risk their health, but it can be transmitted to the newborn during delivery. To prevent infection in the newborn, your doctor will give you antibiotics.
Factors Putting You at Risk of Needing More Checkups
Your doctor will determine the frequency of your checkups based on your specific health situation. If you had any health issues before becoming pregnant, or if you experience any complications while pregnant, they will want to see you more frequently. Additional testing may be necessary to ensure the health of both you and your unborn child.
Your doctor may advise you to come in for prenatal checks more frequently if you have any of the following:
- At Least 35 Years Old.
Most women in their late 30s and 40s will have healthy, strong babies. However, after the age of 35, your risk of having a child born with a birth defect increases. Your risk of having a difficult pregnancy is increased as well.
- Disorders that have been Present in a Patient’s Health History.
Your doctor may want to see you more frequently if you have any history of diabetes or high blood pressure. To ensure the health of both you and your unborn child, your doctor will work closely with you to manage these conditions. Visit frequency may increase if you have a chronic disease like asthma, lupus, anemia, or obesity.
- Health Issues Manifest Themselves While Carrying a Child.
Your doctor will check for potential post-conceptional complications during your prenatal visits. Both preeclampsia and gestational diabetes are forms of hypertension that can develop during pregnancy. You may need to visit the clinic more frequently if you develop any of these conditions so that your doctor can closely monitor your progress.
- Regular Prenatal Visits to the Doctor Can Help Ease Your Mind.
Knowing you’re taking all the necessary precautions to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby is beautiful.
Conclusion
In conclusion, prenatal appointments are the cornerstone of a healthy pregnancy, ensuring the well-being of both the mother and the unborn child. These sessions, filled with joy and anticipation, are crucial for monitoring the baby’s growth, the mother’s health, and preparing for birth.
From the first confirmation of pregnancy to regular milestones check-ups, these appointments are invaluable for gaining insights and personalized guidance. They adapt to the unique needs of each pregnancy, with special attention for those at higher risk or facing complications.
Moreover, prenatal visits offer emotional support and a unique opportunity to bond with your unborn child, marking an essential part of the incredible journey of bringing new life into the world. Actively participating in this schedule not only fosters a healthy pregnancy but sets the stage for a thriving start to life.
To ensure you’re receiving the best support and care during this pivotal time, consider reaching out to OB2me. Our team is dedicated to helping you succeed with personalized prenatal care, tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
Let OB2me be your partner in navigating the journey of pregnancy, providing the guidance, support, and care you and your baby deserve. Contact us today to see how we can assist you in making this experience as healthy and joyful as possible.
FAQs
When should I have my first prenatal checkup?
Your first prenatal visit should ideally be scheduled around 10-12 weeks into your pregnancy. However, if you confirm your pregnancy early, an initial visit and possibly an early ultrasound could occur between 5-8 weeks to confirm the pregnancy and estimate the due date.
How often will I have prenatal appointments?
During a healthy pregnancy, you should expect to see your healthcare provider every four weeks until the 28th week, then every two weeks until the 36th week. After reaching 36 weeks, appointments should be scheduled weekly until delivery.
What can I expect during prenatal visits?
At most prenatal visits, your healthcare provider will check your blood pressure, measure your weight and the size of your uterus, collect a urine sample, and listen to the baby’s heartbeat. These checks are vital for monitoring the health and development of both you and your baby.
Why are prenatal appointments important?
Prenatal visits are crucial for ensuring the health and safety of both the mother and the unborn child. They allow for early detection and management of any potential complications, provide guidance on healthy pregnancy practices, and offer emotional support throughout the pregnancy journey.
What if I am considered high-risk? Will my prenatal appointment schedule change?
Yes, if you are considered high-risk due to age, pre-existing health conditions, or complications that arise during pregnancy, your doctor may recommend more frequent visits. This ensures closer monitoring and management of your health and your baby’s development.