What happens during a prenatal visit?
During your prenatal visits, Dr. Ehiremen will perform routine testing, including:
- Blood pressure
- Weight
- Baby’s heart rate
- Abdomen measurements to assess baby’s growth
Your first visit will include all routine testing plus a full physical exam, blood testing, and possibly a breast and pelvic exam.
Your first prenatal visit should typically take place between weeks 5-8 of your pregnancy. After your first prenatal visit, you should continue to have checkups once a month until week 28. After week 28, you should have checkups every two weeks until week 36. In the last 4 weeks of your pregnancy, you should have checkups once a week.
How can I have a healthy pregnancy?
In addition to regular prenatal checkups, Dr. Ehiremen will advise you on healthy habits to help you have the best pregnancy possible. Some healthy habits you should follow include:
- Following a healthy diet
- Taking a prenatal vitamin every day
- Getting moderate exercise for 30 minutes a day
- Getting enough sleep
- Drinking plenty of water
- Reducing stress
If you have a unique situation, such as you’re expecting multiples or have another type of high-risk pregnancy, Dr. Ehiremen will provide specific instructions to ensure you and your baby stay safe and healthy.
What prenatal tests are available?
Some prenatal tests are required to ensure that you and your baby are healthy. The methods may include drawing blood, using on-site ultrasound, and testing urine. You will be tested for:
- Anemia
- Presence of infections
- Immunity to diseases
- Glucose tolerance
- Group B streptococcus
- Blood type and Rh factor
These tests are important because they help you and your doctor understand if you and your baby are at risk for problems or infections.
What is a high-risk pregnancy?
Common causes of high-risk pregnancies include:
- Very young age or older than 35
- Overweight or underweight
- Problems in a previous pregnancy
- Chronic health problems before you became pregnant
- Pregnancy with twins or other multiples
High-risk pregnancies require more frequent prenatal checkups and may necessitate additional testing.
If you’re pregnant and want trustworthy and reliable care, book an appointment with TriState OBGYN PC online or over the phone today.
