Prenatal Care
As soon as you discover that you are pregnant, you should establish a schedule of prenatal care with your physician for the duration of your pregnancy. Prenatal care can be provided by various medical professionals, including obstetrician-gynecologists and certified nurse midwives . Perinatologists are obstetricians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, also known as maternal-fetal specialists).
Prenatal Care Schedule
For normal pregnancies without significant complications, prenatal exams are usually scheduled
- every month from the 1st week through the 28th week
- every two weeks from the 29th week through the 36th week
- every week from the 37th week until delivery
Additional prenatal care may be necessary if there are any preexisting medical conditions (i.e., diabetes) present in the mother and/or if complications arise while carrying the baby to term. If you need this specialized care, your physician will refer you to the specialists at the Mass General/North Shore Obstetrics & Gynecology practice at the Mass General/North Shore Center for Outpatient Care in Danvers.
Selecting a doctor for your baby
Well before your baby arrives you should select a pediatrician or family medicine physician who will be your baby's physician. Your baby will be seen by his or her doctor while you are still in in the Birthplace.
