Pregnancy Specialist

Why is prenatal care necessary?

Prenatal care is important for every pregnant woman to ensure that the mother and the baby are as healthy as possible throughout the pregnancy. Prenatal care also gives the mother a chance to ask questions about the pregnancy or express any concerns she may have.

When a woman attends regular prenatal care appointments, the doctor is able to monitor her health and the baby’s progress. This monitoring can uncover potential problems, such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes, before they become too serious.

What happens during prenatal appointments?

During each prenatal appointment, a member of the staff at Arizona Women’s Health Partners takes the mother’s:

• Blood pressure
• Temperature
• Heart rate

The mother will also step onto a scale to check for weight gain. In addition, the mother may be asked to provide a urine sample to check for any abnormalities in the urine.

After the patient has checked in, Dr. Thomas or Dr. Eericca will examine the patient and ask questions about the pregnancy. Depending on the stage of the pregnancy, this exam may include:

• An evaluation of the cervix
• Measurement of the size of the uterus
• Listening to the baby’s heartbeat

Patients will also receive ultrasounds at certain points during the pregnancy.

What is the purpose of ultrasounds?

The purpose of an ultrasound is to evaluate the baby’s development. In some cases, ultrasounds may also be used to date the pregnancy or monitor specific abnormalities, such as low amniotic fluid levels.

How often are prenatal appointments necessary?

The frequency of prenatal appointments will change throughout the pregnancy. At the beginning of the pregnancy, most women won’t need to see Dr. Thomas or Dr. Eericca as often as they will later in the pregnancy. At the end of the pregnancy, mothers may need several appointments each week until the baby is born. The doctors can provide patients with a recommended appointment schedule at their first visit.

Women with certain high-risk conditions, such as advanced maternal age or gestational diabetes, may need to see the doctor more frequently even earlier in the pregnancy. Dr Thomas or Dr. Eericca will inform patients if they have a condition that warrants more intensive monitoring.