Basic Guidelines for Your Pregnancy
Your Pre-Obstetrical counseling appointment will include:
- History taken by nurse
- Prenatal information given
- Prenatal vitamins
- Blood work RX given
Your initial visit will routinely include:
- Physical examination including pelvic exam, pap smear and cultures
- Blood work-results discussed
- Due date established
- Genetic testing discussed if 35 years or older
- Finances discussed
The following regular appointments will include these checks.
- 12 weeks:
- Fetal heart should be heard.
- Approximately 15 weeks:
- For women who will be 35 years of age or older at the time of delivery, an amniocentesis is done if desired.
- 16 -18 weeks:
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An AFP (alpha fetoprotein) blood test is offered (blood drawn from the mother). This test helps determine the possibility of spinal cord defects and other abnormalities.
PLEASE READ PAMPHLET GIVEN AT FIRST VISIT PRIOR TO THIS TIME.
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An AFP (alpha fetoprotein) blood test is offered (blood drawn from the mother). This test helps determine the possibility of spinal cord defects and other abnormalities.
- 20 weeks:
- Before your 20th week of pregnancy pre-register at your hospital. An ultrasound may be done to determine baby’s well-being as well as to gather information on baby.
- 25 -28 weeks:
- Glucose test-blood sugar test is done to see if your body is metabolizing sugar properly or if further testing is needed. This is only a 1 hour screening test but, may require a 3 hour test if sugars are elevated.
- Prepared childbirth class should be taken.:
- Different types and places are offered to suit your needs.
- Please register before your 7th month.
- Hospital tour and registration comes with the childbirth classes, or call the hospital for an appointment.
- Near term:
- Weekly visits at 36 weeks.
- From 38 weeks on, pelvic exams may be done to check for cervical changes and baby’s position.
- Post term:
- Further exams may include non-stress test to check fetal heart and contractions. Ultrasound may be done to determine baby’s well being.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in the Contemporary Women’s Care website should be relied upon for medical education purposes only. It is not intended to replace the independent judgment of a health care provider. The appropriateness of a course of treatment for a patient may vary from the medical information provided herein due to individual conditions and/or complications.
