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Choosing the person or clinic that will provide your healthcare is an important decision. You and your partner may have specific ideas about how you want your pregnancy and labor to be, and you should select a healthcare provider who shares your philosophy. You want your pregnancy to be as comfortable as possible, both physically and emotionally, so choosing a healthcare provider who you trust and feel comfortable talking to is a healthy first step.
It is a good idea to have a thorough physical examination, in which your healthcare provider checks your uterus and cervix, before you try to conceive. During this visit, you and your healthcare provider should talk about any previous or current medical conditions that could affect your pregnancy. You should also map out a basic plan for becoming as healthy as possible to prepare your body for pregnancy.
Typically, in a pregnancy with no complications or special concerns, you will have healthcare appointments once a month until late pregnancy, twice a month during your seventh or eighth month, and every week after that until delivery. At these visits, your healthcare provider will check your weight, blood pressure, and urine. Your abdomen will be measured periodically to see how much your baby has grown. Pelvic exams and blood work are not usually done at every visit.
Although we all hope for safe and healthy pregnancies, sometimes problems do arise. You can help yourself and your baby in the case of a problem if you are prepared for it. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
You know your body best: if you feel that something is wrong, even if it isn't on this list, contact your healthcare provider. |