An OBGYN is a physician specializing in female reproductive health, and they provide a range of medical services for women throughout their lives. When you are pregnant, your OBGYN will become a central part of your healthcare team, guiding you from conception through postpartum care. This is what to expect from your OBGYN during pregnancy:
Periodic Ultrasounds
Periodic ultrasounds are a significant part of prenatal care, and they offer a visual look at your developing baby. These imaging tests use sound waves to create a picture of the fetus inside the uterus. For some women, an early ultrasound can confirm the fetal heartbeat and the due date.
A mid-pregnancy ultrasound is typically more detailed. This scan allows your provider to examine the baby’s anatomy, and they check for normal development. If you choose to find out, it is also when the baby’s sex might be identified.
Prenatal Care Visits
Your OBGYN will establish a schedule of prenatal care visits to monitor your health and the baby’s development. The first appointment is usually scheduled around eight weeks after your last menstrual period. Your provider will confirm the pregnancy, and they may estimate your due date.
During these appointments, your OBGYN will typically perform several routine checks. They will measure your weight and blood pressure, and you will also provide a urine sample to screen for protein and sugar. While these checks are standard, they provide valuable information about your well-being.
Your doctor will also track the baby’s growth and listen to the heartbeat. As your pregnancy progresses, the frequency of these visits will increase, typically monthly at first, then bi-weekly, and finally weekly as you near your due date. These check-ups are an opportunity to ask questions and discuss any symptoms you are experiencing.
Labor and Delivery Support
Your OBGYN provides continuous care when you go into labor. They can guide you through the process, and they monitor both you and your baby for any signs of distress. According to your birth plan and medical needs, your provider will help you manage labor. The goal is to support a safe delivery for both mother and child.
Postpartum Care
Your care from the OBGYN continues after you give birth, and this postpartum period is a time of significant adjustment. A follow-up visit is typically scheduled a few weeks after delivery. At this appointment, your provider assesses your recovery from childbirth, which includes checking:
- Your incision if you had a C-section
- Your overall physical healing
- Your well-being
At your visits, they will address any concerns you have about your body’s recovery. Your doctor can also provide guidance on topics like breastfeeding and contraception, or they may provide help for easing back into daily activities. This visit helps support your transition into motherhood.
Schedule an OBGYN Visit Today
Navigating pregnancy involves regular medical supervision and support. An OBGYN works with you through each stage, from your first prenatal visit to your postpartum check-up. Establishing this relationship helps you receive consistent, personalized care. Contact an OBGYN clinic to schedule your appointment and begin your prenatal care.
