TRANSCRIPT
Dr. Randall
You’ll be visiting your provider often during your pregnancy. Each visit is designed to cover specific goals based on where you are in your pregnancy. The first visit should occur during your first trimester, preferably when you’re six to eight weeks along. Your second visit will usually be between 10 to 12 weeks. All in all, you’ll see your healthcare team about eight times prior to delivery, and then usually once after your baby is born. Each of these visits is very important, and you’ll want to be sure not to miss them.
Your first prenatal appointment will probably be with a nurse and will include a laboratory screening, a review of your medical and family history, a review of your immunizations, and some time to discuss resources available to you while you’re pregnant.
At your next visit, at about 10 to 12 weeks, your provider will weigh you, take your blood pressure, and do a head-to-toe examination. They’ll listen to your heart and lungs, check the shape of your pelvis, and the size of your uterus. They’ll also check to see if you can hear your baby’s heartbeat!
You should leave with an understanding of how often you should schedule your visits, what blood work will be drawn and when, and what classes are available to you and your family. You should also receive personal instructions on what your healthcare team suggests for exercise, work, safety, and nutrition during your pregnancy.