Pregnancy

What are early signs of pregnancy?

Missing a period is the most obvious sign of pregnancy, however, there are many other early signs and symptoms including:

• Nausea
• Swollen or tender breasts
• Fatigue
• Food cravings or aversions
• Mood swings or irritability

If you think you could be pregnant, you can take an over-the-counter test and schedule an appointment with your trusted OB/GYN at Pure OBGYN to confirm your pregnancy and schedule your prenatal check-ups.

When should I start to see an obstetrician?

Most women meet with their obstetrician for the first time approximately eight weeks after their last menstrual period. At your first appointment, your doctor will confirm your pregnancy and perform an exam to measure your overall health and wellness. They will also perform a pelvic exam and Pap smear, as well as an ultrasound if you’re unsure of how far along you are in your pregnancy.

Your doctor will talk to you about what to expect during your prenatal checkups and let you know how often you should schedule your appointments. Typically, you’ll have prenatal appointments once every four weeks for the first 28 weeks of pregnancy, then every other week from 28 weeks to 36 weeks. You’ll have weekly check-ups for your final weeks of pregnancy until your baby is born.

If your pregnancy is classified as high-risk, you’ll have more frequent appointments.

What does high-risk pregnancy mean?

High-risk pregnancies are those where there is an increased chance of a health problem for you or your baby. Most high-risk pregnancies are perfectly healthy. You just have more frequent appointments and a few extra tests so your obstetrician can keep a close eye on your and your baby’s health.

High-risk pregnancies include:

• Twins or multiple babies
• Mother over the age of 35
• Existing health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
• Overweight or obese mother
• Personal history of pregnancy complications

What services are included in obstetrics?

Obstetrics includes all of your prenatal check-ups and screenings as well as support during your delivery. In addition to the standard tests like those for gestational diabetes, blood pressure monitoring, and ultrasounds, the team at Pure OBGYN also offers genetic screening tests. The obstetricians at Pure OBGYN also help women to have safe, natural deliveries.

Call or schedule an appointment online today for expert obstetrics care.