Pregnancy

When should I schedule an appointment for pregnancy care?

When you get a positive result from your home pregnancy test, it’s best to schedule your first prenatal visit at OBGYN CARE. If you’re in good health overall and have no known pregnancy concerns, your first appointment usually occurs around six to eight weeks after your last period, or the second month of your pregnancy.

If your pregnancy is high-risk, Dr. Marinescu or Dr. Baker might want to see you sooner. OBGYN CARE offers in-house complete care for low- and high-risk pregnancies.

What happens during my first pregnancy appointment?

During your first pregnancy visit, Dr. Marinescu or Dr. Baker performs an exam and runs tests to confirm your pregnancy and determine your due date. Your first appointment usually involves a physical exam, including a pelvic exam and Pap smear.

Your provider confirms your pregnancy, your blood type, and certain other important factors with a simple blood test. You also discuss your concerns, past pregnancies, and health history.

Dr. Marinescu or Dr. Baker advises you regarding exercise, a nutrient-dense diet, vitamins, and any precautions you should take to have a healthier pregnancy.

What medical services are involved in prenatal care?

OBGYN CARE provides ultrasounds and screenings that test for certain conditions and abnormalities in a baby, such as Down syndrome or problems with sex chromosomes. Most tests are blood tests.

Your first trimester lasts until about 12 weeks and you have prenatal visits at least once every month.

Your second trimester begins at 13 weeks, and your monthly visits should continue during this time until you’re about 28 weeks along. 

At 18-20 weeks, you get another ultrasound to evaluate your baby’s anatomy, and you can also find out the sex of your baby at this time.

From 28-36 weeks your prenatal visits should now take place twice a month. From 36 weeks up until your delivery, weekly prenatal visits are necessary.

What is considered a high-risk pregnancy?

Several factors can make your pregnancy high risk, such as if you:

• Are underweight or overweight
• Are pregnant with multiples
• Have high blood pressure
• Are younger than 17 or older than 35
• Have diabetes
• Have a chronic health condition
• Suffer from depression
• Had problems with a previous pregnancy
• Smoke or drink alcohol regularly

OBGYN CARE gives you the support you need to foster a healthy pregnancy from conception through delivery and beyond. Call one of the offices or click to schedule today.