What to expect at your prenatal visit at 17 - 20 weeks
If your pregnancy is advancing normally, chances are you`re visiting our doctors and nurses once each month during the 17 - 20 weeks time. This regular schedule allows the doctors and nurses at our office to check the well-being of you and your baby and monitor your baby`s development.
At this time, you will be able to listen to your baby`s heartbeat and clearly hear the rate of the heartbeat. A vaginal exam may be performed at any time during your pregnancy, to determine cervical status or collect vaginal cultures.
You can also expect the follow to occur:
- Your weight taken.
- Your blood pressure checked.
- Your urine analysed.
- Your abdomen measured to check the baby`s growth (fundal height).
Our doctors and nurses may talk with you about the following:
- Findings of prenatal or laboratory tests that have been performed.
- Any medication you are taking.
- Any symptoms, concerns, or problems occurring since your last visit.
- Any medical care you received since your last visit.
- Any activity restrictions or recommended lifestyle changes.
- Nutrition guidelines.
Your responsibility during the prenatal visit is to tell our doctors and nurses:
- When you first felt your baby move.
- Any signs or symptoms that have caused or are causing you concern.
- Any exposure you may have had to an infectious disease.
- About any questions or concerns that you may have.
Remember, your prenatal visit is the ideal time to ask any questions about your pregnancy. Jotting thoughts down on your Prenatal Visit Checklist as they occur between visits helps you remember to ask our doctors and nurses the questions that are important to you.
Dental care at 17 - 20 weeks
Good oral hygiene is especially important for you now because pregnancy can make some dental disorders worse. The combination of hormonal and circulatory changes in your body, in addition to more frequent eating, usually results in the following: