Can Prenatal Care Prepare Me for Everything I Need to Know?

As soon as you get a positive pregnancy test, it’s time to start preparing for your little one’s arrival. Part of this preparation includes getting a nursery ready, shopping for baby clothes, and picking out the perfect baby name. However, the first step to take is setting up prenatal care. 

Prenatal care includes all the health care and preparation you need to make sure you and your growing baby stay healthy and safe all throughout your pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond. 

Because prenatal care encompasses so much (and can feel overwhelming), our team of obstetricians at the Center for Women’s Health Richmond in Sugar Land and Richmond, Texas, review what we offer in our prenatal care services in this month’s blog. 

What to expect from your first prenatal visit

Your first prenatal visit happens after you’re about eight weeks pregnant unless you have a medical condition that would require an earlier appointment. This initial visit is your longest one, so make sure to plan accordingly.

During your appointment, our team reviews your medical history, including your family health history, any previous pregnancies, health conditions, and any other factors that may impact the health of your pregnancy. 

Then we conduct a variety of health screenings including a blood draw, pelvic exam, breast exam, blood pressure reading, and a Pap test. We can also answer any questions you might have about your due date, birthing choices, prenatal vitamin recommendations, etc. 

What to expect after your first prenatal appointment

During your first trimester, which lasts until you’re 13 weeks (three months) pregnant, your appointments are about four weeks apart. Each appointment includes a blood pressure and weight measurement along with a reading of your baby’s heartbeat. 

Once you hit your second trimester (14-27 weeks), your appointments continue to include blood pressure and weight checks but also include growth checks of your baby by measuring from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus. 

Appointments continue every four weeks, and other screenings such as testing you for gestational diabetes and testing your baby for chromosomal disorders happen during this period. 

As your due date approaches in the third trimester (28-40 weeks), visits are every two weeks. You may need updated vaccinations during this time, and our team ensures at every visit that your baby is head down and ready to deliver when that time comes. 

To learn more about what’s included in our prenatal care or to get started with one of our obstetricians, schedule an appointment by calling your nearest office location or using our online booking feature today.