Pregnancy

Why is a pre-pregnancy consultation a good idea?

Pregnancy takes a huge toll on your body’s resources. Making sure you’re as healthy as possible before becoming pregnant is an important part of helping to ensure you and your baby have an uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery.

What happens during a prenatal exam?

Prenatal exams provide your obstetrician with the opportunity to evaluate your health and the health of your developing baby. During the visit, your weight and blood pressure will be measured and recorded and your belly may be measured. You’ll be asked about any symptoms you may be experiencing, and a urine test will also usually be performed. Depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy or if your pregnancy is considered high-risk, an ultrasound or blood tests may be ordered as well. Plus, you’ll receive guidance regarding how to stay healthy and you’ll be told what changes you can expect before your next office visit.

How often do I need to have a prenatal exam?

Most women see the obstetrician every four weeks for the first few months of pregnancy, then every two weeks and finally every week for the few weeks before the due date. Women who have high-risk pregnancies will usually need to be seen more frequently for monitoring.

What constitutes a high-risk pregnancy?

High-risk pregnancies include any pregnancy where the health of the mother or baby or both may be at risk during pregnancy or delivery. There are many possible causes of high-risk pregnancies, including:

• Older maternal age
• Hereditary or genetic disorders
• Diabetes that exists before pregnancy or develops during pregnancy
• Smoking
• High blood pressure that exists before pregnancy or develops during pregnancy
• Obesity
• Presence of large or growing fibroids
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Being pregnant with more than one baby

High-risk pregnancies are managed with regular office visits and monitoring with blood tests, ultrasounds and other testing and evaluation to ensure both the baby and the mother remain healthy. Lifestyle changes like stopping smoking and avoiding alcohol or illicit drug use are also important.