Prenatal Care Checklist

Expecting moms must have a prenatal care checklist in hand to assure that they are getting the most out of their visits to the doctor's office. From immunizations to blood types, tests to measurements, there are so many things that should be done before the baby is born. Not to mention that a prenatal checklist is good since expectant mothers tend to become somewhat forgetful during pregnancy!

First Trimester Prenatal Care Checklist:

Schedule First Prenatal Exam With Your OBGYN or Midwife - Now is a good time to choose a physician if you haven't already done so.

Schedule Prenatal Screenings for things such as Cystic Fibrosis and blood work to determine both you and your husband's blood type

Ask Questions at Your First and All Subsequent Prenatal Visits - if you are not sure about something, ASK! Do not feel dumb or afraid to ask questions no matter how silly they may seem.

Second Trimester Prenatal Care Checklist:

Blood Tests for Spina Bifida, Down Syndrome and Other Possible Birth Defects - Tests such as EAFP which is the Expanded Alpha Feto-Protein can help detect these abnormalities in babies as young as 15 weeks in utero. Why should you have this test? Although there is nothing that you can do to fix these birth defects if the test comes back positive it is good to know in advance and begin to prepare for how you will handle a child with special needs in the coming months and years

Glucose Screening to Test for Gestational Diabetes - This consists of drinking a sugary substance and then having some blood work done about an hour later to determine if there was a spike or drop in your blood sugar which could be a sign of gestational diabetes.

Enroll in Lamaze or Childbirth Preparation Classes - These classes are very educational and can also help by answering some of the questions or concerns that you may have about child birth.

Pre-Register at the Hospital where Delivery will Take Place - If you pre-register it will save you tons of time when it comes time to go into the hospital for the birth of the baby. Plus, the last thing expecting mothers want to do when you are in labor is try to figure out where your insurance card is at registration at the hospital!

Make Sure Hospital Accepts Your Insurance Coverage - This can be done at the pre-registration as well, so that entrance into the hospital for the baby's birth is smooth.

Third Trimester Prenatal Care Checklist:

Take a Hospital Tour - When preparing for baby you just can't get too ready. A tour of the hospital will make you feel more comfortable and at home when the delivery time comes.

Opt in or Out for Blood Transfusions - Your opinions on this should be addressed in advance so that there is no worry at the time of delivery should the need arise.

Group B Strep Culture - Time for a GBS screening (Group B Strep) which is a common bacteria that can be passed from the woman to the baby during a vaginal delivery. Should you test positive for Group B Strep there is little to worry about because antibiotics can be administered before the birth to assure that there are no signs of strep left when you deliver.