Prenatal care is one of the best ways to care for babies before they are even born. Regular prenatal visits allow the doctor to monitor the growth and development of your little one throughout pregnancy. In addition to promoting a healthy pregnancy, prenatal care also helps expectant mothers remain safe and healthy. The experienced and caring providers at Capital Women's Care Division 64, serving Laurel, Rockville, Silver Spring, MD, provide prenatal care to keep you and your baby healthy throughout your pregnancy.
Prenatal Care Visits
Prenatal care involves regular visits with an OB/GYN provider throughout pregnancy. Appointments are typically scheduled for every 4-6 weeks during the first 32 weeks of pregnancy, then occur every 2-3 weeks through the 37th week. After that, prenatal care visits are scheduled weekly until the baby is born.
Several items are monitored and checked during a routine prenatal care appointment at our Silver Spring, MD, women’s healthcare office. Some of the things that take place during a prenatal visit include:
- Taking your weight
- Measuring your abdomen
- Gathering a urine sample
- Checking your blood pressure
- Listening to the baby’s heartbeat
- Checking if you are dilated (during the last weeks of pregnancy)
- Ultrasounds (at certain points during pregnancy)
Ultrasounds are performed at two different times during pregnancy. The first one usually occurs around the eight week and allows the doctor or technician to determine your baby’s due date. The second ultrasound is typically scheduled around week 20 of the pregnancy. During this ultrasound, measurements are taken to assess the baby’s growth and development and ensure everything is occurring at the normal rate. It is also possible to determine the baby’s sex at this time, if so desired.
Importance of Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is important for several reasons. It promotes better health for both mother and child throughout the pregnancy. Prenatal care also helps identify potential issues early on, such as gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia, so steps can be taken to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Another benefit of prenatal care is that it helps reduce the risk of complications during both pregnancy and birth.
Prenatal care is an excellent way to keep you and your little one healthy and safe during pregnancy. For prenatal care in Silver Spring, MD, schedule an appointment with one of our skilled providers by calling Capital Women's Care Division 64 at (301) 468-0073. For your convenience, we also have office locations in both Laurel and Rockville, MD.