Comprehensive Prenatal Care
A team-based approach including you as a partner in all aspects of your pregnancy.
The Methodist Physicians Clinic Women’s Center OB/GYN providers will establish a schedule of prenatal care as soon as you discover you are pregnant.
Prenatal care will be provided by a team of our medical professionals including, but not limited to, obstetrician/gynecologists (OB/GYN’s), maternal-fetal specialists, certified nurse midwives, nurse practitioners and family physicians.
Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB/GYN)
A physician who has specialized training in the care of women during pregnancy, labor and delivery.
Maternal-Fetal Specialists
An obstetrician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
A nurse who has additional training to care for women with low-risk pregnancies. CNMs are certified by the American College of Nurse Midwives.
Nurse Practitioner
A nurse with specialized training who can health care for women. Nurse practitioners are certified by either the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners or the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Family Physician (FP)
A physician who has specialized training in primary care, including obstetrics.
Prenatal Schedule
Normal pregnancies without significant complications usually follow a prenatal exam schedule that resembles the following:
- Prenatal visit once per month from the 1st week through the 28th.
- Prenatal visit every two weeks from the 29th week through the 36th.
- Prenatal visit on a weekly basis from the 37th week until the birth of your child.
Additional prenatal care may be necessary if there are any preexisting medical conditions present in the mother and/or if complications arise while carrying the baby to term.
Prenatal Visit
A routine prenatal visit may include but is not limited to, the measurement of weight and blood pressure for the mother to be, as well as a physical exam of the mother to identify any discomforts (i.e. skin issues or swelling). A urine test will be performed, as well as any necessary prenatal screening tests (i.e. blood tests) in order to detect any risks or complications. Your physician or midwife will also check the measurement of the uterus to check for proper fetal growth and fetal heart rate.
The goal of prenatal care is not only to provide the best care for you throughout your pregnancy and your unborn child but also to prepare you for the delivery of a healthy baby. In addition to scheduled tests on both the mother and the baby, counseling and guidance are provided regarding various aspects of pregnancy, including weight gain, exercise, nutrition and overall health.