Learning About Prenatal Visits

Overview

Regular prenatal visits are very important during any pregnancy. These quick office visits may seem simple and routine. But they can help you have a safe and healthy pregnancy. Your doctor is watching for problems that can only be found through regular checkups. The visits also give you and your doctor time to build a good relationship.

After your first visit, you will most likely start on a schedule of monthly visits. In your third trimester, the visits will get more frequent. Based on your health, your age, and if you've had a normal, full-term pregnancy before, your doctor may want to see you more or less often.

At different times in your pregnancy, you will have exams and tests. Some are routine. Others are done only when there is a chance of a problem. Everything healthy you do for your body helps you have a healthy pregnancy. Rest when you need it. Eat well, drink plenty of water, and exercise regularly.

What happens during a prenatal visit?

• You will have blood pressure checks, along with urine tests. You also may have blood tests. If you need to go to the bathroom while waiting for the doctor, tell the nurse. You will be given a sample cup so your urine can be tested.
• You will be weighed and have your belly measured.
• Your doctor may listen to the fetal heartbeat with a special device.
• At about 24 weeks, and possibly earlier in your pregnancy, your doctor will check your blood sugar (glucose tolerance test) for diabetes that can occur during pregnancy. This is gestational diabetes, which can be harmful.
• You will have tests to check for infections that could harm your newborn. These include group B streptococcus and hepatitis B.
• Your doctor may do ultrasounds to check for problems. This also checks the position of the fetus. An ultrasound uses sound waves to produce a picture of the fetus.
• You may get your vaccines updated.
• Your doctor may ask you questions to check for signs of anxiety or depression. Tell your doctor if you feel sad, anxious, or hopeless for more than a few days.
• You may have other tests at any time during your pregnancy.
• Use your visits to discuss with your doctor any concerns you have.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Get plenty of rest.
• Try to exercise every day, if your doctor says it is okay. If you have not exercised in the past, start out slowly. For example, you can take short walks each day.
• Choose healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, and healthy fats.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Cut down on drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and cola. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
• Try to avoid chemical fumes, paint fumes, and poisons.
• If you smoke, vape, or use alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs, quit or cut back as much as you can. Talk to your doctor if you need help quitting.
• Review all of your medicines, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements, with your doctor. Some of your routine medicines may need to be changed. Do not stop or start taking any medicines without talking to your doctor first.