Prenatal Care

What is prenatal care?

If you think you’re pregnant, your first step should be to schedule an appointment at Artemis OB/GYN to confirm your pregnancy and start prenatal care. Prenatal care helps you stay healthy as your body changes to accommodate the life growing inside your womb and to monitor the health and development of your baby.

At Artemis OB/GYN, the experienced physicians, certified nurse midwives, and other clinical staff provide checkups, counseling, ultrasounds, and other screenings throughout your pregnancy.

Why is prenatal care important?

Prenatal care is essential for both you and your baby. Statistically, mothers who don’t have prenatal care are more likely to have babies with low birth weights and other potentially dangerous complications. 

Your body changes significantly to accommodate your growing baby — your hormones change, your pelvis opens, your organs shift. At the same time, your baby grows from a tiny cluster of cells into a 6-10 pound baby. Prenatal care monitors these changes and screens for potential issues so that you and your baby can get the care and treatment you need for a healthy and safe pregnancy and delivery.

What happens during prenatal care appointments?

During your prenatal care appointments, you and your provider review your health and the growth and development of your baby. They check your blood pressure and weight and perform any necessary screenings. They also listen to your baby’s heart and measure your abdomen once your bump emerges.  

Your doctor or midwife also explains how your baby is growing and what to expect over the next few weeks. They’re always happy to explain your options and answer your questions regarding:

• Cesarean section
• Pregnancy after recurrent miscarriage
• Vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC)
• Vaginal delivery of twins
• High blood pressure/ preeclampsia
• Gestational diabetes

They can also provide information to help you make decisions about circumcision, breastfeeding, and other decisions you need to make soon after your baby is born. 

How often do I have prenatal care appointments?

For the first 28 weeks of pregnancy, you see your obstetrician or midwife once a month. Then from weeks 28-36, you have two prenatal appointments each month. From week 36, you have weekly checkups until your baby is born. Additionally, you have appointments for ultrasounds around week 13 and 20 and a gestational diabetes test during your second trimester. 

You may need more frequent appointments if you have a high-risk pregnancy or if any of your standard tests reveal a potential complication. Artemis OB/GYN providers have the experience and tools to serve your needs.

Call Artemis OB/GYN or make an appointment online today for personalized and expert prenatal care.