What Should I Expect During Prenatal Visits?

Your obstetric care follows a regular schedule. Most women schedule monthly exams through week 28, checkups every two weeks through week 36, and then weekly visits until you deliver your baby. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, your doctor at Hill Country OB/GYN may ask you to come in more frequently.

 At each prenatal visit, your doctor checks your overall health, weight, and blood pressure, and evaluates your baby’s heart rate and growth. You’ll also receive routine tests and have time to talk about any concerns you may have such as morning sickness, weight gain, and nutrition.

What Routine Tests are Performed During My Obstetric Care?

Hill Country OB/GYN takes every step to ensure the health of you and your baby throughout your pregnancy. Your care includes blood and urine tests to identify problems or conditions that could affect your pregnancy and your baby, such as:

• Anemia

• Gestational diabetes

• Bladder and kidney infections

• Rubella and chickenpox

• Hepatitis B

• Chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections

 Routine blood tests also screen for genetic birth defects such as Down syndrome. If your baby is at risk or you have a family history of a genetic disease, your doctor can talk with you about genetic testing.

When Will I Get an Ultrasound?

You may have a transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound at any time during your pregnancy if your doctor determines it’s needed to evaluate your baby’s growth and health. However, women always have a routine ultrasound around 20 weeks, when they can often learn their baby’s gender.

 Hill Country OB/GYN also offers 2D and 3D gender determination sessions. This special appointment gives you the chance to enjoy the experience of seeing your baby while still in the womb. You’ll also receive pictures and a video.