Pregnancy is an exciting period of your life because many changes occur within a short span of time. To make sure everything goes well, you need to have regular pregnancy doctor visits. During these prenatal examinations, you will learn many things about your body changes, your baby’s growth as well as what to expect when you go into labor and delivery. Your doctor will offer you many tips on how to care for yourself and how to take care of your baby’s health.
How Many Pregnancy Doctor Visits Will I Have?
The Answer
Most pregnant women make 10-15 prenatal visits which consist of check-ups every four weeks in the 1st and 2nd trimesters, once every two weeks until your 36th week, and then weekly until delivery. Choose someone you trust and are comfortable with because you will be making regular pregnancy doctor visitsfor the next several months. However, you may need more visits if you have the following risk factors.
1. After Age 35
Although most women give birth to healthy babies after the age of 35, doctors want to determine if you are having a baby with birth defects, a risk that is more common in older women. Your risk for pregnancy complications is also higher if you are older than 35.
2. Pre-Existing Health Problems
Women who have a history of high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, anemia, obesity or lupus will probably have more frequent pregnancy doctor visits to manage their health condition, so as not to affect their pregnancy or baby’s health.
3. Complications During Pregnancy
Pregnancy complications like preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced high blood pressure) or gestational diabetes (pregnancy-related diabetes) need to be monitored closely and managed during frequent prenatal visits.
4. History of Preterm Labor
A history of premature birth orpreterm labor is one reason to see your doctor more often. You will also be closely monitored if you show signs of labor before your term.
What to Expect During Pregnancy Doctor Visits
1. The Initial Visit
After your pregnancy is confirmed, your initial visit will be scheduled after the 8th week, unless you have a past history or condition such as severe nausea/vomiting, spotting or stomach pain that may warrant treatment or close observation.
The first visit is usually the longest. It includes a thorough record of medical history, physical exams as well as laboratory tests. These will evaluate you for:
- Previous medical conditions, pregnancies orsurgeries
- Your current health
- Your family’s health/genetic history
- Your lifestyle, including exercise, diet, smoking/drinking habits, etc.
- Your physical condition, including your weight, vital signs, etc.
A pelvic exam will be done as part of your physical examination. Your due date will be calculated based on yourlast menstrual cycle and it may be confirmed with an ultrasound exam. Laboratory tests usually include blood test, urine exams and screening for any on-going problems such as anemia, high blood sugar levels and infections.
2. The Subsequent Visits in the First Trimester
In your subsequent pregnancy doctor visits,your weight, blood pressure and urine protein and glucose levels will be checked. An ultrasound test may be done around the 10th week to check fetal heartbeat and to confirm normal uterine pregnancy. Screening for Down syndrome or other genetic problems may also be done in the first trimester.
3. Visits in the Second Trimester
In the second trimester, your doctor will be monitoring fetal heart tones as well as baby’s growth by measuring fundal height. If you are at risk for a miscarriagedue to an incompetent cervix, you might need a procedure called cervical cerclage by the 14th week. Your doctor may offer an alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) screen between the 15th and the 20th weeks. If you have any condition that needs surgery, such as gall bladder stone, it is best done in the second semester.
4. Visits in the Third Trimester
Pregnancy doctor visits between the 24th and the 30th weeks are scheduled every 2-3 weeks. During your third trimester, the doctor will be more vigilant for pregnancy-related complications and watch you more carefully. These visits may include:
- Screening for gestational diabetes and vaginal infection
- Determination of fetal position
- Weekly cervical checks beginning on the 38th week
- Induction of labor at the 39th weeks if the cervix is ripe
- Post-date surveillance and frequent visits if you have not given birth by 40 weeks
- At the 42nd weeks, your doctor will decide to induce labor.
How Much Do Pregnancy Doctor Visits Cost?
On average, pregnancy doctor visits for nine months cost from $2200 to $4500 and may vary depending on your insurance benefits. The estimate does not include insurance or hospital and lab fees. If you have health insurance, find out if it covers prenatal costs. Most insurance companies pay 75% to 95% of the cost and the remaining amount will come from your own pocket.