Your Pregnancy > Prenatal Care Examinations

Prenatal Care Examinations

Prenatal office visits are usually scheduled each month until the third trimester when they are every two weeks and then weekly during the last month. High-risk pregnancies often require more frequent visits. We also require that you attend one of our Prenatal Education Programs (PEP) at the beginning of your first trimester. This small group session with one of our Registered Nurses will cover medical issues and concerns of your pregnancy.

Health History

Your health care team will want to know about your past history. Your team can give special care if some part of your health history could be a problem for you or your baby. They will ask questions about other pregnancies. They will want to know about miscarriages and abortions. They will also want to know about menstrual periods and problems with your periods. You will be asked about many other illnesses. You will be asked about illnesses or genetic disorders that have occurred in the family.

Blood Tests

Samples of your blood are taken for blood tests. The tests help show some things about your health. One test checks your blood type. It tells if the blood is Rh positive or Rh negative. The tests also show anemia or an infection such as syphilis. Syphilis could harm your baby. Another test will show if you are protected against rubella. Some of these tests may be given again during your pregnancy.

Blood Pressure

Your blood pressure will be checked to learn what is normal for you. It will be checked often to see if it remains normal. Many women are more anxious and feel more stress during pregnancy. You may not always be aware of stress but it is there. Sometimes stress can cause blood pressure to be higher. Higher blood pressure can sometimes be a sign of "toxemia" in pregnancy. Toxemia is a large buildup of body fluids in the blood. Poor diet may be the most leading cause of toxemia. All causes of toxemia are not known. Toxemia can be stopped before it is serious. This can be done when it is found early. Lost of rest and a balanced diet help a great deal.

Weight

You will be weighed at each visit. Gaining or losing too much weight can affect your baby's health. When you gain your weight is important. How you gain your weight is important. The total amount of weight is less important. The pattern of your weight gain helps show if there is too much fat or too much fluid. It is normal to store some extra fluid while you are pregnant.

Urine Tests

A urine test will be done at each visit. The urine is tested for sugar and protein content. These tests will show if there is diabetes or some other problem. A urine test will also show if there are kidney or bladder infections. These infections can occur more often when you are pregnant.

Breast Exam

Your breasts will be examined in some visits. You should also learn how to examine your own breasts. You may want to nurse your baby. You should ask for directions on how to get your breasts and nipples ready.

Abdominal Exam

The size of your uterus will be measured at each visit. This shows the growth of your baby. The baby's position and size will be checked also. You can usually hear the heartbeat by the 14th week of pregnancy.

Pelvic Exam

A pelvic or external exam will dome at some visits. The inside of the vagina will be checked as well as your bone structure.

Physical Exam

You will have a complete physical exam when you are first pregnant. You may have a complete physical exam again close to the end of being pregnant.

Special Tests

There are some special tests that may be given. These tests give important facts about your baby's growth and health. One test that is given is the sonogram. It is something like an x-ray but sound waves are used. Sound waves are used because they are safe. They show how the baby is located in your uterus. They also show where the placenta is located. Another test that is sometimes used is amniocentesis. This test is only used when there are special problems. Some of the amniotic fluid around the baby is taken out. This fluid will tell the sex of the baby. It will show if there are problems such as jaundice. There are some risks when the needle is put into the amniotic sac.