Prenatal Care at University of Colorado Hospital
Prenatal care is the medical care a woman and her unborn baby receive during pregnancy. Prenatal care is important to check the health of the mother and baby throughout the pregnancy.
Prenatal Care Visits
- Once a month during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy
- Twice a month during the 28th through 36th weeks of pregnancy
- Once a week after 36 weeks
- If you have a high-risk pregnancy you will have prenatal appointments more often
Prenatal Visit Check Up
- Answer questions
- Check the mother’s weight, blood pressure and temperature
- Listen to the baby’s heart beat
- Check the size and position of the baby
Prenatal Tests
Ultrasound – a machine uses sound waves to create an image of the baby that can be seen on the screen. An ultrasound checks for more than one babies, physical problems and may be able to show the baby’s sex.
Blood tests – check for any problems such as gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops in pregnant women) or genetic disorders.