How WHMC Supports You From a Positive Pregnancy Test Through Postpartum Care
A positive pregnancy test can bring excitement, uncertainty and plenty of questions. When should you schedule your first appointment? Which prenatal tests will you need? Where will you deliver? What happens after your baby is born?
At Women’s Health and Menopause Center, pregnancy care is designed to guide you from those first questions through delivery preparation and postpartum recovery. Early and regular prenatal care allows your OB-GYN to monitor your health, follow your baby’s development and identify concerns that may require additional attention.
Begin Care After a Positive Pregnancy Test
Contact WHMC after confirming your pregnancy. The office can review the date of your last menstrual period, health history, medications and symptoms before recommending the appropriate appointment time.
Earlier evaluation may be recommended for patients with bleeding, significant pelvic pain, a history of ectopic pregnancy, fertility treatment or certain medical conditions. Seek urgent medical attention for severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting or other emergency symptoms.
During your first appointment, your provider may review your medical and family history, previous pregnancies, medications, estimated due date, prenatal vitamins, nutrition and screening options. Bring a medication list, the first day of your last menstrual period and information about prior pregnancies or health conditions.
Learn more about the first trimester of pregnancy and how to prepare for early prenatal care.
Personalized Prenatal Visits Through Every Trimester
Prenatal care continues throughout all three trimesters. At WHMC, routine appointments may include blood pressure and urine checks, fetal heart-tone monitoring, a review of your symptoms and an examination with your provider.
Additional testing depends on your stage of pregnancy and individual medical needs. Your care may include ultrasounds, prenatal genetic screening, an anatomy scan, gestational diabetes screening and Group B strep testing. Visit frequency may increase as your due date approaches.
Patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, multiple gestation, fetal-growth concerns or previous pregnancy complications may need additional monitoring. Your provider will recommend a schedule based on your individual situation.
WHMC’s personalized approach also gives you time to ask questions and understand why a screening, test or treatment is being recommended. Explore the complete WHMC obstetrics program.
Preparing for Labor and Delivery
During the third trimester, conversations begin shifting toward labor, hospital preparation and birth preferences. Your prenatal appointments may include discussions about signs of labor, when to contact the office, hospital arrival, pain-relief preferences, support people and newborn care.
A birth plan can help organize your preferences, but it should remain flexible. Your care team may need to adjust the plan based on your health, your baby’s condition and how labor progresses.
Read WHMC’s tips for labor and delivery and review current hospital and after-hours instructions before your final weeks of pregnancy.
Postpartum Care Is Part of the Plan
Care should not end when your baby is born. The postpartum period includes physical healing, hormonal changes, feeding decisions, sleep disruption and emotional adjustment. Follow-up should address your recovery as well as your long-term health.
- Vaginal or cesarean recovery
- Bleeding, pain and blood pressure
- Bladder, bowel and pelvic floor symptoms
- Anxiety, depression or mood changes
- Feeding concerns and sleep
- Contraception and future pregnancy planning
WHMC’s patient resources include postpartum support and information that can help you prepare before delivery.
Begin Your Pregnancy Journey With WHMC
Whether this is your first pregnancy or you are growing your family, WHMC provides individualized care throughout pregnancy, delivery preparation and postpartum recovery. To schedule a prenatal appointment, contact WHMC or call (248) 932-9223.
