
Here are the different types of prenatal tests that can give you more information about your child, including their risk of having a genetic or chromosomal condition: Some of the tests that you’ll take during pregnancy will help your doctor monitor your health, while others will give you more information about your baby’s health. Discuss early on with your doctor what tests are right for you so you can schedule them during the proper times in your pregnancy. Learn more about maternity services at Jersey City Medical Center or request a maternity tour.But most of these tests will confirm that everything is just fine - or can be made so with simple, standard follow-up care.
Provide time, attention and education throughout the pregnancy and birth process. Optimize patients’ health throughout their pregnancy.
Address patients’ personal and medical needs. See patients throughout their entire pregnancy (“A woman can see a midwife exclusively if her pregnancy is low-risk or can be co-managed with a doctor if there is a co-existing medical or pregnancy-related condition,” says Bane.). The midwives at JCMC all hold master’s degrees and above in nurse midwifery, as well as additional certifications.” “Certified nurse midwives are nurses with additional education and training who’ve passed national certifying examination boards. “Midwives are healthcare professionals trained in the care of and support for low-risk women throughout their reproductive life span and beyond,” says Batsheva L. Welcome your little one into the world! What Is a Midwife? Stop #11: Labor and Delivery or C-Section Class: Consider a breastfeeding class if you’re planning to nurse. Test: Group B strep test (35 to 37 weeks). Third Trimester (Weeks 28-40) Stop #6: Prenatal Visit (32 Weeks) Birth Plan: Draft a birth plan so your healthcare team knows your preferences for labor, delivery postpartum care, etc. Class: Begin childbirth education classes (24-28 weeks), such as the one offered at JCMC. Done between 24 and 28 weeks, it is used to detect gestational diabetes. Ultrasound: Ultrasound to evaluate fetal anatomy. Done starting at 15 weeks, takes a sample of amniotic fluid to detect genetic and chromosomal conditions, including Down syndrome. Done between weeks 15 and 22 to determine whether there’s an increased risk for certain chromosomal or neural-tube defects. Also known as a level 2 or 20-week ultrasound, this test assesses the baby’s growth and development. Second Trimester (Weeks 14-27) Stop #3: Prenatal Visit (16-18 Weeks) If an NIPT or NT screening indicates a higher than usual risk for certain congenital conditions, this test, done between weeks 10 and 13, can confirm or rule out the condition. Diagnostic Test: Chorionic villus sampling (CVS). Performed between weeks 10 and 14, this ultrasound measures the nuchal fold, an area of fluid behind the baby’s neck, to screen for chromosomal abnormalities. Screen: Nuchal translucency (NT) screening. Done at around 10 weeks screens for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, trisomy 18 and trisomy 13. Screen: Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT). “You may also get to hear your baby’s heartbeat,” says Dr. On your second visit-and all subsequent visits-your provider will check your weight and blood pressure, and the growth of your baby and your uterus. Stop #2: Second Prenatal Visit (10-12 Weeks)
You’ll get an estimated due date and have time to ask questions and discuss any concerns. At your first visit, your provider will take your medical history, conduct a pelvic and breast exam, a Pap test, and various blood and urine tests. What should you do now? “Book your first prenatal appointment as soon as you get a positive result on your home pregnancy test,” says Dr. There they are: the two blue lines you’ve been hoping for. First Trimester (Weeks 0-13) Stop #1: First Prenatal Visit (6-10 Weeks) OB/GYN Emily Slutsky, MD, Director of the Women’s Health Medical Genetics Division at Jersey City Medical Center (JCMC), maps out some of the important stops on your pregnancy journey. Be sure to ask questions or voice concerns to your provider at each prenatal visit. Then, your appointments will be every two weeks until 36 weeks, and once a week thereafter. And while there can be twists and turns along the way, there are a few regular checkpoints on your route to help you navigate your pregnancy safely and keep you on course.Įach pregnancy is different, but, generally speaking, you’ll visit with your provider, whether you choose an OB/GYN or a midwife, every four weeks until your 28th week. Pregnancy is a 10-month journey-yes, 10 months, not nine, because gestational age is calculated from the last menstrual period (LMP) through delivery, which averages 40 weeks.
#SECOND TRIMESTER PRENATAL VISITS HOW TO#
Here's how to stay on course during your pregnancy journey.