Prenatal Care in Las Vegas
Posted on: February 1, 2021 | Information, Las Vegas, Pregnancy, Prenatal
Claudia walked through the corridor doors filled with a rush of excitement. For the first time since finding out that she was expecting, she was going to hear the baby’s heartbeat, and get a glimpse of her belly bean. “Baby,” she thought to herself, “can’t believe I’m having a BABY!” As Claudia sat in the crisp sterile white examination room, her eyes skimmed the informational posters on the wall. First trimester screenings…prenatal care…what to expect…her eyes scanned. “Knock knock” a voice from behind the exam room door rang out. “Come on in.” Claudia answered back.
When to Start Prenatal Care
Starting your prenatal care as soon as you know you are pregnant, is always a great idea. If you have been thinking about trying to conceive, that’s even a great time to begin preparing the body to gestate. Prenatal vitamins offer folic acid (which aids in prevention of neural defects), Iron (prevents anemia and supports healthy fetal development), along with Vitamins A, C, E, D, and B. Prenatal vitamins contain Zinc, Calcium, and Iodine also have a special job growing a healthy fetus as prenatal care.
With advances in the healthy industry, prenatal vitamins can come in a variety of different options: pills, gummies, drinkable, lollipops, and powders. Ways that make taking a daily supplement more manageable. Prenatal vitamins are expected to be taken throughout the entire pregnancy, and into the 4th trimester.
What to expect at your first visit
During the first trimester (0-12 weeks) there are tests, screenings, questions, and scans that are routinely conducted. At the first trimester visit, one can expect a vaginal exam. This exam is a routine pap, generally performed if no pap smear has been conducted in the last 12 months. Blood tests are taken to check for genetic risks. Cystic fibrosis, heart defect, sickle-cell, Down Syndrome, and other genetic concerns are screened. If needed, this blood test can also determine the baby’s sex.
At your first visit a heartbeat can be heard through a transvaginal ultrasound. With the transvaginal, a long wand is inserted into the vagina that reads the frequencies from the womb. The ultrasound also measures the baby and determines an estimated due date.
As an option, a Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) can be conducted. A CVS is an invasive test that is done through the abdomen or cervix. This test specifically tests for chromosomal abnormalities. Some side effects from a CVS are cramping and spotting, or a low risk of a first trimester miscarrige.
Typical prenatal care schedule for pregnancy
Prenatal care is vital to the growth and development. Think of your prenatal care as setting the foundation for your baby to thrive on. Throughout the weeks of pregnancy, there will be routine prenatal care with monthly provider visits. In the second trimester (13-27 weeks), there will be gestational diabetes testing, a non-stress test (if needed), an anatomy scan to gauge the growth of the baby, and the option of an amniocentesis. In the third trimester (28-40 weeks), a Group B Strep test will be conducted.
Looking for advice and guidance in the early weeks of pregnancy, can come in the forms of social media, family, friends, peers, the internet, and your provider. When you are wanting someone to talk to and really connect with in all that you are going through, find a circle that you can truly be genuine and open with. A Vegas Family Doulas’ doula labor doula is there to be your sounding board.
Claudia exited the facility holding a small envelope containing the first images of her baby. This first prenatal appointment assured comfort in the feeling that she was in great hands for this journey. Claudia was filled with relief having heard a healthy rhythmic pattern of heartbeats. Now, Claudia felt ready for the adventure ahead.