Pregnancy Specialist

When should I see a doctor about pregnancy?

It’s always best to schedule a preconception appointment before you become pregnant, just to have an overall exam and pinpoint if you have any issues that may affect your fertility or pregnancy. This way, you can make any essential changes or start any necessary treatments beforehand.

If you’re already pregnant, you typically want to schedule your first prenatal exam right around the eight-week mark. It’s particularly important to book an exam soon if you:

• Have chronic conditions, like thyroid disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure
• Previously had a high-risk pregnancy or needed a cesarean section (C-section)
• Know you have a high-risk pregnancy, like if you’re overweight
• Have a history of miscarriages or stillborn births
• Are over the age of 35 (advanced maternal age)

You should also schedule a pregnancy evaluation soon if you or your partner have multiples in your family (like twins or triplets). These inherited traits can increase your chances of having multiple births, which is considered a high-risk pregnancy.

What happens during a pregnancy evaluation?

During your pregnancy evaluation (prenatal appointment) at Allcare for Women, Dr. Leaphart-St. Cloud sits and talks with you about your personal and family medical history. She’s going to need to know about any prior pregnancies and any challenges you faced while trying to conceive. During your prenatal exam, Dr. Leaphart-St. Cloud might:

• Perform a pelvic exam
• Conduct an ultrasound
• Order a blood test or urinalysis
• Check your blood pressure and heart rate
• Conduct sexually transmitted disease (STD) screening
• Perform fetal assessment monitoring to evaluate your growing baby
• Talk with you about a genetic assessment to check for genetic defects

This is also your one-on-one time with Dr. Leaphart-St. Cloud to get all of the information you need about your dietary and nutritional needs, including details about taking prenatal vitamins. If you have questions or concerns, write them down before your visit, so you remember to ask Dr. Leaphart-St. Cloud.

How often do I need a prenatal exam?

It depends on your health and how your pregnancy is progressing. If you’re having a normal pregnancy, Dr. Leaphart-St. Cloud may recommend coming into Allcare for Women about once a month during your first and second trimester. Usually, she wants to see you about every other week or even every week as you get closer to delivery.

For a high-risk pregnancy, like if you have a chronic condition or are at an advanced maternal age, Dr. Leaphart-St. Cloud might recommend prenatal exams twice a month throughout your first two trimesters, then weekly during the latter part of your third trimester.

As you get closer to your due date and are checking in more regularly at Allcare for Women, Dr. Leaphart-St. Cloud starts helping you prepare your birth plan. She performs delivery services, including vaginal deliveries and C-sections, at St. Rose Dominican-Siena Campus and Henderson Hospital.

If you’re pregnant or want to become pregnant, book a pregnancy appointment at Allcare for Women today. Click on the online scheduler or call the clinic to book.