If your pregnancy is advancing normally, chances are you're visiting your caregiver once each month during the 17 - 20 weeks time. This regular schedule allows the doctor/midwife to check the well-being of you and your baby and monitor your baby's development.
At this time, you will be able to listen to your baby's heartbeat and clearly hear the rate of the heartbeat. A vaginal exam may be performed at any time during your pregnancy, to determine cervical status or collect vaginal cultures.
You can also expect the follow to occur:
- Your weight taken.
- Your blood pressure checked.
- Your urine analyzed.
- Your abdomen measured to check the baby`s growth (fundal height).
Your doctor or midwife may talk with you about the following:
- Findings of prenatal or laboratory tests that have been performed.
- Any medication you are taking.
- Any symptoms, concerns, or problems occurring since your last visit
- Any medical care you received since your last visit.
- Any activity restrictions or recommended lifestyle changes.
- Nutrition guidelines
You may be asked to report:
- When you first felt your baby move.
- Any signs or symptoms that have caused or are causing you concern.
- Any exposure you may have had to an infectious disease.
- About any questions or concerns that you may have.
Remember, your prenatal visit is the ideal time to ask any questions about your pregnancy. Jotting thoughts down on your Prenatal Visit Checklist as they occur between visits helps you remember to ask the questions that are important to you.
Reprinted with permission from Her Health Care.
