 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||||||||
 |
 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||
Mothers-to-be are extra-special people. They need special care. Prenatal care involves the care of you and your baby before it is born. This prenatal care is very important. It is through these office visits that your doctor monitors your progress. After confirming that you are pregnant, your doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination and will take your medical history. Your previous pregnancies, if any, will be reviewed and information will be gathered about your current pregnancy. Along with a general physical examination, you will also have vaginal and pelvic examinations. Tests, such as urine and blood tests, will be conducted and some of these will be repeated in future office visits. Your weight will also be checked. These tests serve as continuing monitors of your health. Your doctor will advise you on how to take care of yourself to help assure a comfortable pregnancy and a strong, healthy baby. You will be advised about your diet and what activities you should or should not continue. It is recommended that your husband go with you to several of your office appointments to get to know the doctor and to ask questions. Write down any questions you have between visits and be sure to ask them. You will also be talking with your doctor about the kind of childbirth experience you wish to have. There will be other decisions you will be making in the coming months concerning the new infant. You should share your ideas and concerns with your doctor and with each other.