This week’s blog post is for my preggos! I’m talking about what a routine conversation looks like between you and I during an office visit.
I so enjoy seeing you on a daily basis. A few of the reasons are super obvious….For instance, I’m always FREEZING in the office and pregnant belly’s are my natural hand warmers! All the while I’m feeling your pregnant uterus to determine baby’s lie, perhaps estimated fetal weight, etc., I’m simultaneously warming my hands.
I also enjoy the conversation. As most of my patients will agree, a visit with me is like no other. It really is like meeting midday, early morning, etc., for a laid back conversation over coffee. You’d be surprised how much we chat about during the course of 10 to 15 minutes! Time sure does fly when you’re having fun!
Here are the Top 5 things Covered In A Routine Visit With Your FAVE OBGYN!
How the HECK are you doing? Pregnancy is hard at best. I know, I know, EVERYONE‘s afraid to say that…It’s like pregnancy bashing or something. Not to fear. “It is what it is.” As beautiful as pregnancy is, the fatigue, sleepless nights, gas, swollen hands/feet, heartburn, vaginal discharge, etc., etc., can surely get to a woman. I wanna know all about it! As my Aunt Ev commonly says, “Tell All!” I’m here for you sisters. Here to reassure, comfort, console, listen, and get you through this pregnancy.
Is Baby Movin’ and Groovin’? You know this is my go to line! I ask this at most prenatal visits. In first time moms not as early as I might in my moms that have been through a pregnancy before. Sometimes in first time moms it can take up to 22 weeks before you feel baby move. In women who have had babies before, I’ve had some expectant moms tell me they feel baby move as early as 14 weeks. At 28 weeks and beyond I encourage daily fetal kick counts to keep an eye on fetal well being. A general rule is 10 movements over the course of 2 hours.
Bleeding? Leaking? Cramps? Contractions? There will always be questions looking for signs of either labor, or preterm labor depending on how far along you are in the pregnancy. The aforementioned, if present, could be signs of either, so STAY WOKE!
Vital signs review. We routinely discuss blood pressure, weight gain, and take a look at your urine to make sure there are no signs of infection or protein. We keep a vigilant eye out for hypertensive disorders in pregnancy such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia. We look at various parameters to make sure that you are moving along in the pregnancy without issue and that we aren’t missing anything that might adversely affect your pregnancy.
Labs. Ultrasounds. Vaccinations. If you’ve had any recent imaging studies you best believe we’ll discuss it. Same goes for recent lab work (your original prenatal battery, 1st and 2nd trimester screening tests, 3rd trimester labs such as gestational diabetes screening, group b strep, etc). We will also make sure you are up to date with your vaccinations. Flu shot and whooping cough vaccine anyone?
Of course there is ALWAYS an opportunity for you to ask questions. That’s what I’m/we’re here for.
Hoping this blog post has both entertained and informed.
Until next time,
Look Better. Feel Better. Be Better.
Dr. Angela
