Studies show that routine prenatal care is associated with better health outcomes for moms and their babies. Why? Prenatal visits help detect potential issues early and keep things on track.
The recommended prenatal schedule usually starts with monthly visits, then picks up the pace the closer you get to your due date. Each appointment is a chance to track your baby’s growth, ask questions, and make sure you both stay healthy.
See board-certified OB/GYN Daniel Esteves, MD, and the staff at his private practice in Lawrenceville, Georgia, to schedule prenatal care during pregnancy.
Your first prenatal appointment with Dr. Esteves should actually happen before you become pregnant, if possible. He discusses with you how to best plan for pregnancy, gives nutrition and multivitamin supplement advice, and answers questions you may have. He also orders blood work to screen for potential nutrient deficiencies, diseases, and other health concerns.
Your next prenatal appointment should happen after you suspect you’re pregnant based on a positive home pregnancy test or symptoms (nausea, vomiting, fatigue, sore breasts, etc.).
During this appointment, which often takes a bit longer, you’ll take an in-office pregnancy test, undergo blood work and health screenings, and complete a physical exam. You may complete an ultrasound — and Dr. Esteves calculates your due date.
After the initial prenatal appointment, Dr Esteves generally likes to see you:
However, if your pregnancy is classified as high risk, this schedule often changes.
High-risk pregnancies often require more frequent prenatal appointments to ensure your pregnancy goes as planned or to detect potential concerns before they cause harm to you or your baby. Reasons a pregnancy may be classified as high risk include if the mother is:
Women who have had pregnancy complications in the past, such as preterm births, stillborn births, miscarriages, or similar concerns, may also be classified as high risk and need more frequent doctor’s appointments throughout their pregnancies.
Contact Dr. Esteves right away if you experience decreased fetal movement, pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, or other unusual symptoms during pregnancy. Don’t wait for your next scheduled prenatal visit if you have signs of a pregnancy complication.
Schedule a prenatal appointment with Dr. Daniel Esteves by contacting us today at 770-676-5878 or booking an appointment online.
