Prenatal Care: What to excpect

Consultation Visit
This is a visit that provides us the opportunity to meet one another. During this time, information about midwifery care and the scope of my practice will be given. We will have the opportunity for questions, answers and dialogue on your choices and options for childbirth. A risk screening may be done at that time to let us know if there are any past or present conditions, which may warrant consultation with an OB.

Prenatal Care
We will spend a lot of time together during prenatal visits preparing and getting you ready to birth your baby, encouraging you take care of yourself so you can take care of your newborn child. I will meet with you on a regular basis to do prenatal check-ups. The purpose of these visits will be to confirm a normal progression of your pregnancy. It is also a time for identifying and dealing with concerns that may develop.

Explanations of normalcy will be given during these prenatals, as well as identification of risks and how they are dealt with. Our times together will help to create a relationship based on mutual trust and respect.
You are expected to eat well, (a balanced diet of simple, wholesome foods), exercise, avoid undue stress, and care for yourself and your baby in a loving way in an effort to avoid potential problems from arising. Fathers or significant others are encouraged to participate in these visits, as are siblings.

The schedule of prenatal visits is as follows: monthly visits until the 28th week of pregnancy, visits every other week from your 28th week until your 36th week and weekly visits after that until delivery. The visit occurring during the 36th week of pregnancy will be a home visit. I set aside one hour of prenatal time for you (your first two prenatal visits will be approximately one hour and a half)

Lab Tests
Lab testing is a recommended part of prenatal care and is offered to all clients. Such tests include: Prenatal Profile, Pap Smear, Gonorrhea/Chlamydia screen, Diabetes screen, repeat blood tests at 28 & 36 weeks. An HIV screen is also recommended. A Sickle Cell screen when indicated.

Other tests such as: Ultrasound, Maternal Serum Alpha-fetal Protein, Amniocentesis and GBS screening as offered to all clients. However, these tests are strongly suggested only if medically indicated. Clients with no risk factors can waive these procedures based on an informed decision making process.