Importance Of Prenatal Care
Prenatal care Phoenix is something every woman needs to help ensure that she has a healthy baby. Your first visit to a doctor should be within the first thirteen weeks of your pregnancy. It is your first visit that your doctor will determine your expected delivery date and work with you to develop a plan for the rest of your pregnancy. This is just a general plan and could change if there are any issues that develop during your pregnancy.
All of your baby’s organs are formed in the first trimester. It is during this time that the baby’s development is the most delicate and likely when you will do more frequent prenatal care Phoenix visits. This is to help ensure you will carry the baby full term and have a healthy baby.
Prenatal care Phoenix should include general healthcare along with education on the various stages of pregnancy. Your doctor should also discuss with you proper nutrition and physical activity for your pregnancy. They may also suggest that you take birthing classes that include some helpful information for infant care. If your pregnancy is considered high risk you may need additional care and counseling during your pregnancy.
During your regular prenatal care Phoenix visits you will likely have some testing done to monitor how your baby is growing and developing. Some of the routine tests and procedures include blood tests for screening developmental and chromosomal issues, ultrasounds to assess your baby’s development, diagnostic for abnormalities, urine test, diabetes screening, pelvic exams, there may be fetal testing, a test for the Rh factor, they will measure your abdomen to determine the baby’s growth, and listen to your baby’s heartbeat. Not all of this is done at every visit. This is all to make sure you and your baby are healthy. If there is a problem, the earlier it is detected the better. Prenatal medicine has come a long way and there is more that can be done than ever before if there is a problem.
One of the best things you can do to help with the prenatal care Phoenix is to live as healthy as you can. Your doctor will probably have you take pre-natal vitamins. In addition to the vitamins you can help by maintaining the highest level of healthy living by not smoking and avoiding those who do, do not drink any alcohol, and no drugs. You should take no over the counter drugs without asking your doctor first. Eat healthy whole foods and exercise regularly. If you were not exercising before you became pregnant you may want to talk to your doctor before you start an exercise program. There are some good ones for expecting mothers. If you feel there is something out of the ordinary do not hesitate to call your doctor.
Having a baby is exciting and it can also be scary. If this is your first child you are in new territory and don’t know what to expect. If you have friends that have had children they will likely be more than happy to share their experiences, this is not always a good thing. Listen to your doctor, take the recommended prenatal classes and you will do great.