Answers to common pregnancy questions

Pregnancy is a new and exciting journey for expectant mothers. Our Athens obgyns believe that each new mom deserves world-class care and compassionate support from the time she receives the good news until the day she welcomes her baby into the world. Here are answers to some common pregnancy questions.

• What are common first trimester symptoms? Nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, fatigue, mild abdominal cramping, bloating, constipation and diarrhea are common symptoms during the first trimester of pregnancy.
• When should I schedule my first appointment? Call when you have a positive pregnancy test. We will try to schedule your first appointment when you are approximately seven to eight weeks pregnant.
• What happens during my first appointment? You can expect our team to take your blood pressure and collect a urine sample. We will do an ultrasound to help our Athens obgyns estimate your baby’s gestational age. Our physicians will also review your medical history to make sure you don’t have risk factors for pregnancy complications.
• How often do I come for appointments? Typically, you will be seen every month during early pregnancy. Once you reach the third trimester (28 weeks), your appointments will be every two weeks. At 36 weeks, we will see you every week.
• How many ultrasounds will I have? Most insurance companies pay for an early ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy and another ultrasound at around 20 weeks to check the baby’s growth and development. For those with high-risk pregnancies or unexpected issues that need to be examined, insurance will usually cover additional ultrasounds.
  Other options for ultrasounds are also available for additional costs. One is an ultrasound for the gender reveal, which is typically done at 14 to 16 weeks to identify the gender of the baby. Another is a 3D/4D ultrasound. This is done at 26 to 32 weeks, and it is a great chance to see your baby’s beautiful face.
• How do I know if I am in labor? There are different signs that may signify labor. One is uterine contractions, which are severe cramps that you can time. We recommend calling us when they occur every five minutes for 30 minutes to an hour. Another sign is when your water breaks, which is the loss of clear fluid. You may also experience vaginal bleeding, or a bloody show. We recommend calling about any significant amount of vaginal bleeding during your pregnancy. Decreased fetal movements, or less than 10 movements in a two-hour period, can signify labor or other issues that require attention.

Our experienced and caring team is here to answer your pregnancy questions

Pregnancy is different for each woman, and our Athens obgyns are available to answer your pregnancy questions and address any of your concerns. Our goal is to keep you and your baby safe and healthy. Contact us to schedule an appointment.