When should I schedule my first pregnancy appointment?
You should schedule your first appointment with Dr. MacDonald as soon as you know, or suspect, you’re pregnant. Your first appointment is usually scheduled eight weeks after the first day of your last menstrual period.
If you’re in the pre-planning stages of your pregnancy, Dr. MacDonald can also conduct an examination to assess gynecological health and help you and your body get ready for pregnancy.
How often do I need to see the doctor during pregnancy?
How often you need to see Dr. MacDonald during your pregnancy depends on how far along you are and if your pregnancy is normal or high-risk.
In general, you can expect:
- Once a month between weeks four and 28
- Two times a month between weeks 29 and 36
- Weekly from weeks 36 to delivery
During each visit, Dr. MacDonald checks your weight, abdominal girth, and blood pressure. He also listens to your baby’s heart rate and may conduct an ultrasound so you can see your baby.
Throughout your pregnancy, you may also need various tests to assess your health and risks, such as:
- Glucose tolerance test to assess for gestational diabetes
- Blood work to test for anemia
- Genetic testing
Some of these tests are routine, while others may be recommended due to your age or ethnic background.
What is a high-risk pregnancy?
If your pregnancy is considered high-risk it’s because there may be concern about either you or your baby’s health during your gestation. Dr. MacDonald specializes in high-risk pregnancies, which include:
- Multiple gestations, or carrying more than one baby
- Health condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes
- Teen pregnancy or over age 35
- Overweight or obesity
For high-risk pregnancies, Dr. MacDonald may recommend you come in more often for prenatal checks and suggest more specialized testing to monitor you or your baby throughout your pregnancy.
What can I expect during delivery?
Like most women, one of your primary concerns about pregnancy is the delivery. Dr. MacDonald spends a great deal of time discussing your delivery with you so you know what to expect before you bring your baby into the world.
While you may be planning a vaginal delivery, in certain circumstances, such as multiple births or placenta previa, a cesarean section may be your only choice.
For expert prenatal care from a compassionate physician, call the office of Steven R. MacDonald, MD, to schedule an appointment or use the online booking tool.
