| 8-11 weeks: Please schedule your first OB visit during
this time. At this visit, you will meet with Dr. Peck to discuss your pregnancy and what to expect in the nine months
to come. In most cases, a pelvic exam will be done and a pap
smear will be collected. If an ultrasound is performed in our
office at your first visit, it will be brief to confirm the
pregnancy and check the heart beat of the baby, but is not used
for anatomical purposes. The ultrasound at your first visit may
not be covered by your insurance policy. Prenatal labs will be
collected at this first visit. A genetic screening lab for
Cystic Fibrosis is recommended.
8-28 weeks: You will have an OB visit once every 4
weeks, until you reach the 28th week. Your growth progress will
be monitored, and the fetal heart tones will be checked. Many
mothers begin to feel kicking and fetal movement at
approximately 20 weeks. Expect to have an ultrasound scheduled
at approximately 18-20 weeks to check the anatomy of the baby.
At about 24-28 weeks, a one hour glucose test will be scheduled
to check your blood sugar levels during the pregnancy. If your
blood type is Rh negative, you will receive a Rhogam shot at
this visit.
28-36 weeks: Expect to schedule an OB visit every 2
weeks, until your 36th week. Fetal activity monitoring should
begin at 30 weeks. At 36 weeks, a culture is done to check for
Group B Strep in your pregnancy.
36 weeks- delivery: An OB appointment will be
scheduled every week in our office, and a pelvic exam will be
done starting at 37 weeks to check the dilation of your cervix.
Please remember, no traveling once you reach 36 weeks in your
pregnancy. In this last month, our office will do our best to
set your mind at ease by answering any questions you may have.
Also, if you have special requests for your delivery, please
discuss these with Dr. Peck before you are 36 weeks along so we
can be sure to give you the delivery experience you desire. In
the last four weeks of your pregnancy, you should relax as much
as possible and go to bed early. Women who are well rested tend
to have an easier time in labor, while tired women tend to have
difficulty during labor. Have your hospital bags packed and
readily accessible. These last weeks can be a bit uncomfortable,
but rest and relaxation will keep you happy and cherishing the
remainder of your pregnancy. |
