Your OB/GYN Timeline

           Your positive pregnancy test means it’s time to prepare for the new baby’s arrival. Expecting a baby is an exciting time. Over the next nine months, you will prepare the nursery, buy a car seat, pick out baby clothes and purchase baby gear and gadgets. Prenatal care, though, is one of the most important ways you will prepare for your baby. Good prenatal care is vital for the health of a mom and the development of the baby and includes regular visits to your OB/GYN. You may be wondering what to expect at your prenatal appointments and what the timeline looks like. Although every pregnancy is different and there are always exceptions, here is a quick breakdown of what you can expect for the OB/GYN timeline of the average pregnancy.

Your first appointment (6-10 weeks)

            After you receive the positive pregnancy test, contact your doctor to schedule your first visit. Doctors typically first see you between 6 and 10 weeks gestation. You can expect to go over your health history and risk factors and discuss any diet and lifestyle changes you may need to make during pregnancy. The doctor will also ask for a list of your current medications and may make adjustments and will also check your weight, blood pressure, and take a urine sample. The doctor will calculate your due date and go over the schedule of future prenatal appointments. Your physician also may do an early ultrasound to check on the baby’s development, do a pelvic exam with or without a pap smear and order blood work to screen for medical conditions and check hemoglobin. This is a great time to address your questions and concerns regarding pregnancy, delivery and your health, as well as the baby’s. (MayoClinic.org)

First trimester appointments (10-14 weeks)

            After your initial visit, the appointments should become shorter in length, and you can expect to visit your doctor about every four weeks unless your pregnancy is determined to be at higher risk. At your second appointment, the doctor should be able to hear the baby’s heartbeat via Doppler (usually around 8-10 weeks). Each visit your doctor will check your weight, blood pressure and take a urine sample, and you will have an opportunity to ask questions and voice concerns. (MayoClinic.org)

Second trimester appointments (14-26 weeks)

            During the second trimester, women often experience less nausea, more energy and begin to feel more comfortable with their changing body. You will continue to visit the doctor every four weeks during this time and can expect a similar experience as previous visits. The practitioner will continue to check your vitals each visit, monitor fetal growth and movement and track fetal growth. During the second trimester you will have the opportunity for additional testing, including blood work, fetal testing and genetic testing to check for abnormalities. You may also have an anatomy scan done via ultrasound to check on the development of your baby’s vital organs, and you will be given the opportunity to find out the sex of your new addition. Your doctor will also begin to discuss delivery expectations and create a birth plan. This time period is optimal to take birthing classes, tour the birthing center and take care of the pre-registration paperwork. (MayoClinic.org)

Third trimester appointments (26-40 weeks)

            During the final trimester, you can expect to visit the doctor more often. The typical schedule is every two to four weeks for 24 to 36 weeks gestation and every week from 36 weeks gestation until delivery. In addition to tracking your weight, blood pressure and fetal development and growth, your doctor will also ask you if you are experiencing any labor symptoms and will let you know what to look for as delivery approaches. You will likely be checked for B Strep and gestational diabetes, and the baby’s position will be monitored before delivery. You can expect to have pelvic exams to check for signs of labor in the later part of your third trimester. This is a great time to pack your hospital bag and get last-minute preparations in order before the baby's arrival. (MayoClinic.org)

            Every pregnancy is different, and many factors determine the timeline your doctor will set for prenatal visits. Follow your physician’s guidelines for the best care for you and your baby.

Tips for finding an OB/GYN

• Check your insurance. As you begin your search, find providers that are in your insurance network.
• Ask friends and relatives for recommendations. This can be a great place to start when you are looking for a new doctor.
• Are you more comfortable with a male doctor, a female doctor or either?
• When choosing a doctor, location is important. You may want to choose a doctor that is conveniently located near your home or work.
• Research at which hospital or birthing center you would like to deliver your baby and confirm that the doctor you are choosing delivers there.
• Decide whether you will have a doctor, a midwife or both
• If you have specific preferences with your birth plan, confirm the doctor will accommodate your wishes.
• Are you high-risk? If yes, find out whether there is an in-network doctor that specializes in high-risk pregnancy.
• Set up a consultation appointment and ask questions. Do you feel you are compatible with the doctor? Do you feel comfortable with him?
• Is it a large practice? How likely is it that your doctor will deliver the baby? This is always a good question to ask, so you know what to expect when labor begins.

Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer who lives in Olathe with her family.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

Sources

MayoClinic.org