Unpacking Your Prenatal Care

by Kevin Smith Author

Deciding to have a child can be an exciting time for you and your family, but along with preparing at home, it is important that you spend time with your OB-GYN to set up the best course of action. When looking for an experienced gynecologist in Daytona Beach, FL it is important that he or she provides you with prenatal care and postpartum care. It may be intimidating as a first-time mother, as you may not know what to expect. Here are a few things you should be doing in your first few months of pregnancy, all the way up to the day of delivery.

Before Pregnancy

Contrary to popular belief, prenatal care should take place before you even become pregnant. If you are thinking of becoming pregnant or already planning to get pregnant, you should definitely consult your gynecologist/obstetrician to ask them about any potential health risks or complications. It is also best to talk with your physician about timing. If you have the flu, for example, it may be best to wait until you are feeling better to start trying for a baby.

Your First Prenatal Visit

Typically, you should make an appointment to visit your OB-GYN around week 8 of your pregnancy. Many physicians won't see mothers earlier that this time frame because it can be too soon to assess your body and baby's condition. Upon your first visit, you can expect a series of blood tests and other screenings for diseases such as HIV and even cystic fibrosis.

Regular Check-Ups

After your first visit, you can expect to routinely be visiting your doctor's office for check-ups. In cases where the mother and child are completely healthy and have no complications, visits can span to once a month. Traditionally, mothers will then visit every two weeks after the 28th week of pregnancy, or at the start of their third trimester. If the baby still hasn't arrived after nine months (or 36 weeks), then mother and baby should visit once a week.

Postpartum

Mothers should continue with their visits after delivery. It is important to screen for potential health complications and changes in mood or behavior such as with "baby blues" which is fairly common.

If you are looking for a gynecologist in Daytona Beach, Florida, make sure your physician is experienced in dealing with patients for the entire length of their pregnancy.