Also known as: Pregnancy check-ups
Antenatal checkups are very important to monitor the progress of your pregnancy.
Congratulations!
If you haven't done so already, schedule a prenatal visit right away. Your first prenatal visit will provide information that can be used to check for any problems as your pregnancy progresses. Talk with your doctor about any medical conditions you are being treated for, such as depression, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. – you may need to change medications or dosages during your pregnancy to protect the fetus, so your doctor needs to know everything you are taking. Your doctor will probably talk to you about the rest of the issues on this top-ten list, as well. Before you leave the doctor's office, schedule your next visit; be sure to make it to all of your prenatal appointments.
Good care during pregnancy includes regularly scheduled prenatal exams. At each prenatal visit, you'll be weighed, have your abdomen measured, and have your blood pressure and urine checked. Use this time to discuss your list of pregnancy concerns or problems with your health professional. At different times in your pregnancy, you will have additional exams and tests performed. Although some are routine, others are only done when a problem is suspected or if you have a risk factor for a problem.
Forms & Information
If you are an established patient at our clinic, and are preparing for your next follow-up visit, please complete these forms and bring them with your to your next appointment. In addition we will also need your photo ID and current medical insurance card.
Ready to have your baby? Here's everything you'll need to prepare for delivery at a Providence hospital or medical center.
From the experts
Q: “Can I have my period and still be pregnant?”
Q. “I’m a 55-year-old male who is thinking about becoming a father. Does my age present any risks to the baby? My wife is 41. We are both in excellent health.”
Q: How long should I wait to get pregnant after…
- Having a medical procedure involving anesthesia?
- Taking prescription medications?
- Getting travel immunizations?
- Undergoing chemotherapy?
- Having uterine fibroids removed?
Q. What is “Group B strep,” and how do I know if my unborn baby is at risk?
Q: “Could it be possible for the male to be at fault for miscarriages? I’ve had two pregnant women in my life: The first woman had two miscarriages, and the second had one. Is there something wrong with my sperm?”
Q: “Is the risk of miscarriage higher during first pregnancies? Is the risk the same throughout pregnancy, or is there a time when I can start to breathe easier? And finally, is there any link between fertility problems and a higher risk for miscarrying?”
Q. "I am 40 and am, unexpectedly, expecting for the fourth time. In my last pregnancy seven years ago (same father), I gave birth three and a half weeks early due to preeclampsia. What is my risk of developing it again? Is there anything I can do to minimize my risk?"
Q: I just turned 40 and my husband and I would like to have a baby. What are the risks and what would you advise to optimize our chances of having a healthy baby?
Q: What exactly is SIDS, and why does sleeping on the back prevent it?
Q. “My wife and I are talking about conceiving a baby. I have been using marijuana and smoking cigarettes for about ten years. My wife has never smoked anything. Before we do this, I want to know if I should quit for a month or so to make sure that our children won’t have birth defects or problems later in life. My wife seems to think that what I do doesn’t matter, and that it’s only what she does that affects the baby. I’m not so sure. I want to do the right thing.”
Q. “I'm pregnant! This will be my first child. In your expert opinion, what are the top 10 things I should do to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby?”
Answers from Angela Keating, M.D., board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist with Providence Medical Group Columbia Women's Clinic.
Women who are between four and 12 weeks pregnant may safely take the following over-the-counter medications. Follow all directions on the container for adult dosage and usage instructions.
Midwifery has long been an option for women wanting to deliver their babies with minimal medical intervention. Providence Health & Services has paired the personal support of midwifery with the modern comforts of a hospital since 1993.
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