first trimester of pregnancy doctor visits

#FIRST TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY DOCTOR VISITS HOW TO#

Others provide only prenatal care and have obstetricians handle labor and delivery. Some perinatologists will deliver babies for high-risk and regular pregnancies. Fetal evaluation and intervention Does a perinatologist deliver babies?.During that time, maternal fetal medicine specialists learn even more about: When you compare a perinatologist to an obstetrician, the biggest difference is those three extra years of training. What is the difference between a perinatologist and an obstetrician? Your doctor will discuss any tests with you ahead of time so you know why they’re done and what to expect before, during and after. Chorionic villus sampling (CVS), which is similar to amniocentesis except it uses a small sample of placental cells instead of amniotic fluid.Amniocentesis, when a sample of amniotic fluid is extracted from the uterus to rule out genetic and chromosomal conditions.Fetal echocardiography, which produces photos of your baby's heart.Targeted ultrasound, which checks how your baby’s organs are growing.Based on your particular circumstances, your MFM specialist may perform one or more of these prenatal tests: You may see a perinatologist periodically throughout your pregnancy, or just once if your MFM then writes a plan for your general OB/GYN to follow and use.Įither way, expect the perinatologist to ask about your medical history and possibly do a physical exam. What to expect during a perinatology appointment The doctor may also coordinate your care with other specialists, such as an endocrinologist or a rheumatologist. If any of these conditions apply to you, a perinatologist can help monitor you and your baby's health. Infections such as listeria or toxoplasmosis.Preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM), when amniotic fluid leaks before 37 weeks of pregnancy.Placenta accreta, a placenta that grows too deeply into the uterine wall.Placental abruption, a placenta that separates early from the uterine wall.Placenta previa, a placenta that partially or totally covers the cervix.Gestational diabetes, a form of diabetes that appears only during pregnancy.HELLP Syndrome, a rare complication usually brought on by high blood pressure or preeclampsia.Eclampsia, a very serious condition which results when preeclampsia goes untreated.Preeclampsia, a sudden onset of high blood pressure during pregnancy.Sometimes, conditions arise during pregnancy that may make it higher risk. Previous pregnancy complications or fertility problems.Having an in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancy.Being under- or overweight prior to conception.Some factors that up your odds for potential pregnancy complications include: When should you see a perinatologist?Īny woman with a high-risk pregnancy may wind up going to a maternal fetal medicine specialist.

#FIRST TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY DOCTOR VISITS HOW TO#

A perinatologist, also known as a maternal fetal medicine specialist (MFM), is an OB/GYN who specializes in high-risk pregnancies and pregnancy complications.Īfter completing four years of residency training, OB/GYNs who decide to become perinatologists spend an additional three years in a fellowship learning how to care for pregnant women with certain conditions or complications.

First trimester of pregnancy doctor visits