Antenatal Care

Antenatal Care at Aurora Women’s Health

If you did not meet with your health care provider before you were pregnant, your first prenatal visit would generally be around 8 weeks after your LMP (last menstrual period). “If this applies to you, you should schedule a prenatal visit as soon as you know you are pregnant.”

Even if you are not a first-time mother, prenatal visits are important since every pregnancy is different. This initial visit will probably be one of the longest. It will be helpful if you arrive prepared with vital dates and information. This is also a good opportunity to bring a list of questions you and your partner have about your pregnancy, prenatal care and birth options.

Besides keeping track of the general wellness of a patient during pregnancy, an obstetrician can identify complications and health conditions related to being pregnant. They also monitor the baby’s health by measuring their fundal height and performing ultrasound tests.

These are the most common conditions an obstetrician can help manage:

  • Infections
  • Gestational diabetes
  • Ectopic pregnancies or miscarriages
  • Preeclampsia or high blood pressure
  • Problems related to the placenta
  • Muscle pains and aches
  • Genetic disorders
  • Nausea or morning sickness

There are also some obstetricians who are experienced in handling high-risk pregnancies. In high-risk pregnancy cases, patients and their babies have an increased chance of experiencing complications.