Pregnancy

When should I see an OB/GYN if I am pregnant?

If you’re planning to become pregnant, it’s always recommended to schedule a preconception appointment ahead of time, just to determine if there are any issues that may affect your fertility or pregnancy.

But if you took a home pregnancy test that came out positive, or missed your period, you should schedule an exam right away to confirm your pregnancy and get started on prenatal care. You should generally have your first prenatal exam by about eight weeks. 

What happens at a prenatal exam?

The caring team at All About Women OB/GYN want to ensure you’re comfortable throughout your entire visit. After getting you checked in, checking your blood pressure and weight, and gathering any other basic details about your health, you meet with your OB/GYN.

Depending on how far along you are and any concerns you may have, your physician may:

• Send you for labs, such as blood testing or a urinalysis
• Screen you for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Administer vaccinations, like a flu shot
• Conduct biophysical profile testing
• Perform a pelvic or breast exam
• Conduct an ultrasound
• Order genetic screening
• Conduct fetal monitoring 

Your prenatal exam is also your one-on-one time with your OB/GYN to get information for any concerns or questions you may have. All About Women OB/GYN also offers prenatal classes, where you can receive ongoing education throughout your pregnancy. 

How often do I need to see my OB/GYN during pregnancy?

During your first prenatal appointment at All About Women OB/GYN, your physician lets you know about how often you should be checking in. The guidelines below are recommended for low-risk and normal pregnancies.

• Every four to six weeks until week 32
• Every two to three weeks from weeks 32-37
• Weekly after week 37 until your baby is born

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, like if you develop gestational diabetes, are pregnant with multiples, or are over the age of 35 (advanced maternal age), your OB/GYN is likely going to want you to come in for prenatal visits more frequently. 

In these cases, the team at All About Women OB/GYN typically recommend prenatal appointments at least twice a month until about 32-37 weeks, then weekly after that point. 

Schedule your pregnancy exam at All About Women OB/GYN today. Click on the online booking feature or call to learn more about pregnancy services.