Wednesday, February 3, 2021
After the excitement of finding out you are pregnant, the usual next step is to seek prenatal care. Regular prenatal care from a physician or midwife is essential for a healthy pregnancy. A healthy pregnancy usually results in a healthy baby. Early and regular prenatal is essential in reducing pregnancy complications.
Your first prenatal visit should take place soon as you reasonably believe you might be pregnant after missing a menstrual period. Most first prenatal visits are at approximately 2 months into the pregnancy. At the initial prenatal visit, the health of the mother and baby will be assessed. The obstetrical provider will do a complete history looking specifically at the health of the mother focusing on genetic, medical, obstetrical, and psychosocial factors. A physical exam, including a pelvic exam, will be done. Various blood and urine testing will be obtained. At the first prenatal visit, the expected delivery date (EDD) will be determined based on the date of the mother’s last menstrual period. A plan will be set out for the continuation of prenatal care.