Prenatal check-ups with an OBGYN play an important role in caring for your baby before birth. These appointments allow the doctor to monitor your little one’s health, growth, and development throughout your pregnancy to ensure everything is on track. The experienced and caring OBGYN providers at Capital Women's Care Division 64 in Laurel, Rockville, and Silver Spring, MD, provide prenatal care to keep you and your baby healthy during pregnancy.
Importance of Prenatal Check-Ups
Prenatal check-ups serve an important role in ensuring the health of mother and child throughout pregnancy. Seeing an OBGYN doctor regularly makes it possible to detect potential issues, such as pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes, early on so steps can be taken to minimize complications and maintain the health of both baby and mom. At our offices in Laurel, Rockville, and Silver Spring, MD, prenatal care consists of regular check-ups, ultrasounds, and various diagnostic tests as needed.
What To Expect During a Prenatal Check-up
The purpose of a prenatal check-up is to monitor the health of both mom and baby at different points throughout pregnancy. Appointments are usually scheduled every 4 to 6 weeks during the first 32 weeks of pregnancy, followed by every 2 to 3 weeks through the 37th week. After that, check-ups are scheduled every week until birth.
There are several components to a prenatal check-up. Some of the things you can expect during an appointment include:
- Taking your weight
- Measuring the abdomen
- Gathering a urine sample
- Checking your blood pressure
- Listening to the baby’s heartbeat
- Nonstress test (NST) of the baby’s heart rate (during the 3rd trimester)
- Checking to see if you are beginning to dilate (during the last weeks of pregnancy)
Ultrasounds are another aspect of prenatal care, but do not occur at every check-up. They are usually scheduled at two different points during pregnancy. The first ultrasound typically happens around the 8th week of pregnancy and helps confirm the baby’s due date. The second ultrasound is usually done sometime between the 18th and 22nd week of pregnancy. The purpose of this ultrasound is to check the baby’s anatomy and development. The baby’s sex can be determined at this time if desired.
Seeking prenatal care that includes regular check-ups is one of the best steps you can take toward ensuring a healthy pregnancy. Schedule an appointment with one of our skilled providers to learn more about prenatal care by calling Capital Women's Care Division 64 in Laurel, Rockville, and Silver Spring, MD, at (301) 468-0073.