Carrying a pregnancy requires you to have guidelines that will ensure your unborn baby’s good health and safety. An obstetrics appointment can help you address different pregnancy concerns that might have you worried. Whether you are planning to get pregnant or are already expecting, having a San Antonio OBGYN specialist walk with you in your journey to parenthood is a wise decision.
The services you will receive in your obstetrics appointments will include reviewing your medical history, evaluating your current health status, and genetic counseling to ensure your unborn child is at no risk. During your appointments, your doctor can check your blood pressure and weight and run different tests to ascertain your overall health.
What services should you expect from your obstetrics appointments?
Your first visit will include many blood and urine tests to ensure you are doing well. Other tests include a Pap smear test and a pelvic examination to identify if you have problems that can potentially affect your pregnancy. The following are common services you will receive during your appointments.
Prenatal counseling
Your specialist will review your medical history and perform genetic testing. The genetic tests identify genetic conditions you might have, and your doctor will discuss how the results can affect your child. Through such services, you can prepare yourself if you are going to have a baby with special needs.
Fetal heartbeat screening
During your visits, your doctor can monitor the baby’s heart rate. The first heartbeat can be observed around six weeks after conception through a vaginal ultrasound. Once the pregnancy progresses, your specialist will check your baby’s heartbeat through your abdomen. They will apply a special gel on your stomach and use a device to send images to a monitor.
Chronic disease management
Chronic diseases like high blood pressure and epilepsy can affect your pregnancy. When you undergo evaluation during your regular visits, your doctor will monitor your treatment and progress as your pregnancy advances. If your condition makes your pregnancy a high risk, your specialist might recommend regular obstetrics visits to monitor your condition.
Breastfeeding consultations
As you approach your due date, your specialist will address breastfeeding concerns. Your doctor will show you how to latch the infant correctly to ensure the process is comfortable for you and your baby. The guidelines will help you keep your nipples clean and supple to avoid cracks on the areola if your baby latches incorrectly.
How often should you schedule obstetrics appointments?
The number of obstetrics appointments depends on your pregnancy and condition like hypertension or gestational diabetes. If you have a low-risk pregnancy, your specialist can recommend a monthly visit, while a high-risk pregnancy requires more visits. In case of a high-risk pregnancy, your doctor will discuss the number of needed appointments.
During the first and second trimesters, your specialist might recommend fewer appointments than when you approach your due date. You can see your doctor once a month during the first two trimesters. However, the third trimester might require you to make regular visits as your doctor screen you for pregnancy complications.
If you are expecting or planning to get pregnant, visit LUNA MED SPA OB-GYN, P.A., for an obstetrics appointment. The available specialists will take care of you before, during, and after pregnancy to ensure you and your child are healthy after birth. Call or schedule your appointment online for comprehensive care.
