Prenatal Care

The information below illustrates a 'typical' schedule for prenatal care.  If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you may need to have additional tests and see your physician more frequently.  In these cases, your physician will discuss an adjusted schedule with you.

First Visit (8-10 weeks):

• Comprehensive history and physical exam
• PAP Smear and cervical cultures
• Blood and urine testing
• Ultrasound

From 12-28 Weeks:

• Visits every 4 weeks to:
  
  • Check weight, blood pressure, and urine
  • Check growth of uterus and fetal heart tones
• Testing:
  • 11-14 weeks and 16-19 weeks; optional genetic testing
  • 18-20 weeks; comprehensive ultrasound (Level II)
  • 28 weeks; check for anemia and diabetes
  • If Rh Negative, Rhogam shot at 28 weeks

From 28-35 Weeks:

• Visits every 2-3 weeks to:
  • Check weight, blood pressure, and urine
  • Check growth of uterus and fetal heart tones
• Testing:
  • 35-36 weeks; vaginal swab for Group B Strep

36 Weeks Through Delivery:

• Visits every week to:
  • Check weight, blood pressure, and urine
  • Check growth of uterus and fetal heart tones
• 37 weeks to delivery:
  
  • Cervical exams to check for dilation