Obstetrics - Prenatal care

 

Routine visits

Prenatal visits allow your obstetrician or midwife to closely watch your health and your baby's progress. During these visits, you will be examined and the growth of the baby will be checked.

 

An early prenatal checkup may be longer and more involved than later visits. This visit will include a detailed health history, a physical exam, lab tests, calculation of your due date, and a schedule for your prenatal care. Throughout your pregnancy you will see your obstetrician or midwife on a regular basis. These visits provide a good chance to discuss any questions or concerns and learn more about your pregnancy.

 

Most patients average 13 prenatal visits. Subsequent to a normal vaginal birth, there is normally a postpartum visit at 6 weeks. In addition, a cesarean birth or special circumstances may warrant an additional postpartum visit 1 to 2 weeks after birth.