Pregnancy

Pregnancy

What Is a Pregnancy Doctor and What Is Their Role During Labor and Birth? 

If you find out that you’re expecting a baby, the first thing you should do is make an appointment with a pregnancy doctor, aka an OB (obstetrician). A pregnancy doctor is, you guessed it, a physician who specializes in medical care during pregnancy and childbirth.

During pregnancy, you’re your pregnancy doctor will monitor your health, check your baby’s growth and position, perform routine prenatal exams and testing, and help you prepare for labor and delivery.

Once you progress to the labor and birthing stage, your baby’s heart rate will be monitored and your contractions will be measured. You will have a cervical check as well to determine how far you have dilated. Your obstetrician will visit as soon as possible after you’ve checked into the labor and delivery center. Once your labor has progressed to the point that you feel the urge to push, your OB will measure dilation and prepare you for delivery.

Signs of Pregnancy

  • The most common early signs of pregnancy include:
  • Spotting and cramping
  • Changes in breast size and sensitivity
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea (aka morning sickness)
  • Missed period

How Do I Choose a Doctor for Pregnancy Near Me? 

Check your insurance to determine which providers are covered in your area. To help you choose a good match for your pregnancy doctor, look for a trusted provider whose personality and communication style are compatible with yours. When dealing with ‘pregnancy near me,’ do some online research to check into credentials, speciality, and patient satisfaction.

Pregnancy Week by Week: What Should I Expect at My Pregnancy Appointment During Each Trimester?

First Trimester (Weeks One Through 12):

  • Schedule your first prenatal visit.
  • Your doctor will confirm your pregnancy with a blood test.
  • You will visit your pregnancy doctor once per month.
  • Once you reach 12 weeks, you may opt to do a genetic screening to check for chromosomal abnormalities.

Second Trimester (Weeks 13 Through 26):

  • You will continue with monthly pregnancy doctor visits, during which your pregnancy doctor will continue to track your baby’s growth and development.
  • You will have a fetal ultrasound around 20 weeks into your pregnancy to help your doctor evaluate the health of your baby.
  • You may have blood tests done during this time, as well as a gestational diabetes screening.

Third Trimester (Weeks 27 Through the End of Pregnancy): 

  • Your pregnancy doctor visits frequency will increase at 30 weeks to every other week.
  • At 36 weeks, you will see your pregnancy doctor weekly until you deliver. At your pregnancy appointment, they will perform a physical exam, answer questions about labor and delivery, perform group B strep and other necessary tests, monitor your baby’s heartbeat, check your cervical dilation, and measure your uterus.

Schedule an Appointment With the Experienced Pregnancy Doctors at Annandale Ob-Gyn

If you’re looking for a pregnancy doctor with the experience and skill to match your pregnancy needs, contact the caring obstetricians at Annandale Ob-Gyn today by calling 703-642-7522 or clicking make an appointment at the top of the page! Our pregnancy doctors offer outstanding prenatal care, promoting the health of moms, babies, and families in Northern Virginia.