Routine Pregnancy Care

Every pregnancy is unique.

We respect the fact that your prenatal visits are a special time for you.  During your appointments we will track your health and your unborn baby’s health and development. We have designed our appointment schedules with you in mind – visits available at varied times of the day with our obstetricians and certified nurse midwives. We are available 24/7 for any urgent needs that may arise during your pregnancy.

Obstetrical history

Once your pregnancy has been confirmed, your next visit to our office will be your obstetrical history. Prior to your appointment, we may ask you to complete and return pertinent paperwork. Having this information prior to your visit will enable your practitioner to address pertinent topics during your visit. The purpose of the history appointment is to 

• Discuss the health histories/genetics of you, your family, the baby’s father, and his family
• Learn about prenatal screening tests
• Review and sign consent forms
• Talk about obstetrician and midwifery options in our practice
• Receive information about and resources for your pregnancy
• Coordinate necessary blood tests to be completed at a lab

Obstetrical physical

Following your obstetrical history, we will see you for your obstetrical physical which includes an exam similar to an annual gynecological physical. We will perform the following: 

• Urine test for glucose (sugar) and protein. 
• Pelvic exam to verify gestational age by the size of your uterus
• Pap smear and breast exam if indicated
• We will listen for your baby’s heart rate although it is completely normal not to hear it at this early stage.

Prenatal check-ups

After your ob physical, your routine visits to our office will occur at intervals appropriate for your gestational age to follow your health and the health of your baby. 

• Monthly until approximately 28-32 weeks
• Every two weeks until 36 weeks
• Weekly from 36 weeks until delivery; an internal exam will be performed from roughly 38 weeks until delivery to check for dilation of your cervix.
• Additional visits may be scheduled outside of these intervals as needed throughout your pregnancy.

At each prenatal checkup, we will: 

• Ask for a urine sample to monitor for problems
• Listen to your baby’s heartbeat
• Check your baby’s approximate growth by assessing uterine size