Prenatal Care

Midwives “LISTEN TO WOMEN" and this begins with the first prenatal visit or even a pre-conception meeting. At Home BirthWorks visits are not hurried and plenty of time is committed to answering your questions and addressing your physical as well as emotional needs during pregnancy.

Prenatal care is scheduled to begin as early as you know you are pregnant. Your first visit may just be a consultation visit with the midwife to discuss your desires and plans for the pregnancy and birth, or it may be your first official prenatal visit.. At your first prenatal visit a complete medical/family history, blood work, and nutritional counseling will be done. On your second visit a complete physical will done and we will discuss the results of your blood work. At about 12 weeks gestation we can listen to your baby’s heartbeat. At each visit we will monitor the following important indicators: Fetal movement, fetal heart beat, uterine growth, position of the baby, blood pressure, weight, urinalysis, exercise, emotions, fears and support.

Nutritional counseling and education on all aspects of pregnancy and birth are integral to prenatal care. Breastfeeding, parenting and what to expect as a new parent are also part of the education you will receive.

Most visits take about an hour. Prenatal visits are scheduled every four weeks until you are 28 weeks. Then visits are scheduled every two weeks until the last month of pregnancy when you will be seen once a week. Of course if there is a need, visits may be scheduled more often. Prenatal visits are your time. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO ASK AS MANY QUESTIONS AS POSSIBLE.