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Your Pregnancy Journey

We understand that each pregnancy is different, and we are here for you to do it your way. Whether this is your first pregnancy or your fourth, we are excited to be part of your pregnancy journey. We’ve been taking care of moms for generations and thank you for trusting us with one of life’s most cherished moments.

During your pregnancy, you will have regular visits with your OB/Gyn provider to help keep you and your baby healthy. Each pregnancy is different, but typically you will have 10 to 15 prenatal visits, depending on the timing of your first appointment. In most complication-free pregnancies, you can expect the following visit frequency:

  • Weeks 4 to 28: Once every four weeks
  • Weeks 28 to 36: Every other week
  • Week 36 until birth: Every week

Need help finding an OB/Gyn? Schedule your appointment online or call (225) 763-4500.

Medicaid Medical Transportation

If you are a Medicaid recipient, you may be eligible for transportation services. Click here for more information or call (225) 333-7473.

First Trimester

During your first trimester, you will have your first appointment to review your medical history with your doctor and to determine your estimated due date.

What to expect at your first visit:

  • Blood pressure check
  • Blood work
  • Breast exam
  • Pap smear
  • Pelvic exam
  • Pregnancy test
  • Ultrasound
  • Urine screen
  • Weight

During your next following visits visit you will plan for delivery day pre-registration and discuss prenatal genetic testing options for chromosome abnormalities. Prenatal genetic testing can detect if your baby has certain genetic disorders. The two main types of prenatal genetic tests are prenatal screening tests and prenatal diagnostic tests. Prenatal screening tests can tell you the chances that your fetus has an aneuploidy and a few other disorders, and prenatal diagnostic tests can tell you whether your fetus has certain disorders and are done on cells from the fetus or placenta obtained through an amniotic fluid sample or a placenta sample.

Second Trimester

During your second trimester, you will see your provider every four weeks. Your provider will keep track of your baby’s development by measuring your abdomen, listening to the baby’s heartbeat and checking whether you feel any fetal movement, like belly kicks or fluttering.

Prenatal screenings will be done to detect genetic or chromosomal disorders. You provider will also perform fetal ultrasounds to check on the baby’s anatomy and the baby’s sex, if you prefer, and you’ll have a series of blood tests to screen for gestational diabetes.

Third Trimester

You've made it to the third trimester, which means it's time to start thinking about your birth plan by pre-registering, packing for your hospital stay and selecting a pediatrician. During your third trimester, your prenatal appointments will become more frequent as your due date nears. You’ll likely be screened for Group B streptococcus and your provider may discuss necessary vaccinations, like a flu shot, tetanus or Tdap. Your baby’s position will be checked to determine whether they’re headfirst in the uterus, bottom-first, feet-first, transverse or oblique, which means the head is down but directed at one of your hips.

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