As the due date approaches, prenatal appointments may increase to weekly visits. Third trimester prenatal appointmentsĭuring the last few months of pregnancy, the woman will continue to have regular prenatal visits to monitor the baby’s development and make sure the pregnancy is on track for a healthy delivery. Routine lab tests – such as additional screenings for diseases or conditions – as well as fetal ultrasounds will also be part of routine second-trimester prenatal exams. The woman should start noticing movement and kicking from the growing baby during the second trimester and should discuss any developments with the doctor. An instrument called a Doppler can also project the baby’s movements as sounds. The baby’s heartbeat can be heard through a special stethoscope during the second trimester. The doctor will track the baby’s growth by measuring the woman’s abdomen from the top of the uterus to the pelvic bone. The woman’s blood pressure and weight are checked at each prenatal visit to help monitor the pregnancy’s progress. The doctor will also address unhealthy lifestyle habits that can negatively impact the pregnancy (for both the mother and the baby), and discuss healthy lifestyle choices.Īfter the initial prenatal exam, subsequent visits are usually spaced about four weeks apart and are general check-ups so the doctor can monitor the progress of the pregnancy and answer any of the woman’s questions. Specific prenatal tests to determine the baby’s health include ultrasound, blood tests and other screening tests to check for fetal abnormalities. If the woman tests positive for HIV, medication during pregnancy can reduce chances of the baby being born HIV-positive. Tests include checking the woman’s urine for any existing conditions, and blood tests to determine the mother’s and baby’s blood types, as well as check for any genetic disorders or other problems, such as sexually transmitted diseases ( STDs).Īll women should be screening for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), which can be passed from the mother to the baby. The doctor will also establish the baby’s due date – either by calculating days from the woman’s last period, or with an ultrasound. The doctor will perform an overall health physical exam, which will include a pelvic examination to confirm pregnancy. This will include your provider taking a medical health history to help predict any issues that may arise during pregnancy. The initial prenatal visit will include an extensive health exam and testing to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Third trimester prenatal visits become more frequent closer to the baby’s due date, and will include more intensive monitoring of the baby’s heart and movement, blood tests, and pelvic exams to determine the woman’s readiness for delivery.Subsequent first trimester and second trimester prenatal visits will be regular check-ups for the mother and baby.During the first prenatal appointment after the woman has conceived, the doctor will confirm the pregnancy and order a number of tests to check the woman’s and baby’s health.The initial prenatal appointment will include preconception counseling for how to get pregnant and prepare for pregnancy if prior to pregnancy.Prenatal care involves care provided before and during pregnancy for both the mother and the baby.Thank you for your collaboration in keeping our community healthy, and remember we are here for you! The team at University of Colorado OB-GYN COVID-19 CDC Info UC Health Updates You can also use the portal to email your doctor. Telehealth appointments now available.Įxpanded video and phone consultation appointments are also available through the My Health Connection patient portal. For other health concerns, please contact us to schedule an appointment. Routine-care appointments such as women's wellness exams will be delayed or rescheduled for a future date. University of Colorado has also implemented increased restrictions for visitors. If you think you may have been exposed to the new coronavirus, COVID-19 (either through travel to a high risk area or close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19), please contact us before visiting. Patients with symptoms who require an urgent visit will need to wear a mask during an in-person appointment. Patients who do not require an urgent visit will be rescheduled for a telehealth visit (see below). Flu symptoms (fever, chills, body aches, etc.).Cold symptoms (cough, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath).Please contact our office or notify our staff at check-in if you are experiencing any of the following: If you have or need to schedule an appointment: Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we are implementing temporary measures to ensure patient safety.
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