Your Care Instructions

Regular prenatal visits are very important during any pregnancy. These quick office visits may seem simple and routine. But they can help you and your baby stay healthy. Your doctor is watching for problems that can only be found by regularly checking you and your baby. The visits also give you and your doctor time to build a good relationship.

Many women have prenatal visits every 4 to 6 weeks until week 28 of pregnancy. Then the visits become more frequent. This is often every 2 to 3 weeks through week 36 of pregnancy. In the final month of pregnancy, you likely will see your doctor every week. You may have a different schedule if you have a medical problem or are a teen.

At different times in your pregnancy, you will have exams and tests. Some are routine. Others are done only when there is a chance of a problem. Everything healthy you do for your body helps your growing baby. Rest when you need it. Eat well, drink plenty of water, and exercise regularly.

What happens during a prenatal visit?

• You will have blood pressure checks, along with urine tests. You also may have blood tests. If you need to go to the bathroom while waiting for the doctor, tell the nurse. He or she will give you a sample cup so your urine can be tested.
• You will be weighed and have your belly measured.
• Your doctor may listen to your baby's heartbeat with a special stethoscope.
• In your second trimester, your doctor will check your blood sugar (glucose tolerance test) for diabetes that can occur during pregnancy. This is gestational diabetes, which can harm your baby.
• You will have tests to check for infections that could harm your newborn. These include group B streptococcus and hepatitis B.
• Your doctor may do ultrasounds to check for problems. This also checks your baby's position. An ultrasound uses sound waves to produce a picture of your baby.
• You may have other tests at any time during your pregnancy.
• Use your visits to discuss with your doctor any concerns you have.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Get plenty of rest.
• Exercise every day, if your doctor or midwife says it is okay. If you have not exercised in the past, start out slowly. Take many short walks each day.
• Eat a balanced diet. Make sure your diet includes plenty of beans, peas, and leafy green vegetables.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Cut down on drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and cola. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
• Avoid chemical fumes, paint fumes, and poisons. Do not use alcohol, cannabis, or illegal drugs. Do not smoke, vape, or use tobacco. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
• Review all of your medicines with your doctor. Some of your routine medicines may need to be changed to protect your baby. Do not stop or start taking any medicines without talking to your doctor first.