Pregnancy Specialist

What should I do when I learn I’m pregnant?

Whether this is your first pregnancy or not, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and excited. Fortunately, the expert team at Mott Women Healthcare is happy to answer any questions you may have about what to expect from pregnancy.

If you just found out you’re pregnant, or even if you think you may be, one of the first things you should do is schedule an appointment for prenatal care. The team at Mott Women Healthcare can confirm your pregnancy with a urine test and set you up for routine prenatal care visits.

What is prenatal care?

Prenatal care involves monitoring your health and the health of your developing baby throughout pregnancy. At your first prenatal visit, you can expect your provider at Mott Women Healthcare to do the following:

• Perform a complete physical and pelvic exam
• Take a Pap test, blood tests, and urine tests
• Review your personal and family medical history
• Advise you on eating well and exercising
• Discuss medications and nutritional supplements

They may also calculate your due date and answer any questions you may have about pregnancy or your developing baby.

After your first visit, prenatal appointments may be shorter and include the following:

• Measuring your weight gain
• Checking the baby’s heart rate
• Measuring your abdomen
• Checking your blood pressure

Depending on your needs, prenatal care appointments may also include tests, such as blood work or ultrasound imaging tests. Some of these tests are recommended for all pregnant women, while others may be necessary due to your age or risk factors for complications.

What is a high-risk pregnancy?

High-risk pregnancy means there’s an increased risk of complications that may harm the mother or baby during pregnancy, labor, or childbirth. Some women are at increased risk for complications even before they get pregnant, while others develop issues as the pregnancy progresses.

Factors involved in a high-risk pregnancy include:

• Health conditions such as diabetes
• Being overweight or obese
• Having twins or multiple births
• Having high blood pressure
• Being age 35 or older 

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, your provider at Mott Women Healthcare may want you to schedule more frequent prenatal care appointments or have additional tests, such as ultrasounds.

To learn more about staying healthy through pregnancy, call Mott Women Healthcare or book an appointment online today.