Prenatal Timeline:
What To Expect During Your Obstetrical Visits
Initial Visit. Your initial visit will be around 8 weeks gestation. At this visit we will do your first sonogram. This sonogram will be internal and is done to check to see how far along your pregnancy is. A Pap smear and cervical cultures are done to check for infections (i.e. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, bacterial vaginosis, and yeast) which would require treatment during pregnancy.
Several laboratory tests are also performed on all obstetric patients. These tests include but are not limited to: CBC, blood type and RH, antibody screen, rubella, a syphilis screening test (RPR), hepatitis screen (HbsAG), HIV, and a urine test for bacteria.
You will have appointments every four weeks for the first 28 weeks, unless otherwise medically indicated.
Labs offered between 12-18 weeks
Our office offers Sequential Screening. This is an optional test for early screening of open neural tube defects, Down syndrome, and trisomy 18. It requires an ultrasound measurement in the first trimester and a sample of blood during your first and second trimesters.
The ultrasound measurement and first sample of blood is taken between 12 and 14 weeks. A second blood sample is taken between 16 and 18 weeks. This final result will tell you what your risk is of having a baby with an open neural tube defect, Down syndrome, or trisomy 18.
We also offer a Quad Marker Screen. This is an option for anyone who may be too far along for a Sequential Screen but must be done between 16-22 weeks. This is a blood test that measures four hormones in the blood. It tests for birth defects, mainly neural tube defects and Down syndrome.
Ultrasound between 20-22 weeks
At approximately 20-22 weeks, an ultrasound will be done to scan the general anatomy of your baby. The anatomical survey will look at the major organ systems, measurements to check fetal growth, and possibly the sex of your baby! However, this will be the last ultrasound unless medically necessary.
Labs done at 24-28 weeks
An obstetrical patient will do a gestational diabetes screening at 24-28 weeks. A sample of your blood will be drawn an hour after drinking a very sweet drink. We have orange or fruit punch flavored glucose drinks. If you are allergic to yellow dye please let our lab technician know.
Rh negative patients will receive a Rhogam shot at 28 weeks.
After 28 weeks, visits will usually be every two weeks until 36 weeks.
Labs done at 35-37
At 35-37 weeks your doctor will perform a vaginal culture called a Group B Beta Strep (GBBS). Group B Beta Strep is a natural bacteria found in the intestines. Sometimes, it colonizes in the vagina or bladder. If the screen is positive, treatment with an IV antibiotic during labor is required. After your 36 week visit you can expect to come weekly until delivery unless otherwise medically indicated.
Calcium Rich Foods
Fetal Movement Worksheet
How to Avoid Common Pregnancy Conditions
Over-the-Counter Medications
Nausea
Nutrition During Pregnancy
Quick, Easy, Strange Foods
The Radar Nose of Pregnancy