Our physicians encourage their patients to make informed decisions about their care. To help you through this important and miraculous event, we suggest you download our week-by-week guide to pregnancy, What to Expect When You’re Expecting.
We hope you will feel secure and know we will do our best to make each birth the most enjoyable experience possible. Our goal is a healthy baby and healthy mom.
Schedule a pre-pregnancy appointment or as soon as you suspect you're pregnant. This will ensure you and your baby get off to a good start. Feel free to browse our Pregnancy and Birthing Center of Excellence for information and resources you might need.
Why is prenatal care important?
Regular appointments throughout your pregnancy are important to ensure your health and the health of your baby. In addition to medical care, prenatal care includes education on pregnancy and childbirth, plus counseling and support.
Frequent visits allow you to follow the progress of your baby's development. Visits also give you the opportunity to ask questions.
What happens at my first medical visit for prenatal care?
The first visit is designed to confirm your pregnancy and to determine your general health. The visit will also give your healthcare provider clues to any risk factors that may affect your pregnancy. It will typically be longer than future visits. The purpose of the prenatal visit is to:
- Determine your due date
- Find out your health history
- Explore the medical history of family members
- Determine if you have any pregnancy risk factors based on your age, health and/or personal and family history
You will be asked about previous pregnancies and surgeries, medical conditions and exposure to any contagious diseases. Do not hesitate to ask us any questions you may have.
Here are some questions you may want to ask. Print or write them down, add to them and take them to your appointment.
- What is my due date?
- Do I need prenatal vitamins?
- Are the symptoms I'm experiencing normal?
- Is it normal not to experience certain symptoms?
- Is there anything I can take for morning sickness?
- What are the specific recommendations regarding weight gain, exercise and nutrition?
- What activities, foods, substances, (for example, medicine, caffeine and alternative sweeteners like Equal) should I avoid?
- Can I have sex while I am pregnant?
- For what symptoms should I call?