Prenatal visits are important for many reasons: to make sure your baby is growing normally, to screen for any concerning symptoms, and to provide education about your pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period. Here is what happens during prenatal visits:
Your first visit will likely be your longest. You will have a detailed history taken, This will also include screening for any pertinent family history. You will have a physical exam done, and afterward, you will probably be sent to a lab to get your prenatal bloodwork done.
At all visits, your blood pressure and weight are checked. Your belly will be measured to make sure your baby is growing well, and your baby’s heart rate will be listened to at each visit after it can be heard, usually around 12 weeks.
Your appointments are usually monthly in the beginning, and by the time you are term they are once a week. Of course, if there are any high-risk issues, you may need to see your doctor more frequently than that. Lastly, every visit is a chance to ask your obstetric provider questions.