When will I have prenatal appointments?
Obstetric or prenatal care follows a regular schedule. For most women, prenatal appointments are scheduled:
- Every month through week 28
- Every 2-3 weeks through week 36
- Weekly appointments until you deliver
If you have a high-risk pregnancy, your doctor may recommend more frequent prenatal appointments.
Your prenatal care at North County Women’s Specialists is comprehensive, including genetic screening, ultrasound, food safety precautions, weight gain, and nutrition guidelines, and routine lab tests to check for health problems that affect you and your baby.
When might I need a cesarean section (C-section)?
A vaginal delivery is preferred because it’s usually safer and offers health benefits for the baby. For example, healthy microbes are passed onto your baby during a vaginal delivery and compression in the birth canal prepares your baby’s lungs for breathing.
However, problems can develop throughout your pregnancy or during your labor that may require a C-section, such as:
- Labor fails to progress
- Fetal distress (baby has an abnormal heartbeat)
- Umbilical cord problems
- Baby is too large to pass through the birth canal
- Placenta separates too early or blocks the vaginal canal
You may also need a C-section if you’re carrying multiple babies or your baby is in a breech position.
Can I have a vaginal delivery after a C-section?
Some women may be able to have a trial of labor after a C-section (TOLAC), depending on the number of previous C-sections and the type of incision made during your C-section.
One concern is that the muscles at your incision site may be weak, which increases the risk of uterine rupture.
During your TOLAC, you’re closely monitored for signs of problems. If any issue develops, you may need to have a C-section. A successful vaginal delivery is called a VBAC, or vaginal birth after cesarean.
What if my baby is in breech position?
Your baby is in a breech position when the feet are facing down rather than the head. When this happens, your doctor may perform external cephalic version (ECV) to gently turn your baby to the proper position.
During ECV, your doctor places firm pressure on your abdomen in a way that gets the baby to roll into a head-down position. Ultrasound may be used to guide the turning and the baby’s heart rate is monitored before and after the procedure.
When you need obstetric care, you can depend on the experienced team at North County Women’s Specialists. To schedule an appointment, call the office or use online booking.
For additional information regarding your Pregnancy care. please click on the Informational Packet below.
