Prenatal appointment 101

A few tips for making the most of your ob/gyn appointments

Unlike some visits to a doctor’s office, a prenatal appointment is usually quick and pleasant. It is primarily designed for you and your health care provider to receive updated information regarding you and your baby, listen to your baby’s heartbeat, and rule out any complications.

• To maximize the time you spend with your ob/gyn, take these suggestions from The Smart Mother’s Guide to a Better Pregnancy.

• Make a list of your concerns and present them at the beginning of your prenatal visit.

• If your list is long, ask for a special appointment so that your concerns will be discussed in an unhurried manner.

• Ask what your blood type is during your first or second prenatal visit.

• Make certain that an antibody screen is done between 24 and 28 weeks.

• Inform your provider if you have ever had a blood transfusion.

• Keep no secrets from your provider about your past pregnancy history.

• Never leave a prenatal visit without knowing your blood pressure.

• Never, never accept medical advice from people who are not trained to give it. When in doubt, ask your physician, midwife, or nurse practitioner.

— Excerpted from The Smart Mother’s Guide to a Better Pregnancy: How to Minimize Risks, Avoid Complications, and Have a Healthy Baby, by Linda Burke-Galloway, M.D. © 2008