How do I plan my prenatal doctor visits during the second trimester?
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Dr. Deborah Raines of Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:During the second trimester the pregnant woman needs to plan to have a prenatal visit approximately every 4 weeks or about once a month. In addition there might be extra visits for specific test, ultrasound examinations or if any complications arise.During the second trimester the pregnant woman needs to plan to have a prenatal visit approximately every 4 weeks or about once a month. In addition there might be extra visits for specific test, ultrasound examinations or if any complications... More -
Paula Greer answered:In the beginning of the pregnancy visits with your OB/GYN or midwife will occur about every 4 weeks unless you have special problems that require you to be seen more frequently. At about 26-28 weeks your visits will move up to every 2 weeks or weekly if needed. At the end of the pregnancy around 34-36 weeks your provider will start seeing you weekly and if you go overdue or have any concerns more frequently.In the beginning of the pregnancy visits with your OB/GYN or midwife will occur about every 4 weeks unless you have special problems that require you to be seen more frequently. At about 26-28 weeks your visits will move up to every 2 weeks or... More -
Boston Women's Health Book Collective answered:Every visit until you give birth will include a routine check. This routine check will likely include checking in with you about any concerns you may have; checking your weight gain; listening to the baby's heartbeat (using Doppler if you so choose); assessing the baby's growth (fundal height) and vital signs, as well as her or his position; collecting a urine sample to screen for diabetes, preeclampsia (protein in urine), or infections; and conducting a physical exam, which includes taking your blood pressure to check for gestational hypertension and checking your hands and feet for swelling and your legs for varicose veins. If you have not yet done so, the second trimester is a good time to discuss your birth preferences with your provider.
Some providers suggest that women conduct some of these physical assessments (such as weighing ourselves and checking urine) for ourselves. Many women appreciate the opportunity to participate in our own health care.
One of the purposes of testing your urine is to determine whether you have preeclampsia, a syndrome whose symptoms include high blood pressure; generalized swelling of hands, feet, and face (edema); sudden weight gain; and protein in the urine. Preeclampsia has the potential to lead to serious problems during pregnancy.
Every visit until you give birth will include a routine check. This routine check will likely include checking in with you about any concerns you may have; checking your weight gain; listening to the baby's heartbeat (using Doppler if you so... More
