Pregnancy Visits FAQs
What tests do they do on the baby throughout pregnancy?
The three most common tests that mother and baby will have throughout the pregnancy are blood and urine tests coupled with ultrasounds. For parents whose ethnic background merits it, genetic testing (of the blood or a sample from the placenta) may be performed. Other tests that may be performed include:
- Amniocentesis—a needle used to remove a small amount of amniotic fluid for testing. This can be done to test for birth defects, evaluate the baby for infection or other illness, or test to see if baby’s lungs are developed enough to have an early delivery.
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)—A sample of placenta tissue is tested in early pregnancy for markers of genetic problems.
- Fetal monitoring—a specialized stethoscope that detects and measures fetal heart rate and rhythm.
- Group B streptococcus culture—Swabs are taken from mom’s vagina and rectum to look for bacteria that could be passed to the baby at birth.
Why are there so many tests to gauge baby’s health and progress?
The number of tests a woman has during her pregnancy depends on her personal health situation. Many are standard for all moms, such as blood tests to screen for signs of infection, determine mom’s blood type and Rh factor, and look for signs of anemia. Other tests may be standard based on the woman’s age, ethnic background, or family medical history. Then there are tests that are in response to a symptom or concern. The bottom line for all of these is that testing helps doctors get the most information and find the best possible time to adjust planning and start treatments to minimize risk to both mom and baby. Women who want to understand their testing better should discuss it with their physicians.
What happens at the first prenatal visit?
The first prenatal visit will be similar to a well-woman exam, including medical history, physical exam, breast exam, and pelvic exam with a Pap smear and cultures. The doctor will also check for the size of the uterus and for any abnormalities in the reproductive tract with a bimanual internal exam—two fingers inside the vagina and a hand on the abdomen. An ultrasound may also be performed to help pinpoint the baby’s due date and listen for a heartbeat, which starts around 6 weeks and may be heard around week 8. There will also be blood tests, a urine test, and likely some discussion about genetic testing and/or counseling. There should be plenty of time to ask questions and address symptoms. By the end of the visit, women will most likely have a due date, an idea of how often future prenatal visits will be, and information on how to contact the doctor for additional questions that come up.
What is GBS (Group B Streptococcal)?
Group B Streptococcal is a type of bacteria that are found in 10% to 30% of pregnant women, according to the CDC. Women can pass this bacteria to their babies during delivery. Infants with GBS can get serious complications including infections in the lungs (pneumonia), spinal cord (meningitis), and blood (sepsis). Women usually get tested for GBS around their 36th week of pregnancy. If positive, pregnant women can take a course of antibiotics before delivery to lessen the risk of passing GBS to their baby.
What is a prenatal appointment?
A prenatal appointment is a visit with an obstetrician (or nurse midwife) to check on the progression of the pregnancy and how both mom and baby are doing. Moms will have a series of prenatal visits throughout their pregnancy. How frequent these visits are will depend on the overall health of both mother and baby. This is also an opportunity for pregnant women and their partners to ask questions and build confidence at each stage of pregnancy—including what to expect during labor and delivery. Prenatal visits continue right up until the baby’s birth and then transition into postnatal care (also called postpartum care), which monitors and maximizes both, baby’s and mom’s health.
Should I make a prenatal appointment?
Yes. Women should contact their OB/GYN soon after learning (or suspecting) they are pregnant. Regular prenatal visits give both mom and baby their best chance at a comfortable and successful pregnancy. The visits include education on each stage of pregnancy, which helps parents learn and prepare for what’s to come. Even couples on their second or third child can benefit because our understanding of pregnancy and child development is always growing, and advice might not be the same for baby 3 as it was for 1 or 2.
How can I schedule a prenatal appointment?
Women can call an OB/GYN or nurse midwife office and let them know they need a prenatal appointment. Some doctors may also offer online appointment scheduling. Women who don’t have a current OB/GYN or midwife will need to find one. Asking friends, calling a health insurer, or searching online are all potential ways to find local care. It is important that women are comfortable with their care provider and give themselves permission to be choosy and some time to “shop around.” Women can also reach out to their local hospital or health department for prenatal clinics or appointments.
What is a prenatal checkup?
A prenatal checkup is the same as a prenatal appointment or visit. It is a time for the OB/GYN or nurse midwife to see how everything is progressing with both mom and baby. Each appointment usually involves a general physical exam and may include a pelvic exam. Women may have ultrasounds at some appointments and not others. Urine testing is common and lab tests may be ordered if needed. The goal of the prenatal checkup is to help parents make the best health decisions for themselves and their babies at each stage of the pregnancy.
When should I have a prenatal appointment?
Soon after learning (or suspecting) they are pregnant, women should contact their OB/GYN. Early visits help to set a baseline for what’s to come, including the due date to plan around. Plus, early screenings can make a big difference in managing any concerns found with mom or baby.
How many prenatal doctor visits will I need?
The number and frequency of prenatal checks depends on the overall health of mom and baby and the specifics of each health provider and insurer. In general, moms will have a checkup once a month through week 28, then every 2 weeks through week 36, followed by every week through delivery.