You’ve found out that you’re pregnant. One of the first steps after learning this information that can change your life is to find an obstetrician who can provide the care that you need and who can provide the care your baby needs. The doctor you visit is one who will likely deliver your baby after several months of providing obstetric care in the office.
When you visit an ob fredericksburg va office, there are a few things that you should prepare yourself for so that you’re comfortable with the doctor and the staff. The first appointment that you make is usually around the time that you’re about eight weeks along in your pregnancy. Your doctor will usually want to perform a test in the office to ensure that you are indeed pregnant. A medical history will be taken with details that include any prior health issues and any prior pregnancies.
Once all of the paperwork is completed and the basic details are reviewed, your doctor will likely perform a pelvic exam as well as a breast exam. It’s important to have these exams performed early in your pregnancy to ensure that your cervix and uterus are healthy to support the pregnancy. A breast exam can detect any abnormalities that need to be examined further and that could lead to difficulties with breastfeeding if this is the option that you choose. After all of the exams are performed, your doctor will order any further tests that are needed and give you a few signs to look for early on in your pregnancy that could indicate a miscarriage or other issues that need to be addressed as soon as possible.
Part of your first visit to your OB could be an ultrasound. Although you won’t be able to see a lot of details about your baby early on, your doctor can usually detect a heartbeat and ensure that your baby is growing in the uterus instead of other areas, such as the Fallopian tubes. When you’re in the office, you need to take the time to ask a lot of questions. There will likely be lab work done to determine if there are any issues with your blood count. You’ll also talk about your diet and exercise routine and if there are any restrictions that you need to consider while you’re pregnant. You’ll then schedule your next appointment with appointments usually following for each month until you’re close to your delivery date.
If you’re going to an OB/GYN for your personal health or for your reproductive health, there are some things to know before your appointment. Talk to your doctor about what will happen during a pelvic and breast exam so that you’re prepared for what you might feel and the equipment that will be used. Learn about your birth control options as well as things to look for pertaining to your menstrual cycle if you don’t plan on becoming pregnant for some time. If you are trying to get pregnant, then you can talk to your doctor about health changes that you can make that will increase your chances.
