Breaking down hospital visits during each stage of pregnancy.
Women who suspect they may be pregnant should schedule a visit with their health care provider to begin prenatal care. These medical checkups help keep the mother and baby healthy during pregnancy by addressing many issues, such as healthy eating and physical activity, screening tests you might need and what to expect during labor and delivery.
The first prenatal visit to a health care provider usually includes a physical exam, weight check and providing a urine sample. Depending on the stage of the pregnancy, health care providers may also do blood tests and imaging tests, such as ultrasound exams. These visits also include discussions about the mother’s health, the fetus’s health and any questions about the pregnancy.
“Receiving regular prenatal care can reduce the risks of complications during pregnancy and birth and provides for more favorable outcomes,” says Hernan Parra Freitas, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist with Highland Medical, OBS-GYN of Rockland in New City and Stony Point, NY.
“With so many risks associated with pregnancy, regular prenatal care is essential in monitoring existing conditions and diagnosing new health issues early so they may be treated effectively.”
Expectant mothers typically see a physician, nurse practitioner or midwife every four weeks up until 28 weeks’ gestation. Visits are recommended every two weeks from 28 weeks’ to 36 weeks’ gestation. At 36 weeks’ gestation until birth, weekly visits are required.
“Each trimester, critical tests are needed to ensure mom and baby are healthy during the pregnancy and even more if the pregnancy is classified as high risk,” says Dr. Parra Freitas. “Pregnancy brings about many changes, physically, hormonally and mentally for moms; regular visits with your doctor are helpful to address any symptoms you are curious about or ask any questions you have.”
Depending on your provider, the following is a brief schedule of what you can expect during prenatal visits throughout pregnancy.
FIRST TRIMESTER
- Blood tests: Evaluate the mother’s health and identify risks or necessary treatments during pregnancy
- Genetic bloodwork
- Urinalysis test: for atypical findings, bacteria or protein
- Ultrasound: Confirms due date, fetal heartbeat and measurements of the baby
SECOND TRIMESTER
- Glucose testing: checks for gestational diabetes. More than one test may be needed if your results of the first are not in range.
- Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein blood test: checks for neural tube defects
- Anatomy Ultrasound: in-depth measurements of the baby to determine growth
THIRD TRIMESTER
- Tdap vaccine: protection from tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough is passed from mother to baby
- RhoGAM injection: for Rh-negative patients only
- 32-week blood work: CBC, RPR and HIV
- 9-month vaginal swabs: Group B strep, gonorrhea and chlamydia
- Ultrasound around 36 weeks
Prenatal care can help prevent complications and inform women about important steps they can take to protect their infant and ensure a healthy pregnancy. New York State is the first state in the US to offer paid time off for prenatal care or medical care related to pregnancy. As part of the New York State Paid Family Leave Program, a privately employed pregnant person can receive 20 hours of paid sick leave for prenatal care.
To schedule a prenatal visit at Highland Medical, OBS-GYN of Rockland, call 845-634-8400 in New City or 845-947-2225 in Stony Point.
To learn about services offered at The Prenatal Center at Montefiore Nyack Hospital, call 845-348-2550 or visit montefiorenyack.org/maternitycenter.
