What is prenatal care?
Prenatal care is simply health care you receive while you’re pregnant, to ensure both you and your baby stay healthy. While your family doctor or general practitioner may provide good quality care during pregnancy, it’s not unusual to add an Ob/Gyn caregiver, such as Gemini OBGYN, to your team for the best in preventive care.
Prenatal care starts once you know you’re pregnant, or suspect that you may be. Early, regular care is important, and every checkup along the way has a purpose. Medical supervision improves your chances for a trouble-free pregnancy.
I’m already pregnant, so what should I be doing for myself and my baby?
If you haven’t started prenatal care, call Gemini OBGYN as soon as possible. Your doctor will assess both your health and your baby’s health, and will develop a care plan with you. This may include:
- Prenatal vitamins with folic acid, most important in the early stages of pregnancy, but necessary throughout
- A review of current medications, including over-the-counter and herbal products, in case any may put your pregnancy at risk
- A flu shot to help prevent illness during pregnancy
- A review of diet and lifestyle, including education about proper nutrition and baby-friendly activities such as moderate amounts of aerobic exercise
Gemini OBGYN has many resources to help support you through your pregnancy.
What happens during prenatal visits?
The initial prenatal visit is probably the most intense. Your doctor will:
- Ask about your health history including past pregnancies
- Ask about your family’s health history
- Perform a complete physical examination including pelvic exam and Pap smear
- Take blood and urine samples for testing
- Take blood pressure, height, and weight measurements
- Calculate your baby’s due date
- Answer your questions about your pregnancy
Later visits are typically shorter, barring any complications or health concerns, but the doctor will monitor the health of both you and your baby at each appointment.
