Whether this is your first or fifth pregnancy it is a special time in your life.  We understand that pregnancy can be just as anxiety filled, as it is exciting and want to equip you with all the knowledge that you need to have a successful pregnancy and healthy child.

What to expect when you come in for your visits

Pre-conceptual counseling gives you the opportunity to see if there are any health or genetic issues that may affect your pregnancy.  Therefore for this pre-conceptual visit we can:

• Review your family history and look for genetic problems
• Order labs that look for specific genetic problems (i.e. cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia
• Check for hypertension or pre-existing diabetes
• Start you on prenatal vitamins (notice that the name is prenatal, these vitamins should be taken  well before you get pregnant
• Discuss habits (i.e. drinking or smoking) that you need to stop prior to pregnancy
• Discuss weight gain issues
  

Initial pregnancy visit: around 5 - 10 weeks pregnant

• Order prenatal labs
• Initial ultrasound to confirm your due date
• Start tracking your weight, blood pressure, and urine dips
• Prenatal vitamins
• Orientation to Horizons Women's Healthcare
• Answer questions
• You will come to the office monthly until you are 28 wks pregnant
  

15 to 20 weeks pregnant: Check for your risk of having a baby that has Down's syndrome, spinal defects (like spina bifida):   the patient should be able to double click on the spina bifida and down’s syndrome links and be taken to the appropriate page with that content.