When a woman first becomes pregnant, it is a time of great anticipation, excitement, and nervousness. The uncertainty of those first few weeks begins to swell into anticipation as a woman begins to feel her little one moving around. While there are many steps a woman can take to help ensure her baby will be delivered healthy, there is one that is crucial. With Obstetric Care in Grass Lake MI, a woman can rest assured her baby’s health is being carefully monitored, as well as her own. With this information, women can be properly prepared for their first appointment with their doctor.
The first appointment for pregnancy is typically the one that will take the longest. A woman will first need to have a pregnancy test carried out in the office. Typically, urine tests are conducted first. If the doctor feels there is a need, the blood can be tested for the amount of human chorionic hormone in the blood which can often help to determine how far along the pregnancy is.
A woman will be weighed and have her abdomen measured to find out how large her uterus has expanded. If the baby is over the age of fifteen weeks, the doctor will attempt to find the heartbeat. Many women feel nervous until they are able to hear that sound for the first time. It is important to note a lack of heartbeat does not mean the child is not healthy; it could simply mean it is too soon to hear it.
Many doctors will conduct a vaginal exam to test for any signs of infection and to make sure the uterus has fully developed its mucus plug so no amniotic fluid escapes. The woman’s vital signs will also be checked, and the doctor will discuss any symptoms she may be having.
Doctor’s visits are typically carried out once a month until the latter stages of pregnancy when the appointments will increase in frequency until the woman is ready to deliver. The obstetrician will monitor the woman’s and baby’s health throughout pregnancy, will deliver the baby, and will provide aftercare to the new mom as she heals from delivery.
If you are in need of Obstetric Care in Grass Lake MI, click here. Through obstetric care, you and your baby can stay healthy and safe throughout your pregnancy so you can have a successful delivery.
