Pregnancy
About 80% of women worry about their pregnancy at some point. The Fort Worth Obstetrics & Gynecology team gives you the support you need to enjoy more and worry less as you prepare for your baby. The pregnancy specialists offer start-to-finish pregnancy care in their Fort Worth, Texas, office, from pre-pregnancy planning to labor and delivery. Call the office or schedule a consultation online today.
How often are pregnancy appointments?
For an uncomplicated healthy pregnancy, the standard prenatal care schedule is:
- Once a month until 28 weeks
- Every two weeks from 28-36 weeks
- Once a week from 36 weeks to delivery
You may need more frequent visits if you experience complications during pregnancy or if you have a high-risk pregnancy.
What is a high-risk pregnancy?
You may have a high-risk pregnancy if any of the following factors apply:
- Age over 35
- Chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid disease
- Alcohol, cigarette, or illegal drug use during pregnancy
- History of pregnancy loss
- History of pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia
- History of premature births
You can identify and manage risk with most of these factors during pre-pregnancy planning.
Other problems may occur during pregnancy to categorize your pregnancy as high-risk, such as fetal growth restriction (slow growth), abnormal placental positioning, gestational diabetes, and blood type incompatibility (Rh sensitization).
What is the best pregnancy eating plan?
You need plenty of iron, calcium, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential nutrients during pregnancy. You’ll typically take supplements to meet some of those needs, but what you eat is also important.
A variety of proteins, fruits, leafy greens, dairy, and healthy oils and fats can nourish you and give you plenty of energy. The team can recommend specific eating guidelines for your situation.
In general, you only need about 340 extra calories a day for a single pregnancy, so don’t buy into the old “eating for two” adage. Eating everything and caving into every food urge can pack on too many pounds, which isn’t good for either you or the baby.
How should I exercise during pregnancy?
You can exercise according to the team’s guidelines; don’t start new strenuous programs during pregnancy. Low impact activities are generally okay, shooting for a pulse rate under 150 beats per minute.
What tests will I need during pregnancy?
All pregnant women have in-office ultrasounds during their pregnancy. You may need other tests to monitor your baby’s growth and health, including prenatal genetic screening based on your pregnancy needs.
When should I go to the hospital during my pregnancy?
If you suspect that you or your baby is at risk, head to the hospital. If your water breaks, proceed to labor and delivery on the second floor of the Texas Health Resources Southwest hospital. For contractions 5-7 minutes apart, continuing for an hour, head to the hospital.
A bloody show — a small quantity of bloody mucus discharge in your last four weeks of pregnancy — is normal and doesn’t usually require emergency treatment. However, if you’re bleeding heavily, come into the hospital right away.
For pregnancy care from compassionate specialists, call Fort Worth Obstetrics & Gynecology or book an appointment online today.