Most pregnancies proceed normally but regular prenatal visits and tests are important to monitor the health of you and your baby. These visits allow you and your doctor to identify possible problems early so that they can be treated before more serious problems develop.
Try and to persuade your partner to accompany you to your prenatal visits from the beginning. His involvement will help resolve medical history problems and he will be able to ask questions of concern to him. This will help him feel that he is an important part of your pregnancy, and motivate him to become more involved as your pregnancy progresses.
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Work, family and the chores of daily life may mean that you have to miss one of your prenatal visits. While it is unlikely to cause problems to you or your baby, you should try to go to all of your scheduled visits if possible.
It is important to decide at the beginning of your pregnancy the type of prenatal care and caregiver you want. Your first prenatal visit, which is usually the longest and most complex, will be used to confirm your pregnancy. Your caregiver will schedule an appointment between week eight and week twelve for the first examination.
You may feel anxious about your first prenatal visit, but your caregiver will be able to put you at ease and answer questions about your pregnancy. They will help you answer any questions you have about you or your baby including possible problems or risks that may also be identified at this early stage in your pregnancy.
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Depending on the type of prenatal care you choose, your visits may take place in your doctor's office, an outpatient medical center or your local hospital. With so many choices, these visits are much more relaxed than they once were. If you do need to attend the hospital for a specialized test or monitoring it will be less crowded and stressful.
Hospital prenatal clinics can be very busy, at it may be difficult to find a midwife with enough time to answer your questions thoroughly. Although they are not trying to rush you, you may feel that you are not getting the attention you need. Because of the heightened emotions you will experience as a result of the pregnancy hormonesA complex chemical substance created in a part or organ of the body. When released it initiates or regulates activity in an organ or group of cells in another part of the body.
Hormones secreted by endocrine glands are transported through the bloodstream to their target organ. The amount of hormone secreted is regulated either by other hormones, by neurotransmitters, or simply when an excess of the organ's activity indicates a need to reduce the amount of the hormone produced.
Other hormones are produced locally by the organs themselves and are common in the digestive tract.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions., you may start crying even if you don't want to. Out patient health centers and doctor's offices tend to be less stressful and provide you with a better pregnancy experience. Prepare for your visits by writing down the questions you want answered before you go. Practice them and bring along your partner, a relative or friend to provide you with emotional support.
Like any visit to the doctor you should be prepared to wait. Now's the time to start reading those books that have been sitting on your bedside table. You may decide to start packing small snacks in case you are unable to get away for a bite to eat. If you persuade your partner to join you, he will be able to get food or drinks for you while you are waiting. It is also an opportunity for him to meet other fathers who are sharing the same experiences.
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