Prenatal Care

Prenatal care has been shown to improve the health of mothers and babies. Through early and regular visits women are screened for potential problems, learn to care for themselves and prepare for the labor, birth and parenting experience.

Prenatal Tests  |  Antenatal Testing  |  Genetics Services, Counseling, Screening  |  HIV/ STDs: (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)  |  Illustrations of Fetal Development  |  Due Date Calculator

Prenatal Tests

The first visit will usually include a detailed medical history, physical exam with pelvic exam and laboratory tests to assess the woman's overall health and obstetrical risks.

Subsequent visits are scheduled at least monthly, then more frequently in the last weeks of pregnancy. At these visits the woman will have her weight, blood pressure and urine checked, any health concerns are addressed and the fetal growth monitored.

One of the most important components of prenatal care is establishing an EDC or "due date." Sometimes a fetal ultrasound or sonogram is done to help determine the age of the fetus.

For a comprehensive list of prenatal tests go to Sutter Health's
www.babies.sutterhealth.org
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Antenatal Testing

Some pregnancies are at higher risk to develop problems prior to delivery. Antenatal or prenatal testing can reassure the woman and the provider team that baby is doing well. These tests, which usually begin in the last months of pregnancy, monitor the fetal heart rate in response to fetal movements and look at the amount of fluid around the baby.

See this topic from our Health Information site:

• Electronic Fetal Heart Monitoring

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Genetics Services, Counseling, Screening

Genetic testing and screening (AFP):
A blood test for three specific birth defects: neural tube defects, Down's syndrome and trisomy 18, can be done between the 4th and 5th months to see if the baby is at increased risk for these problems.

For women at higher risk for birth defects because of their age, family history or screening test results, a visit with the genetic counselor and genetic chromosomal testing is offered.
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HIV/ STDs: (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)

State law requires that all pregnant women be given the choice to test for the HIV virus. If mothers are known to be HIV positive, much can be done to lower the risk of transmission to the baby at birth.

Topics from our Health Information Site:

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Testing
  
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection
• Making the decision about antiretroviral treatment for asymptomatic HIV infection
  
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  Illustrations of Fetal Development

  Track your baby's amazing development, month by month, from embryo to full-term.
  
  

  • Fetal development months 1-9
  
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  Due Date Calculator

  Estimate when your baby will arrive based on your last menstrual period.
  
  When will my baby arrive?
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