Prenatal Care Specialist

When should I schedule a prenatal care appointment?

As soon as you suspect you are pregnant, schedule an appointment with your obstetrician. Even if you have confirmed your suspicion with a home pregnancy test, it is still wise to follow-up with an appointment. This will ensure that you and your baby get off to a good start. This is especially important if you have any medical problems, for instance, hypertension, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, or even if you are simply overweight.

Why is prenatal care important?

Regular appointments with your healthcare provider throughout your pregnancy are important to ensure the health of you and your baby. In addition to medical care, prenatal care includes education on pregnancy and childbirth, counseling, and support.

What happens at my first medical visit for prenatal care?

The first visit is designed to confirm your pregnancy and to determine your general health. In addition, the visit will give your healthcare provider clues to any risk factors that may affect your pregnancy. It will typically be longer than future visits. The purpose of the prenatal visit is to:

• Determine your due date
• Discuss your health history
• Explore your family history
• Determine if you have any pregnancy risk factors
• Get prenatal labs and screening
• Discuss questions you and your partner have about your pregnancy, prenatal care, and birth options. 

What about my health history do I need to know?

You will be asked about previous pregnancies, surgeries, and medical conditions. Let your doctor know if you have had a fever, rash, or exposure to any contagious diseases. 

Notify your healthcare provider about medications (prescription or over-the-counter) you are currently taking or have taken in the past six months; also notify the physician of drugs or alcohol you have used. Discussing your history of sexually transmitted diseases is also addressed since it could affect the pregnancy and mode of delivery. Take time to think about exposures you might have had to other potential toxins. Bring a list of any concerns, especially if you live or work near toxic materials. Inform your medical provider if you have received a blood transfusion in the past or if you do not accept blood products, even in emergency cases.

What about my family history?

Ask your family about diseases that run in the family. These include hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disorders, bleeding disorders, a history of blood clots, and cancer specifically breast, ovarian, uterine, and colon.

What about birth defects in the family?

Your practitioner will ask:

Whether you, the baby’s father, or anyone in either family has a chromosomal or genetic disorder, had developmental delays, or was born with a birth defect.

What questions should I ask for my first prenatal visit?

Do not hesitate to ask your provider any questions you may have. Most likely, those are the questions your provider hears most often! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions. Print or write them down, take them to your appointment and feel free to add your own.

• What is my due date?
• Do I need prenatal vitamins?
• Are the symptoms I am experiencing normal?
• Is it normal not to experience certain symptoms?
• What are the specific recommendations regarding weight gain, exercise, and nutrition?
• What activities, foods, or substances (for example, medicine, caffeine, and alternative sweeteners) should I avoid?
• Can I have sex?
• For what symptoms should I call the doctor?
• What is the definition of a high-risk pregnancy? Am I considered to be high risk?
• Is there a hotline that I can call if I have questions?
• When will my next prenatal visit be scheduled?

To learn more about prenatal care services available, call the Center for Women’s Health or request an appointment online.