You have decided to read and become an informed parent during this exciting time in your life, so you are on the right track! By learning about what to expect, you will be prepared to make educated decisions about obstacles that may lie ahead.
First things first! You need to find a doctor the minute you find out you are pregnant. Ask your friends, family and medical professionals for suggestions of doctors they like and trust. Decide whether you want a male doctor, female doctor or even a midwife. Figure out whether you want a sole practitioner or a doctor from a large practice. A sole practitioner is a little more personal, but may not be available on the day of your delivery, which could leave you with someone unfamiliar to deliver your baby. A large practice is less one on one with a particular doctor, but you will see most of the doctors at least once, so if your preferred doctor is not available on delivery day, you will be with someone who is trusted by your doctor and knows your particular situation.
Here are a few questions you should ask when you interview a physician:
Are you affiliated with the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology? Are you board certified?
How many years have you been in practice?
If there are nurse practitioners, midwives, or physicians assistants in the practice, what role will they play in patient care?
Will you be available on my due date?
How many babies have you delivered vaginal? Cesarean? Induced?
How do you feel about pain control?
What is your position on doulas?
Do you favor a certain birthing method? (Lamaze, Bradley, etc.)
Will breastfeeding support be provided at birth?
What are your backup plans in case you are unavailable on delivery day or in the case of an emergency?
Do you support birth plans? (use of pain meds, lighting, treatment, etc.)
How are between visit questions and concerns handled?
Once you know who you want for a doctor, schedule your first prenatal appointment. If you are experiencing problems, ask to be seen right away; if not, you will be scheduled around your 8th week. During the first 24 weeks, you will have a visit every 4 weeks. Between 28 and 36 weeks, you will be seen every 2 weeks. After 36 weeks, you will have visits every week.
Your first doctor’s visit will be longer than most. Be sure to ask questions to learn all about what to expect. You will be required to fill out a health history form, have a physical exam including pap and pelvic exam, go through lab work and have an ultrasound to determine your due date. You will be checked for anemia, bladder infections have your blood checked for type and Rh factor, screen for harmful antibodies, sexually transmitted diseases, and hepatitis B.
The health history form can be quite lengthy. Some topics that might be covered are: previous deliveries, you and your partner’s genetic history, previous medical problems and surgeries, current medications, allergies, alcohol and tobacco use, sexually transmitted disease history and other gynecology history.
Your due date will be calculated by using the last day of your menstrual period, if know the day of conception and ultrasound. This due date is very important since it works as a timeline to determine your baby’s growth rate and overall health.
Since the majority of tests will be given at your first prenatal visit, here is a list of some to prepare for:
Blood type
Blood count
Rubella immunity
Hepatitis B
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
HIV
Pap test
You will also have certain tests that will be performed at each of your prenatal visits including:
Urine Tests
Your weight gain/loss
Blood Pressure
Fundal Height
Fetal Movements
Fetal Heart Rate
Three major routine tests are performed during the third trimester of your pregnancy. You will have your blood count checked, screening for diabetes, and tested for Group B Strep Infection.
Overall, if you stay informed and know what to expect, you will feel more at ease with each doctor’s visit. Just keep in mind that each visit brings you closer to meeting your little bundle of joy!
