Most expecting moms have between 10-15 prenatal appointments over the course of pregnancy. These regular visits are essential for ensuring the health of both you and your growing baby, and they’re a great opportunity to ask questions about the exciting journey you’re experiencing.
At each visit, Dr. Daniel Esteves and the rest of our team, monitor your baby’s development, track your health, and manage any potential issues that may arise during pregnancy. We’re here as a resource for you, and no question is off-limits.
If you have a prenatal appointment coming up, here are a few important questions you should be sure to ask:
One of the most important (and exciting!) reasons for prenatal care is tracking your baby’s growth and development. Depending on your pregnancy stage, we use ultrasound and other tests to check on your baby’s size, heartbeat, and overall development.
We may recommend additional screenings to detect or rule out potential issues based on your health and your baby’s development. We can also provide information on what you can expect in the coming weeks and months, and answer any questions you have about fetal development.
It's important to know what to look for when it comes to potential complications during pregnancy. We can evaluate your risk of complications, like preeclampsia or preterm labor, and give you a list of warning signs to watch out for.
Symptoms that could indicate a more serious problem can include:
If you notice any of these symptoms or you’re worried something is wrong, call for emergency help as soon as possible.
As your due date gets closer, it’s important to start thinking about your birth plan. Childbirth can be challenging, but you can do a lot ahead of time to prepare yourself for the process.
We can help you plan for labor and delivery and answer any questions you have about what to expect. Depending on how far along you are, we may recommend birth classes or exercises to help prepare your body for labor. We can also discuss the possibility of cesarean delivery (C-section) and how to prepare for that, too.
Pain management during labor is a highly personal choice, and you may want to discuss it with our team. There are many different options for managing pain during labor, from medication to relaxation techniques.
We can help you learn about all the choices you have, and offer advice on which ones may be best for you. We can also provide guidance on how to create a birth plan that takes your pain management preferences into account.
Like preparing for birth, preparing for the postpartum period is something you can start doing well ahead of your due date. We can discuss how to best care for your newborn, as well as yourself, at your prenatal appointments.
We can give you helpful information on breastfeeding, feeding schedules, and other aspects of caring for your baby. We’ll also help you learn what to expect during the postpartum period, including tips for recovering from childbirth and managing the physical and emotional changes that come with having a new baby.
Prenatal care is an essential part of ensuring a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery. By asking the right questions at your appointments, you can gain a better understanding of the process and start preparing for your baby’s birth. We’re here to help you every step of the way, so don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have.
To schedule your next prenatal appointment at our office in Lawrenceville, Georgia, call us at 770-676-5878 or request an appointment online now.
