What do they usually do at prenatal appointments?

Question

I'm 17 weeks pregnant, but all the doctor has been doing, are blood tests, etc.

For future appointments, what do they do?
Is anything painful and/or uncomfortable?
Do you have to change into a gown?
Any information you have, I would love!!

Thanks

How long do appointments usually take?
Is there any clothing [specifically] that I should+should not wear, if they need to feel my belly?

Sorry I have so many questions, I am very excited and scared at the same time!

Answer 1

Usually what's going to happen is that they are going to do hieght, weight, blood pressure, listen for baby's heart using a doplar which they slather your belly w/ goo and then use a device to listen for the heartbeat. If they have doubts or can't hear it good enough they might pull out an ultrsound and scan the baby. Usually you don't have to change into a gown at OB appointments(at our office at least) Don't wear anything that goo might stain like satiny materials. It'll leave nasty oily marks on them that are the dickens to get out. When you start to get like 36 wks they may start pelvic exams where you'll have to undress below the waist and it's basically not any different than getting a regular pelvic exam. Except they just check your cervix height, and dialation.You might want to avoid wearing a 1pc dress since you'll have to strip in completely off for the exam...but just whatever makes you comfortable they usually let you keep your top on. They also will do a test called groupB strep which is very annoying. They take a qtip and swab your vagina and anus for the group b strep and if you have it then when you go into labor you have to have antibiotics to keep your baby safe. It's alot scarier than it turns out to be usually. Other than that, as the appointments pick up(becoming weekly) expect more cervical checks and listening for the heartbeat. You'll also be tested for gestational diabetes at about 32wks. It's the tastiest test if you like sugar sweet orange drinks....that's about all I can think of. Good luck on the next leg of your journey!! Blessings!=)

Answer 2

they talk with you and ask questions

start you on prenatal vitamins

do an ultrasound and it is not painful at all (just some gel on your stomach and then they run a wand like thing over it and show you pictures of your baby inside you) that will be later on in the pregnancy (depending on the doctor as to when they do this and how often) and
they will listen to the baby's heart beat and let you hear it also...it will be so amazing!

they also will sometimes do a vaginal exam to see if you have dilated and how much

you should ask your doctor for some information or go to the library and get some books to read up on this

also Lamaze classes are great

Answer 3

Generally speaking, your prenatal exams are simply to make sure all is progressing normally. Your doctor will likely avoid a pelvic exam unless he/she has a reason to do this, so as to minimize the chance of infection. Your doctor may have specific points at which he/she does a pelvic exam, however, so don't panic if they do one. Most of what used to be determined by pelvic exams is now determined with ultrasound. Almost all doctors will start to do more pelvic exams toward the end of your pregnancy, to check for cervical dilation/effacement; that will usually require that you be in a gown. Unless those things are painful/uncomfortable for you, then no, it won't be a painful process.

Answer 4

I get weighed, have blood pressure taken, pee in a cup, have my uterus measured and they listen to the baby's heartbeat, that's pretty much it! I'm guessing in my coming appointments they will check to see if I am dialating at all and how things are coming in that dept as I am 5 wks away from my due date :) Hope this helps you!

Answer 5

Well I live in the UK and here the nidwife checks your urine sample, listens to the heartbeat, feels and measures tummy and answers any questions.