What to expect at your prenatal visits

How many prenatal visits will I have?

You'll see a lot of your healthcare practitioner during your pregnancy — that's why it's so important to choose someone you like and trust. Most pregnant women have between 10 and 15 prenatal visits.

Typically, a mom-to-be will visit her doctor or midwife every four weeks during the first and second trimesters, once every two weeks until 36 weeks, then weekly until the baby is born.

But the number of scheduled appointments you'll have depends on your medical history and whether you have any complications or conditions such as high blood pressure that warrant more frequent checkups. If you've had any medical problems in the past or develop any new problems during this pregnancy, you may need more prenatal visits than average.

If you have a partner or labor coach, you may want that person to come to some appointments with you.

Is there anything I need to do to prepare for my prenatal visits?

During the weeks before each visit, jot down any questions or concerns in a notebook so you'll remember to ask your practitioner about them at your next appointment. You may be surprised by how many questions you have, so don't miss the opportunity to get some answers in person.

For example, before you drink any herbal teas, or take supplements or over-the-counter medications, bring them with you to your next appointment so your doctor or midwife can read the labels and let you know whether they're okay to ingest.

Of course, if you have any pressing questions or develop any unusual symptoms, don't wait for your appointment — call your practitioner right away.

What happens during these appointments?

Your practitioner will start by asking how you're feeling physically and emotionally, whether you have any complaints or worries, and what questions you may have. She'll have other questions as well, which will vary depending on how far along you are and whether she has specific concerns.

The goal of prenatal visits is to see how your pregnancy is proceeding and to provide you with information to help keep you and your baby healthy. Your midwife or doctor will check your weight, blood pressure, and urine; measure your abdomen; check the position of your baby; listen to your baby's heartbeat; perform other exams and order tests, as appropriate; and closely monitor any complications you have or develop and intervene if necessary.

At the end of the visit, your practitioner will review her findings with you, explain what normal changes to expect before your next visit and what warning signs to watch for, counsel you about lifestyle issues (such as the importance of good nutrition and avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and drugs), and discuss the pros and cons of optional tests you may want to consider.

It seems like my prenatal visits are over before they even start. How can I make sure my concerns are addressed?

Many women look forward to their prenatal appointments but are disappointed to find that, with the exception of the first visit, they're in and out of the office in ten minutes. A quick visit is usually a sign that everything is progressing normally. If you feel like you don't have enough time to voice your concerns, though, take these steps before your next appointment:

• Write down your concerns. Between visits, jot down your questions. Bring the list to each appointment so you can run through it with your practitioner. And if anything else is bothering you, speak up. Your practitioner isn't a mind reader and won't be able to tell what you're thinking just by performing a physical examination.

• Mention everything, no matter how small. In addition to any physical complaints you may have, let your practitioner know if you have any emotional concerns or fitness or nutrition questions.

• Ask the staff about the administrative stuff. Save your questions about things like insurance and directions to the hospital for the office staff so your practitioner has more time to answer your important questions.

• Be open-minded. When talking with your doctor or midwife, you should feel comfortable speaking freely, but remember to listen, too. And keep in mind that some days are busier than others. That doesn't mean your practitioner doesn't have to answer your questions, but sometimes a discussion can be continued at the next visit if it's a really busy day or she needs to head to the hospital to deliver a baby. But don't tolerate a healthcare practitioner who won't give you thorough answers, doesn't show reasonable compassion, or barely looks up from your chart. You and your baby deserve more than that.