Prenatal Care

OB Education Visit

During your first visit, one of our obstetrical nurses will:

• Conduct a thorough medical history for both you and the father-to-be.

• Record your weight and blood pressure.

• Perform a pregnancy test to confirm your pregnancy.

• Review prenatal testing and explain how we will monitor your pregnancy.

• Answer any initial questions you may have and consult with your doctor regarding any concerns.

First Visit with Your Doctor

At your first prenatal appointment, we will perform comprehensive prenatal laboratory tests, including:

• Blood tests to screen for:

  • Hepatitis B (a virus transmitted through bodily fluids).

  • HIV.

  • Reactive plasma reagent (RPR) to screen for syphilis.

  • Immunity to rubella (German measles).

  • Blood type and Rh factor screening.

  • Complete blood count (CBC).

• Urinalysis to check for signs of infection or other health concerns.

• Pap smear (if due) and possible cervical cultures.

• Transvaginal ultrasound to:

  • Estimate gestational age.

  • Detect fetal heartbeat.

  • Determine if you are carrying more than one baby.

Subsequent Visits

Your follow-up prenatal appointments will typically follow this schedule:

• Every four weeks during the first seven months of pregnancy.

• Every two weeks from 28 to 36 weeks.

• Weekly from 36 weeks until delivery.

At each visit, we will:
✅ Check your weight and blood pressure.
✅ Ask for a urine sample to monitor for:

• Protein, which may indicate preeclampsia.

• Glucose, which could be a sign of gestational diabetes.
  ✅ Examine your hands and feet for swelling.
  ✅ Use a Doppler device to listen to your baby’s heartbeat.
  ✅ Monitor fetal activity, size, and growth of your uterus.
  ✅ From 36 weeks onward, perform cervical/internal exams to assess readiness for labor.

We are here to support you throughout your pregnancy journey. If you have any concerns or experience unusual symptoms, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.

On follow-up visits, your weight and blood pressure will be checked. Your prenatal appointments will be arranged at approximately four week intervals during the first seven months and closer thereafter. Office visits will be on a weekly basis from 36 weeks

to delivery. Your visits at that point will include a cervical/internal exam. You will be asked
to provide a urine specimen on every visit. Urine is tested for protein, which could lead
to a condition known as preeclampsia and glucose, which is an indication of gestational diabetes. Your hands and feet will be checked for swelling.

A doppler will be used to hear the baby’s heart tones. Fetal activity and the size and growth of your uterus will be checked.