Your introductory visit with us will take place with one of our exceptional nurses. We will take your medical history, give you a general overview of what to expect over the course of your pregnancy, and draw initial prenatal lab work.

Your next visit and all subsequent visits will be with Dr. Naples. At your initial meeting with Dr. Naples, he will obtain information about your medical history, do a complete physical examination with Pap smear and cervical cultures, give you an overview of your future visits during the pregnancy, explain routine tests, and make recommendations.

It is always a good idea to write down, prior to your visits, any questions that you might have. If not, they are easily forgotten during visits.

During the first and second trimester, visits routinely are every four weeks. From 30 to 36 weeks you will be seen every 2 weeks and then weekly after 36 weeks. Variation from this schedule will depend on your particular needs.

Should you have any health concerns that are unrelated to the pregnancy please first call Dr. Naples. Most often, Dr. Naples can manage these concerns while understanding the impact they may have on your baby more easily than your family physician or an emergency room physician. Certainly, if Dr. Naples believes you need additional expertise he will refer you.

INITIAL VISIT

  • Medical History: Dr. Naples will discuss many issues — including details about your menstrual cycle, use of contraceptives, past pregnancies, and allergies or other medical conditions. Bring a list of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you’re taking. Share any family history of congenital abnormalities or genetic diseases. Be sure to mention even sensitive issues, such as abortion or past drug use. Remember, the information you share will enable Dr. Naples to take the best care of you — and your baby. If there’s any part of your medical history that you don’t want to share with your partner or other loved ones, mention it to Dr. Naples privately.
  • Due Date: Establishing your due date early in pregnancy allows Dr. Naples to monitor your baby’s growth as accurately as possible. If there’s any question about your due date, Dr. Naples will schedule an early ultrasound to help confirm the date.

  • Physical Exam: We will check your weight, height and blood pressure. A complete examination of heart, lungs, breast, and abdomen will be performed. Dr. Naples will also do a pelvic examination where he examines your vagina and the opening to your uterus (cervix) for any infections or abnormalities. You may need a Pap test to screen for cervical cancer. Changes in the cervix and in the size of your uterus can help confirm the stage of your pregnancy.
  • Lab Tests: Labs tests were drawn at your nurse’s visit to determine your blood type, including Rh factor — a specific protein on the surface of red blood cells. Blood tests also can reveal whether you’ve been exposed to syphilis, measles, mumps, rubella or hepatitis B. You were offered a test for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. In addition, analysis of your urine was checked for bladder or kidney infection.
  • Lifestyle Issues: Dr. Naples will discuss the importance of nutrition, prenatal vitamins, exercise and other lifestyle issues such as smoking and work or home environment.

20 WEEK VISIT

  • Ultrasound: Performed to verify due date and evaluate the baby’s anatomy. While a normal ultrasound does not guarantee the absence of anomalies, it is certainly very reassuring. The ultrasound is performed in the Medina office. It is your first glimpse of your baby; it is very exciting and fun. Feel free to bring family or friends to share the experience.

28 WEEK VISIT

  • Glucola: Glucola screens for gestational diabetes. Hormonal changes of pregnancy make the pregnant women more prone to developing diabetes later in pregnancy. The glucola is a sugary drink that is consumed 45 minutes prior to your visit. A blood sample is obtained one hour after it is consumed. If the blood sugar is elevated then you will be scheduled for the 3-hour glucose tolerance test (3hr GTT) that is the diagnostic test to confirm you have gestational diabetes.
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC): Measurement of your blood count to look for possible anemia.

36 WEEK VISIT

  • Vaginal Culture for Beta Strep Bacteria: This bacteria is normal flora (bacteria that is normally present in the body but not causing an infection) in 30% of women. Rarely, when a baby is exposed to this bacteria during birth, it can cause a serious infection in the baby. If your culture is positive please do not be alarmed; you will be given antibiotics during labor to protect your baby from infection.
  • After 36 weeks you will be seen weekly. During these visits a vaginal examination will be performed each time to check cervical dilatation and to check the baby’s position.

 

 

 

 

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