Prenatal Care in Wilmington & Raleigh, NC
Finding the right provider who aligns with your wishes and beliefs is so very important. Do not be afraid to shop around and interview multiple providers and different practices in your area. The most important thing is to find someone who makes you feel safe, confident, and at peace. Some areas have more options than others and finding someone you connect with may be more challenging. Labor doulas build a beautiful bridge between the provider and patient. Filling in the gaps where needed and making sure you feel seen, cared for, and educated.
So when should you start prenatal care?
The simple answer is, as soon as possible.
You may not be feeling any different just quite yet or even pregnant at all, but establishing prenatal care is really important for the health of mama and your baby.
Some providers and practices have waitlists and fill up faster than others. So in order to receive care by the provider you prefer, start the process earlier rather than later.
What to expect at your first prenatal visit…
You may have all sorts of feelings going into your first prenatal visit. This is very common and expected, especially for first time moms. Typically your first prenatal appointment is 8 weeks after your last menstrual cycle but every practice is different - some may see you sooner, and others may see you later closer to 12 weeks. Your provider will confirm your pregnancy with a blood test and/or urine test. They go deep into your personal medical history. Your blood will be drawn to check certain levels and several other laboratory tests will be performed. Your provider may perform a physical exam which includes a pap smear, breast exam, checking your blood pressure, and measuring height and weight to determine recommended weight gain for a healthy pregnancy. Depending on estimated gestation, they may perform an ultrasound to get a more accurate idea of a due date. They will go over any risk factors for your pregnancy and answer any questions you may have… which is probably a lot!
Laboratory screening may include but not limited to:
Blood Type and Rh Factor
HCG levels
Hematocrit or Hemoglobin tests
Rubella/Varcella to determine if you’re susceptible or immune.
Infections such as Hepatitis B, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and HIV
Urine Culture.
Thyroid Levels
Cystic fibrosis carrier screening
And they may discuss doing a other prenatal screenings for chromosome abnormalities, genetic disease, and birth defects.
You get confirmation that you’re pregnant… now what?
You will go back to see your provider regularly in the weeks and months following your initial appointment. Most people have 8-14 prenatal visits throughout their pregnancy. Each prenatal includes routine assessments like weight, blood pressure, urine test to check your sugar and protein levels, fetal heart rate, and fundal height. This is a great time to bring up any other symptoms you may be experiencing to determine if it is normal or not.
Here is an example of the frequency:
Less than 20 weeks gestation, every 4-6 weeks.
20 - 28 weeks gestation, every 4 weeks.
28 - 36 weeks gestation, every 2-3 weeks.
36 to delivery gestation, weekly.
The frequency of prenatal appointments increases in the third trimester because certain pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, concerns with baby’s size, low amniotic fluid, etc. are more likely to show up. The frequency can also increase if you are a high risk pregnancy. You should walk in to every prenatal appointment armed with questions - my biggest advice would be to write your questions down as you think of them so you don’t forget while you have your provider right in front of you. You and your baby deserve the best care possible!
Local Prenatal Care Practices to Consider
Wilmington, NC & Surrounding Areas:
Glen Meade OB/GYN - delivering at Betty H. Cameron Women’s & Children’s Hospital
Wilmington Health OB/GYN - delivering at Betty H. Cameron Women’s & Children’s Hospital
Coastal OB/GYN & Midwifery - delivering at Betty H. Cameron Women’s & Children’s Hospital
Bella Donna Birth & Women’s Health - delivering at their birth center or at home
Raleigh, NC & Surrounding Areas:
UNC OB/GYN & Midwifery - delivering at UNC Women’s Hospital in Chapel Hill. Offices located at Panther Creek in Cary or Weaver Crossing in Chapel Hill
Triangle Physicians for Women OB/GYN & Midwifery - delivering at WakeMed Cary Hospital in Cary
North Carolina OB/GYN & Midwifery -delivering at UNC-Rex Holly Springs Hospital
North Carolina Birth Center- a new Midwife led birth center opening in 2023 in Chapel Hill
Pinehurst Surgical OB/Gyn- delivering at First Health Moore Regional
