PERSONALIZED PRENATAL CARE

Women’s Health of Central Virginia is excited to partner with you throughout your pregnancy. Regular prenatal visits are essential to monitor your health as well as the health of your baby. If you have tested positive for pregnancy, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible. A typical schedule for prenatal checkups is:

  • Months 1 -7 – Monthly appointments
  • Months 7 – 8 – Appointments twice a month
  • Month 9 to delivery – Weekly appointments

The schedule for prenatal visits may vary depending on your age or other health-related factors that increase risks for either you or your baby, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

What to Expect During Prenatal Care Visits:

Women’s Health of Central Virginia wants you to feel comfortable and cared for during each visit. Prenatal visits are a good opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about your pregnancy. We will always ask how you are doing both physically and emotionally, as well as offer tips on caring for yourself and your growing baby. During the course of pregnancy your doctor will perform many tests and exams during your prenatal visits, including:

  • Determine due date
  • Blood pressure
  • Weight monitoring
  • Urine sample
  • Check baby’s heartbeat
  • Palpate and measure your belly to check baby’s size and position
  • Pelvic exam with pap test
  • Breast exam
  • Ultrasound and doppler scans
  • Blood tests
  • Glucose screenings
  • Group B strep
  • Nonstress tests 

prenatal care

Labor and Delivery

As your due date approaches, we will begin to discuss your birthing plan during your prenatal care visits. Each woman is unique and you may have ideas and expectations about how you will feel most comfortable during your labor and delivery. There is a wide range of birthing options from natural childbirth and low intervention to high-risk management and support. At Women’s Health of Central Virginia, we listen to your desires to help you create the best birth plan for you and your needs. Our providers have the knowledge and experience to guide patients through any issues or medical complications that may arise in your pregnancy, labor and delivery. 

Postpartum Care

The postpartum period refers to the first 6 weeks after delivery. While you are taking care of your sweet bundle, your body is healing and recovering from 9 months of pregnancy. Your body will go through many changes both physically and emotionally. Immediately after giving birth, you may be physically uncomfortable as the uterus shrinks back down and your breasts begin to produce milk. At Women’s Health of Central Virginia, we will discuss safe medications that you can take to help ease any discomfort. You will also receive postpartum care instructions before leaving the hospital, offering tips on how to best care for your healing body. Getting plenty of rest, good nutrition and extra help with household responsibilities can help ease the burden. 

Although complications are rare, it is important to report any of the above symptoms to your doctor as these symptoms can indicate more serious problems. 

At Women’s Health of Central Virginia, we will schedule a postpartum checkup approximately 6 weeks after childbirth. In general, you should slowly start to feel better every day. At your postpartum visit, we will examine you and determine how your body is healing. Rarely, there are postpartum symptoms that should not be ignored. As important as prenatal visits were to you and your baby, postpartum visits are critical, too. Please call our office at (434) 239-7890 if you are experiencing:

  • Heavy vaginal bleeding that soaks more than one pad per hour or any vaginal bleeding that is increasing
  • Passing large clots (larger than a quarter)
  • Chills or fever of 100.4 or greater
  • Fainting or dizziness
  • Changes to your vision 
  • Severe persistent headache
  • Heart palpitations, chest pain or difficulty breathing
  • Vomiting
  • C-section incision is red, swollen or weepy
  • Sore breast that are red or feel hot to the touch
  • Pain, swelling or redness in your legs