Importance of Medical Care
Now that you’re pregnant, you may be wondering what kind of medical care to expect.
Pregnant women need to see their doctors as early as possible in their pregnancy, and on a regular basis after that, to make sure they are healthy and their baby is growing normally. Regular prenatal care also helps identify and treat any problems early on, so your baby has the best chance possible of being born healthy.
What to expect at the doctor's office:
According to the Cleveland Clinic's website, the first visit gives the medical professional a chance to assess your overall health and determine if you have any risk factors. The initial visit is meant to:
- Estimate your due date
- Gather your health history
- Determine if you have any pregnancy risk factors based on your age, health, and/or personal and family history (you will likely also be asked to take the Prenatal Risk screen, a questionnaire that determines whether you're eligible for free services)
- You will be asked about previous pregnancies and surgeries, medical conditions, and exposure to any contagious diseases. Notify your health care provider about any medicines (prescription or over-the-counter) you have taken or are currently taking.
What kinds of tests you may be offered:
To ensure your baby is growing and healthy, your doctor may provide a number of prenatal tests of health screens. To learn more about some of these tests, please visit this March of Dimes site on prenatal care.
Questions to ask at the doctor's office:
- Are the symptoms I’m experiencing normal?
- Is it normal not to experience certain symptoms?
- What are the specific recommendations regarding weight gain, exercise, and nutrition?
- Which activities, foods, and substances should I avoid?
- Which exercises are safe? Which exercises should I avoid?
- What should I know about sex during pregnancy?
- Do you recommend certain prenatal classes?
- For which symptoms should I call my health care provider?
- Is my pregnancy high-risk?
For information from Cleveland Clinic about your prenatal visits, please click here.
Fore more information about your health and baby’s development, please click here.
To view an interactive map of your baby's brain development, please click here.