Whether you have plans to conceive a baby or you have already taken a positive pregnancy test you should schedule your visit with an OB. Your first appointment can be a preconception visit or a prenatal visit. Either way, we are thrilled to work with you to achieve a healthy pregnancy!
Preconception OB Visit Even before you try to get pregnant, you can benefit from seeing your OB-GYN for a preconception care visit . You can schedule this visit up to a year in advance of your plans to get pregnant. By planning for your pregnancy early, you can ensure your lifestyle is healthy and your body is ready for the nine-month journey of pregnancy.
At the preconception visit with your OB, you will learn more about preparing to conceive. Your OB will provide guidance on a number of factors that are important to getting pregnant. These include diet and exercise, quitting smoking, alcohol, and drugs, and taking folic acid and other prenatal vitamins.
Your OB may examine you and take blood for additional testing. Pre-conceptual genetic testing may also be offered.
At the preconception visit, you should tell your OB provider about any health history or health concerns that may affect your pregnancy. Those include chronic medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid disorders, as well as whether you have had treatment for cancer. You should also review your medications with your provider. If you have had prior pregnancies these will also be reviewed.
Your OB provider will review your health history and discuss any factors that may make your pregnancy high risk. Having had pregnancy complications or premature births in the past also factor in. Learn more about high-risk pregnancies now.
If, after your first preconception visit, you have trouble getting pregnant, infertility and infertility treatment may also be something your OBGYN can help you navigate. Learn more about primary and secondary infertility in our previous blog post .
In summary, the preconception visit can prepare you for a healthy pregnancy and help identify potential issues. It also helps you understand the risks involved with becoming pregnant. You will benefit from knowing all you can about the process of pregnancy and about the prenatal OB visits you will need to schedule to ensure a healthy baby.
Prenatal OB Visit If you took a positive home pregnancy test, you may be wondering, “Now what?” You’re probably very excited and even nervous, especially if this is your first pregnancy. The prenatal OB visit includes testing to confirm your pregnancy and a discussion of important lifestyle guidelines for your pregnancy. It will likely include an ultrasound to confirm your due date. You will want to get on the schedule for your first prenatal appointment around 8 weeks of your pregnancy, so call your provider right away when you test positive at home for pregnancy.
Prenatal care provides both you and your baby with regular checkups and guidance on optimal lifestyle choices. You will have many questions about caring for yourself and your baby. Your OB provider will be happy to answer any questions you have! You can also find many answers to common obstetrics questions on our Obstetric FAQs page .
You may want to make a list of questions and concerns you have about the baby growing inside your womb. Those questions may include questions about calculating your due date or about the COVID-19 coronavirus and its effects on pregnancy.
You and your provider will discuss the three trimesters and what is involved in each stage of your baby’s development in the womb. Each visit will monitor your blood pressure, weight, urine protein, and glucose levels. Your OB will also listen to your baby’s heartbeat. West Des Moines OB/GYN also provides in-house ultrasounds for monitoring the baby’s progress as needed.
Once you have confirmed that you’re pregnant, there will be a number of appointments your OB will recommend. It will be important to get these on your schedule, so your baby and you receive the best possible care and monitoring.
Schedule Your First Visit with West Des Moines OB/GYN Whether you are in the family planning stage or already pregnant, our female OBGYN providers all have the same goal: To ensure you have the healthiest possible pregnancy. We have cared for women and babies in the area for more than 25 years, and we offer two convenient locations in Indianola and West Des Moines. We invite you to learn more about obstetrics care and schedule your appointment today .
