Normal Pregnancy Q & A
What is a normal pregnancy?
Women who are young and healthy have the greatest chance of having an uncomplicated, or normal, pregnancy. A normal pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period.
The obstetricians at Coeur OBGYN manage both normal and high-risk pregnancies. A high-risk pregnancy involves an increased chance of complications, such as preterm labor and delivery.
Pregnancies that begin normal may become high-risk if the mother or baby develop a health condition, such as gestational diabetes. The obstetric team at Coeur OBGYN is trained to handle all types of unexpected pregnancy complications, including breech births and Cesarean sections.
What is prenatal care?
The team at Coeur OBGYN provides prenatal care to help you and your baby stay healthy throughout pregnancy. Prenatal checkups are an opportunity for you to discuss any questions or concerns with your provider.
During your prenatal visits, your doctor may advise you on steps you can take to promote a smooth and successful pregnancy, such as:
- Healthy eating habits
- Regular physical activity
- Taking prenatal vitamins
- Avoiding harmful substances
They also perform routine tests to check for health problems or genetic conditions, such as anemia. As your due date approaches, your doctor may prepare you for what to expect during labor and delivery, and help you develop a birth plan.
The team at Coeur OBGYN includes certified lactation consultant Kelly Sorenson, who loves counseling new and experienced mothers through the challenges of breastfeeding.
When should I get prenatal care?
You should schedule your first prenatal appointment as soon as you learn that you’re pregnant. For normal pregnancies, you should see your doctor according to the following schedule:
- Once per month for weeks 4-28
- Twice per month for weeks 28-36
- Weekly for weeks 36-birth
If you have a high-risk pregnancy, your doctor at Coeur OBGYN may want to see you more frequently and perform additional tests.
What should I do if I am pregnant?
If you just found out you’re pregnant, the first thing you should do is schedule an appointment at Coeur OBGYN. The friendly and knowledgeable team of obstetricians will happily answer all your questions and help you prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
Feel free to call the office of Coeur OBGYN or schedule your appointment online today.
