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Prenatal Guidelines
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Schedule for Prenatal Care Visits
If you are expecting a baby, you should follow this schedule of visits for proper prenatal care:
- Monthly from the first trimester through the 28th week
- Every two to three weeks until the 36th week
- Weekly from the 36th week until delivery
Initial Prenatal Visit
Visit your doctor or network obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) as soon as possible during the first trimester (first three months) of pregnancy. During this visit your doctor should ask you extensive questions about your current and past health history, conduct a review of your immunizations, and give you a thorough physical examination.
History
At your first visit, you should expect to give your doctor or OB/GYN information about
- your medical history, including current health problems or treatment, drug allergies and any operations, gynecological conditions and pregnancies you have had.
- the family health history of both prospective parents.
- your dietary and exercise habits, cigarette smoking and alcohol or drug use.
Physical Examination
Your doctor or OB/GYN will give you an overall physical exam, including:
- Pelvic exam
- Pap smear
- Breast exam
- Abdominal exam
- Routine prenatal blood tests (including a blood test to confirm your pregnancy)
Subsequent prenatal visits should include the following:
- Weight measurement
- Blood pressure measurement
- Urine analysis
- Measurement of your baby's growth in the womb
- Testing of your blood for anemia (once during the first two trimesters, and once during the last trimester)
- Counseling
- Routine prenatal screening tests
You should receive the following tests at least once during your prenatal care:
- Pap smear
- Blood tests, including a check for anemia and determination of your blood Rh factor
- Urine analysis during first and every prenatal visit
- Rubella antibody titer measurement
- Tests for syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia
- Test for hepatitis B
- Test for gestational diabetes between the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy, if indicated
- Test for tuberculosis
- Group B strep screening cultures in the 35th to 37th week of pregnancy
- Test for HIV (the virus that causes AIDS)–optional
- Genetic screening as appropriate (for example, Cystic Fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, thalassema)
Work with your doctor to receive the care you need when you need it. WellChoice Maternity Care, our maternity management program, and part of 360o Health® can help you have a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby.
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