If you are an expectant mother, you already know why they say that motherhood starts just after your baby is conceived. You don’t wait till after your little miracle is born to start taking care of him or her. You want to do it is as soon as possible, whenever and however possible, especially since not being able to see her and make sure that she is OK gives you anguish.
That’s why prenatal care is so important both to pregnant women and their children. It’s practically all they can do to make sure their baby is born healthy and safe. At our medical center in Hialeah, we understand this feeling, so we would like share answers to some of the questions we get from moms-to-be and provide insight into our experience with prenatal care.
When should I start getting prenatal care?
If you did not meet with your doctors in our medical center in Hialeah, FL prior to getting pregnant, your first prenatal visit will usually be around 8 weeks after your last menstrual period. According to the American Pregnancy Association, you should schedule your first appointment as soon as you find out that you are pregnant.
What is included in prenatal care?
Prenatal visits to a family medical center in Hialeah typically include a physical exam, weight checks, and a urine sample. Depending on the stage of your pregnancy, doctors in our medical center in Hialeah, FL may also do blood tests and imaging tests, such as ultrasound exams.
How many prenatal visits should I have?
Most pregnant women have around ten prenatal visits. If you have a partner, you might want them to come to these appointments with you. Usually, a mom-to-be will visit her doctor at our medical center in Hialeah FL every four weeks throughout the first and second trimesters.
What foods should I stay away from when pregnant?
- high-mercury fish (e.g., tuna,swordfish, shark)
- undercooked or raw fish (e.g., sushi)
- undercooked, raw and processed meat.
- raw eggs (e.g., hollandaise sauce, homemade mayonnaise)
- offal / organ meat (no more than once a week)
- caffeine (limited to 200 mg per day, or about 2-3 8 oz. cups of coffee)
- raw sprouts (cooked sprouts are ok)
- unwashed produce -it’s important to carefully rinse all fruits and vegetables.
- unpasteurized milk products
Do I get to hear my baby’s heartbeat at my first appointment?
The baby’s heart begins to beat at approximately 6 weeks. You may be able to hear – and see – your baby’s heartbeat for the first time when you’re around 8 weeks pregnant if you have an early ultrasound exam at our medical center in Hialeah. If not, you’ll possibly first hear it with a fetal Doppler at a regular prenatal care visit.
How many prenatal vitamins should I take a day?
It’s important that you don’t self-medicate. Your prenatal tests at our medical center in Hialeah will determine which vitamins you should take and at what dosage. Some vitamins at the wrong dosage can be harmful to you or your baby, or they can simply be insufficient.
What activities should I avoid during pregnancy?
- Don’t take certain medications. Your prenatal care doctor in Hialeah will explain which medications you shouldn’t take while pregnant.
- Don’t wear stilettos
- Don’t use a hot tub or sauna
- Don’t change the kitty litter
- Don’t smoke or breathe in secondhand smoke
- Don’t drink alcohol
- Don’t eat deli meat (in order to avoid listeriosis and toxoplasmosis)
RiteCare Medical Center
If you have any more questions that need answering, visit our medical center in Hialeah. Doctors from RiteCare Medical Center will stay by you to help you stay healthy throughout your pregnancy. Ritecare provides excellent medical care you can afford!
Contact us or call to make a prenatal appointment now at (305) 200-1225
Find out more about us here.
