Pregnant? What to Expect from Your Ob/Gyn

Conception begins a long series of visits to your obstetrician. In a normal pregnancy, you can expect your obstetrician to see you every three or four weeks at first, then increase the frequency of visits as your pregnancy advances, until you begin weekly visits in the last month.

The first 12 weeks of your pregnancy, is known as the first trimester. The next 12 weeks are known as your second trimester and the last 12 weeks are your third trimester. Each trimester, you will face many changes.

On your initial visit, a careful history will be obtained or updated. The initial physical exam will be used to assess your general maternal health, and you should expect initial laboratory tests, vaginal cultures, and a check of the size of your uterus. Initial laboratory tests will check for anemia, immunity to rubella, blood type, and diseases such as syphilis, hepatitis, and exposure to the HIV virus. Routine cultures will be for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and perhaps group B strep, although the strep culture is usually done around 28 weeks. Expect a Pap smear, because no prenatal care is adequate without one.

During the first trimester (conception through week 12), each visit will record the blood pressure, weight, and urine values for sugar (glucose) and protein. Weight becomes important when following a patient with morning sickness.

The second trimester (weeks 12 to 24) is when most pregnant patients feel their best. The miscarriage scare, cramping, and nausea recede. Fundal height and fetal heart tones are recorded each visit, with visit intervals ranging between every two to four weeks, depending on your doctor. Blood pressure, weight, and urine surveillance also continue. You will also, more than likely, receive your ultrasound. This normally takes place at about 20 weeks. This is the time where you can decide if you want to know your baby's sex.