What to Expect: Your Complete Guide to the OBGYN Appointment Schedule During Pregnancy
At Chapel Hill OBGYN, we take great pride in taking time to get to know all our patients by name. We treat our practice and our patients like a family, and we are always excited to have a new “addition” to our group.
When you’re expecting, we’ll tailor a care plan just for you. Here are some guidelines to give you an idea of what to expect during your pregnancy.
Prenatal care during the first trimester
We suggest scheduling a confirmation of pregnancy appointment as soon as you think you’re pregnant. This is an important visit. We’ll take time getting to know you, discussing your medical history and ensuring we have an up-to-date list of all the medications and herbal remedies you use. We also want to know about your gynecological history, if you’ve had any previous pregnancies, including miscarriages and any problems you’ve had with your menstrual cycle.
You may wish for your partner to be with you during this first appointment, however, if there are issues of a sensitive nature, you’ll always have an opportunity to speak to one of us privately.
After your pregnancy confirmation appointment, you will be scheduled for your first obstetric appointment. During that appointment, we will:
- Establish your due date
- Determine which vaccinations you have had and if you will need additional ones
- Determine the suggested amount of weight you will need to gain for your pregnancy
- Perform an ultrasound of your pregnancy
- Perform a gynecological exam
- Develop a care plan tailored to your needs that includes consideration of your obstetrical and medical history
- Discuss the availability of genetic testing options if desired
Depending upon your risk factors and the results of the physical examination, we’ll schedule visits throughout the first trimester, which in general will be an exam every four weeks. During these we’ll check your blood pressure and other vital signs. When you are 10 to 12 weeks pregnant, we may be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat.
This is a good time to review information on our wide variety of childbirth, child care and breastfeeding classes that are available.
We highly recommend participation in our Centering Pregnancy ® program. Through this program, those who have similar due dates meet as a group with their health care provider, sharing information, concerns and developments. As a result, women are able to spend more time with their health care provider while also developing a sense of community and emotional support.
Midwifery Care at Chapel Hill OBGYN
Our Certified Nurse Midwives are dedicated professionals who provide personalized care and support for labor and delivery for those with low-risk pregnancies. Our midwives lead our Centering Pregnancy ® sessions and provide care throughout pregnancy as well as labor and birth. In addition they also provide postpartum support along with breastfeeding information and assistance.
Our Advanced Care Team
We have an obstetric advanced care team that supports you by streamlining communication between members of your health care team. We will help you make decisions that best reflect your preferences and values that are important to you.
Obstetric visits during your second trimester
During your second trimester, it’s time to discover if you’re having a boy or a girl (unless you want to be surprised!).
This is also the time during which we will have additional discussions about screening and diagnostic tests for genetic markers that can detect conditions such as Down syndrome or spina bifida. Spina bifida occurs when the neural tube containing the spine doesn’t close completely. As a result, it can cause disabilities that can range from mild to severe, depending upon what part of the spinal cord and nerves are affected (Centers for Disease Control).
Other second trimester tests include:
- Fetal ultrasounds – which help us evaluate your baby’s development.
- Blood tests – which check your iron level and evaluate your risk for gestational diabetes.
We’ll also continue measurements to mark your baby’s growth.
Through your birthing classes and other opportunities, you’ll realize that you’re on this journey with many others, whether they are first-time parents or welcoming a sibling into a large household. We want to encourage you to ask us and all your health care providers any questions. This is an exciting moment in your life, and it’s important that you let us know of any concerns you have.
Third trimester visits
Depending upon the results of your tests and fetal development, we’ll schedule appointments every two to four weeks until you are at 36 weeks. From then on, we will have weekly checkups until time for you to deliver. In addition to the routine tests established during the second trimester, we will:
- Ask you to keep track of how often your baby moves.
- Test you for a bacterium called group B strep (GBS). Those who are carriers receive an antibiotic during labor to decrease the risk of transmission of this bacterium to their baby.
- Check the baby’s position. If your baby has a breech presentation, we will monitor the situation closely and discuss the option of trying to turn your baby to improve the chance of a vaginal birth.
- Examine your cervix and monitor it for changes including dilation.
- Continue to discuss your birth plan.
Throughout your pregnancy, we encourage you to ask questions
There is no question that is too embarrassing. We want you to be empowered and take an active role in the care of both you and your baby. Our team of obstetricians and nurse midwives will monitor you closely and provide empathy, support and encouragement whenever needed.
Do you think you may be pregnant? Please call us to schedule an appointment. We can usually see you within the same week that you call.
For more than 40 years, Chapel Hill OBGYN has served women in Durham and Chapel Hill area, sharing the joy of little miracles and supporting them during challenges. Our board-certified physicians and certified nurse midwives bring together the personal experience and convenience of a private practice with the state-of-the-art resources found at larger organizations. To schedule an appointment, please contact us for more information.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic.
“Smoking and Pregnancy: Understand the Risks.” Online.
“Pregnancy Week by Week. In-Depth Prenatal Care.” Online.
