Prenatal care how many visits

Faced with new information and tests at every visit, many moms-to-be forget what they wanted to ask or share — so write down anything you want to tell your doctor or midwife. Your first trimester prenatal appointment, which often takes place during the second month of pregnancy, is usually the longest one as it encompasses a full recording of your medical, gynecological and obstetrical history as well as your mental health history.

A number of tests will follow, such as urine, bloodwork, genetic carrier screening, STDs, a pap smear and a blood sugar test. Your visits to the doctor are on the shorter side during the second trimester, but these prenatal appointments still include a check of your weight, urine and blood pressure. Some prenatal screenings or tests may be offered now, including those for genetic or chromosomal disorders.

In addition to asking about all the changes your body is going through, what to expect each month and during labor and delivery, you should also feel free to share any concerns you have with your doctor or midwife.

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GBS is a common bacterium often carried in the intestines or lower genital tract that's usually harmless in adults. But babies who become infected with GBS from exposure during vaginal delivery can become seriously ill. To screen for GBS , your health care provider will swab your lower vagina and anal area.

The sample will be sent to a lab for testing. If the sample tests positive for GBS — or you previously gave birth to a baby who developed GBS disease — you'll be given intravenous antibiotics during labor. The antibiotics will help protect your baby from the bacterium. Near the end of pregnancy, your health care provider might check to see if your baby is positioned headfirst in the uterus. If your baby is positioned rump-first frank breech or feet-first complete breech after week 36 of pregnancy, it's unlikely that the baby will move to a headfirst position before labor.

You might be able to have an external cephalic version. During this procedure, your health care provider will apply pressure to your abdomen and physically manipulate your baby to a headfirst position.

This is typically done with ultrasound guidance by an experienced doctor. If you prefer not to have this procedure, or if your baby remains in a breech position, your health care provider will discuss planning a C-section delivery. You will likely have plenty of questions as your due date approaches. Is it OK to have sex? How will I know when I'm in labor? What's the best way to manage the pain? Should I create a birth plan? Ask away! Feeling prepared can help calm your nerves before delivery.

Also, be sure to discuss signs that should cause you to call your health care provider, such as vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking from the vagina, as well as when and how to contact your health care provider once labor begins. There is a problem with information submitted for this request.

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Also find out how to reach your health care provider between appointments. Knowing help is available can offer peace of mind. There is a problem with information submitted for this request.

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