Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is the foundation of a healthy pregnancy. Through regular visits, screenings, and guidance, our team is here to support you and your growing baby every step of the way. Whether this is your first pregnancy or one of many, comprehensive prenatal care ensures you feel informed, supported, and prepared for what’s ahead.
Why Prenatal Care Matters
Prenatal care helps track the progress of your pregnancy, monitor fetal growth and development, and detect any potential concerns early. It also gives you the opportunity to ask questions, manage symptoms, and plan for labor and delivery.
Benefits of routine prenatal care include:
- Monitoring your health and your baby’s growth
- Awareness of complications
- Managing existing health conditions
- Providing education on nutrition, exercise, and labor preparation
- Offering emotional support throughout your pregnancy journey
Your First Prenatal Visit
We typically schedule the first prenatal appointment around 8 weeks of pregnancy. During this visit, we will:
- Confirm your pregnancy and due date
- Review your medical history and lifestyle habits
- Perform a physical exam and order lab work
- Discuss prenatal vitamins and healthy routines
- Answer any questions you have about early symptoms
This initial appointment sets the stage for your care plan throughout pregnancy.
Prenatal Visit Schedule
You’ll have regular checkups throughout your pregnancy to monitor your health and your baby’s development:
- Every 4 weeks until 28 weeks
- Every 2 weeks from 28 to 36 weeks
- Weekly visits from 36 weeks until delivery
More frequent visits may be needed if you have a high-risk pregnancy or underlying health conditions. Make sure to seek care if you have any concerns.
What to Expect at Prenatal Appointments
Each visit typically includes:
- Checking your weight, blood pressure, and urine
- Measuring your baby’s growth and heart rate
- Monitoring fetal movement and position
- Addressing symptoms, concerns, or lifestyle changes
- Providing guidance on upcoming tests or milestones
Your provider will also help you prepare for important decisions around testing, birth planning, and postpartum care.
Key Screenings and Tests
Throughout pregnancy, we’ll recommend screenings and labs to monitor you and your baby’s health. These may include:
- Blood type and anemia testing
- Genetic carrier screening
- Ultrasounds (first-trimester dating and second-trimester anatomy scan)
- Gestational diabetes screening
- Group B strep testing
- Rh factor monitoring
Your provider will explain each test, what it checks for, and when it’s recommended based on your medical history.
Managing Pregnancy Symptoms
Prenatal care isn’t just about tests and numbers. It’s also your space to talk about how you’re feeling: physically, emotionally, and mentally. We help you manage:
- Nausea and morning sickness
- Fatigue and sleep challenges
- Back pain or round ligament pain
- Constipation and digestion issues
- Frequent urination
- Mood swings or anxiety
We’re here to listen and provide solutions that are safe for pregnancy.
High-Risk Pregnancy Support
If you have a high-risk pregnancy due to age, chronic health conditions, or previous complications, we’ll closely monitor you with personalized care and collaboration with maternal-fetal medicine specialists if needed.
Conditions we help manage include:
- Hypertension or preeclampsia
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disorders
- Multiple gestation (twins, triplets, etc.)
- Placental complications
Or any other issues that make your pregnancy high risk. Even with added risks, many people go on to have healthy pregnancies and deliveries with the right care plan in place.
Your Partner in Care
Pregnancy is a time that can be scary, but also filled with excitement and change. You deserve a care team that’s not only medically experienced, but also supportive, respectful, and ready to guide you through every stage.
Schedule your first prenatal visit today and get the care, information, and support you need for a healthy pregnancy.