Top 5 Things Pregnant Women Need to Know About Prenatal Care - Guestpost by Dr. Abramowicz

Me during early pregnancy with our first child

Photo by my Hubbie, MommyBlogExpert.com

By Jacques S. Abramowicz, MD, Ultrasound Expert

Guest Post for MommyBlogExpert.com

For many an expectant mom, seeing her baby for the first time during the prenatal exam is a life-changing experience.  Thanks to amazing new advances in ultrasound technology, it can be a life saving moment for babies as well.

Without question, the most important decision you can make for you and your baby is to actually come in to your obstetrician’s office for prenatal care.  This is the best way to diagnose problems as early as possible and to avoid the more serious complications that occur in some pregnancies.

Dr. Jacques S. Abramowicz

Photo provided by author of this guest post

Here’s what you need to be aware of when it comes to prenatal care and clinical exams

• Your doctor will need to know as much as possible about both parents, so come prepared to discuss your medical and personal history, as well as your partner’s.

• During your exam, your care provider may discuss nutrition and physical activity, what to expect during the pregnancy and birth process.

• Some medications are not safe during pregnancy. So, ask your doctor before stopping or starting any medicines. Keep in mind that even over-the-counter medicines and herbal products may cause side effects or other problems. But not using medicines you need could also be harmful.

• At your initial visit, make sure you have information about your potential genetic risks for anemia and blood incompatibilities because these provide your doctor with the tools needed to address possible complications, and also give you and your baby the best chance for a successful pregnancy.

• Throughout your prenatal care, ultrasound exams will be conducted so it’s important that you always keep your appointments. With today’s imaging capabilities, doctors can examine everything from your baby’s developing brain to its arms and legs and even his or her tiny, dime-size fetal heart.

Prenatal care provides a wide range of support including medical care, education and counseling.  For your baby on the way, it’s a whole new world out there.  Certainly, it’s clear that ultrasound imaging and other tests available through early prenatal care can maximize the chances that you and your future child both arrive safely at your destination.

About Dr. Jacques S. Abramowicz

Dr. Abramowicz is director of obstetrical & gynecological ultrasound and co-director at Rush Fetal & Neonatal Medicine Center, Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

What concerns you most about being pregnant? And, if you’ve already had your first ultrasound, how did this experience make you feel?  Leave a comment below and share.

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