What Prenatal Care Can Do for You and Your Baby
Prenatal care is essential for:
- Reducing complications during pregnancy
- Avoiding harmful substances such as radiation and lead
- Monitoring and treating existing conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure
- Reducing the baby’s risk for complications during pregnancy and after the birth
- Ensuring the medications you are currently taking are safe to take while you are pregnant.
What Happens During the First Prenatal Care Visit?
The first prenatal care visit usually takes place between six and eight weeks; however, you should schedule your appointment as soon as you learn of your pregnancy.
When you go in for your first prenatal care visit, you should expect your obstetrician to:
- Ask about your health history. Your doctor will need to know if you have conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, diseases, and prior pregnancies.
- Ask about your family’s health history. Some pregnancy issues can be genetic.
- Perform a complete physical exam, including a pap smear and pelvic exam.
- Request a urine test.
- Take your blood for lab work.
- Check your height, weight, and blood pressure.
- Calculate your due date.
Your doctor will also be ready to answer any questions you may have. It’s a good idea to write down any questions you have and bring the list to your first visit so you don’t forget to ask any of your questions.
The first prenatal care visit is usually the longest. Future prenatal care visits may include:
- Checking your blood pressure and weight.
- Monitoring the baby’s heart rate.
- Taking an ultrasound.
- Measure your abdomen to check the baby’s growth.
Your doctor may also suggest additional tests, such as blood type and HIV tests.
Schedule Your First Prenatal Care Visit in The Woodlands, TX
To learn more about prenatal care, speak with a doctor at Woodlands OBGYN Associates. Schedule a consultation at 281-364-9898; we proudly serve The Woodlands and the surrounding areas in Texas.
