Regular Doctor Check-ups During My Pregnancy

I will never forget the moment I found out I was pregnant. It was a mix of emotions – excitement, joy, nervousness, and even a little bit of fear. My husband and I had been trying to conceive for a few months, and when I finally saw those two pink lines on the pregnancy test, I knew my life was about to change forever.

My husband and I were both ecstatic and couldn’t wait to embark on this new journey together. After the initial excitement settled, it was time to get down to business and figure out our next steps.

One of the most important things to do after discovering we were pregnant was to book our first appointment with a doctor. So we had to contact our healthcare provider, choose among the hospitals recommended, and find a good OB/GYN to guide us through the pregnancy and delivery stages.

first ultrasound check up pregnancy
first ultrasound after our pregnancy test came out positive

Insurance Coverage and Choosing a Reliable Doctor

Fortunately, I have comprehensive health insurance coverage in my employment company and the coverage included maternity care. I’m so relieved that as per my employment benefits, check-ups, labor and delivery (even C-section delivery and epidural), some vitamins, and other hospital admission is covered.

This made it easier for me to find a reliable doctor who could guide me through my pregnancy journey. My insurance plan provided a list of in-network providers, which helped narrow down the choices.

So that we could find a reliable doctor, we considered factors like the distance of the clinic from our home, years of experience, and patient reviews. I also reached out to friends and family who had recently gone through pregnancy to get their recommendations. After doing thorough research, I finally found a doctor who met all my criteria and felt like the right fit for me.

This is different from person to person so please make sure to check with your employer and insurance provider to see the benefits available to you.

Tips on Choosing a Good Doctor and Hospital

When it comes to choosing a doctor and hospital for your pregnancy journey, it’s essential to do your research. Here are some tips to help you find the best fit for you:

  1. Read Google reviews: Patient reviews can provide valuable insight into the experiences of others with a particular doctor or hospital. Look for patterns in the feedback to help you make an informed decision.
  2. Consider accreditations: Check if the doctor and hospital have any accreditations from reputable organizations, such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) or the Joint Commission. This can indicate a commitment to quality care and adherence to best practices.
  3. Ask for recommendations: Reach out to friends, family, or even online forums to get personal recommendations. Hearing about others’ experiences can help you make a more informed decision.
  4. Schedule a consultation: If possible, schedule an initial consultation with the doctor to discuss your needs and concerns. This can give you a better sense of whether they’re a good fit for you.

The Importance of Regular Check-ups During Pregnancy

Since this is my first-time to have a baby, I read that regular check-ups during pregnancy are crucial to ensure the health and well-being of both my baby and myself. These appointments allow the doctor to monitor my progress and identify any potential issues early on. Early intervention can often lead to better outcomes, so it’s essential that I stay on top of my prenatal care.

During my pregnancy, I made sure to attend all my scheduled appointments and follow my doctor’s advice closely. This helped me feel more in control and confident that I was doing everything I could to ensure a healthy and successful pregnancy.

After all, I’m also at a high-risk stage since I’m more than 30 years old. So I can’t miss any check-ups to be safe and to track my and my baby’s progress.

doctor checkup with doula pregnancy
doctor check-up

What to Expect During a Typical Check-up

In case you’re wondering what goes on during these check-ups and appointments, your first prenatal appointment will likely be more in-depth than subsequent visits. The doctor will want to gather as much information as possible to create a comprehensive care plan for you and your baby. Here’s what you can expect during a typical check-up:

  1. Medical history review: Your doctor will ask about your medical history, including any previous pregnancies, surgeries, or chronic conditions. This helps them understand any potential risks or complications that may arise during your pregnancy.
  2. Physical examination: A physical examination will be conducted to assess your overall health. This may include checking your weight, blood pressure, and listening to your heart and lungs.
  3. Pelvic exam: A pelvic exam may be performed to assess the size and shape of your uterus and check for any abnormalities.
  4. Blood tests: Blood tests are typically done to check for conditions like anemia, infections, or immunity to certain diseases. They can also be used to determine your blood type and Rh factor, which is important for your baby’s health.
  5. Urine test: A urine test is usually performed to check for any infections or other issues that could affect your pregnancy.
  6. Ultrasound: Depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy, your doctor may perform an ultrasound to confirm your due date, check for multiple pregnancies, and assess the health of your baby.

Common Tests During Pregnancy and Their Importance

Throughout your pregnancy, your doctor may recommend various tests to monitor the health of both you and your baby. Some common tests include:

  1. First-trimester screening: This test combines a blood test and an ultrasound to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome.
  2. Glucose screening: Typically conducted between 24 and 28 weeks, this test checks for gestational diabetes by measuring your body’s response to sugar.
  3. Group B streptococcus (GBS) screening: GBS is a common bacterium that can cause serious infections in newborns. Screening for GBS is typically done around 35-37 weeks and involves a simple swab test.
  4. Biophysical profile: This test combines an ultrasound and a non-stress test to assess your baby’s well-being in the later stages of pregnancy.

It’s essential to keep track of these tests and discuss any concerns with your doctor. If any issues are identified, early intervention can often lead to better outcomes. So for the husbands and partners out there who will join their wives during the check-up period, please do keep a note of the important feedback provided by your doctor.

Doula Support for Pre-Natal Check-ups

Sometimes things can get busy or you might be alone in this pregnancy journey. As such, you might want to consider getting a birth doula for your pre-natal check-ups. Doulas are trained professionals who provide emotional and physical support during pregnancy and childbirth.

They can help with scheduling appointments, preparing questions for the doctor, providing information about prenatal care, and offering emotional support throughout the entire process. It’s quite a convenience actually especially if it’s your first time to get pregnant.

An information-rich consultation can quickly become overwhelming. With an assistant present, critical details are less likely to be missed or forgotten, allowing for a more effective and productive meeting. That’s what happened to me and why I’m also thankful to hire a doula here in Toronto.

So to other moms out there, having a doula may also help take some of the stress off you and your partner when it comes to attending doctors’ appointments and making sure all necessary tests are done on time.

doctor checkup baby gender reveal
finding out the gender of our baby

Frequency of Check-ups: My Personal Experience

The frequency of my prenatal check-ups varies depending on my needs and the recommendations of my doctor. But I was advised beforehand hat as the date of the estimated delivery goes nearer, there will be even more frequent visits to monitor both my and the baby’s health.

For the first trimester, I went for check-ups every 4 weeks. During the second trimester, visits were every 2-3 weeks. Then for the third trimester, I went for check-ups every 2 weeks until week 36. After that, weekly appointments were scheduled leading up to delivery.

During my pregnancy, I had check-ups:

  • Every four weeks up until 28 weeks
  • Every two weeks from 28 to 36 weeks
  • Weekly from 36 weeks until delivery

These appointments helped me stay informed about my progress and allowed my doctor to address any concerns or issues that arose during my pregnancy.

Note: I also had a couple of check-ups when I became sick due to colds/flu, and when I had a week of diarrhea. These unexpected check-ups were helpful in ensuring that I and the baby were doing okay despite the illnesses.

Summary

Every pregnancy case is different so the frequency and types of prenatal check-ups will vary. But in general, regular visits to your doctor are highly important to monitor your and your baby’s health and development.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you have any concerns. And remember, early detection of any issues can lead to better outcomes. So make those appointments and get the support you need.

I’m glad to have had the support of my doctor and doula throughout my pregnancy journey. Their guidance helped put me at ease, especially for a first-time mom like me.

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