Give your child the greatest possible beginning in life by observing the prescribed schedule of prenatal appointments throughout your pregnancy. While these consultations might be difficult to accommodate into your hectic schedule, prenatal care Garden City helps safeguard you and your kid’s health. Whether you have a low or high-risk pregnancy, OBGYN specialist Dr. John Gomes offers care throughout all pregnancy phases, ranging from basic exams to diagnostic tests. Read on to learn how often you should visit your physician during pregnancy, including what to expect.
When Should You Begin Prenatal Care?
Soon after your doctor confirms your pregnancy, you should arrange for your initial prenatal appointment. Although most women begin prenatal care around eight weeks into their pregnancies, specialists suggest you start sooner if you have a high-risk pregnancy caused by:
- A record of pregnancy problems
- A diagnosed health problem
- Advanced maternal age
- Symptoms like vaginal bleeding and stomach discomfort
Your initial prenatal consultation is often longer than subsequent appointments. This appointment comprises a thorough physical examination, pelvic examination, and health history check. Moreover, you might receive a Pap smear, as well as urine, blood, and STD testing.
During these initial pregnancy phases, your doctor will provide lifestyle recommendations, including engaging in regular exercise, consuming prenatal vitamins, and maintaining good nutrition to promote your health and your kid’s growth.
What Is The Standard ‘Prenatal Care’ Schedule?
If your pregnancy is uncomplicated and your general health is good, you will probably have around fifteen prenatal appointments. As your pregnancy advances, your doctor spaces these visits closer. Most women follow this prenatal care schedule:
- One appointment after four weeks throughout the 4th and 28th week of pregnancy
- One appointment after two weeks throughout weeks 28the and 36th week
- One appointment after every week throughout the 36th and 40the week
However, this schedule is merely a suggestion. If you have a preexisting health concern or other issues with an increased likelihood of complications, your doctor may demand more frequent consultations and shorter intervals between visits.
What Should You Expect?
After the initial consultation, prenatal appointments consist of a physical assessment and tests tailored to your health condition and pregnancy phase. As your pregnancy progresses, your specialist could modify your checkups to track specific physical changes or medical concerns impacting you or your child.
A normal prenatal visit involves:
- Weighing and measuring your blood pressure
- Doppler ultrasonography to check the child’s heart rate
- Examination of your abdomen to track the development of your baby
- Urine test for indicators of problems, such as urinary tract infections, preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes
What Are The Risks Of Not Seeking Prenatal Care?
Even if you are in good health and your pregnancy is uncomplicated, routine prenatal checkups could impact a healthy delivery and child. If you do not obtain prenatal care, your child risks having a diminished birth weight and could sometimes die prematurely. Likewise, your doctor will not identify underlying health concerns such as anemia, hypertension, or gestational diabetes that could harm you or your kid’s health.
Give your child the greatest possible foundation. Always attend to all your prenatal care appointments at Women’s Healthcare of Garden City. Dr. John Gomes and his expert staff will ensure healthy delivery and educate you on how to care for your newborn. Call the Garden City, NY office or use the online scheduling tool to schedule an appointment.