The Importance of Prenatal Visits

Pregnancy is a natural process, but that doesn’t mean you should skimp on pregnancy-related health care. Many complications can occur during pregnancy, risking the health of mothers and new babies on the way. 

And, expert prenatal care gives you the benefit of expert advice and supervision as you go through the exciting, and often challenging, experience of gestating and giving birth to a new human being.

OB/GYN Dr. Leonardo Longoria provides pregnancy and prenatal care at Longoria OBGYN in El Paso, Texas. Here’s what you need to know about all the benefits of prenatal visits with Dr. Longoria.

When prenatal care starts

Your prenatal care might actually start before you become pregnant. If you and your partner are ready to start trying to conceive, consult with Dr. Longoria about health and lifestyle changes you should make to get your body ready for pregnancy.

Starting prenatal vitamins and other supportive health strategies ensures that your baby starts gestation in the most nurturing, welcoming environment possible. Early prenatal care also limits the impact of your pregnancy on your body, making sure you stay in good health through the entire nine months and beyond.

In your prenatal visits with Dr. Longoria, you undergo physical and pelvic examinations. We record your vitals, including your blood pressure and weight, and measure your growing abdomen.

Your prenatal visits let you check in with Dr. Longoria and our team about any concerns and start to plan out the path ahead. Talk to Dr. Longoria about your birth plan, and find out how you could best benefit from vaginal or C-section delivery.

Prenatal screenings you need

As with so many other health issues, early detection is best when it comes to potential pregnancy complications.

While your pregnancy could progress smoothly, without any complications, it’s best to know right away if you could be at risk for complications such as:

• Gestational diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Preeclampsia
• Preterm labor
• Infections

At your prenatal visits, we screen you for these issues. And, if any warning signs show up, Dr. Longoria can advise you right away on the best next steps to protect the health of mother and baby.

Prenatal visits can also include mental health screenings.

Pregnancy care you can rely on

Our team continues to monitor your health and that of your growing baby throughout the nine months of your pregnancy. We typically recommend you come into the office for prenatal visits once a month during your first trimester, twice a month in your second trimester, and every week in your third trimester.

If your pregnancy shows signs of being high-risk, or if you have known risk factors, more frequent prenatal visits let Dr. Longoria more closely monitor your health and the development of your fetus.

After you give birth, Dr. Longoria continues to provide comprehensive gynecological health care. With the support of Dr. Longoria and our team, all of your prenatal visits result in you having the healthiest pregnancy possible.

If you’re pregnant or plan to start trying to get pregnant, contact Longoria OBGYN for the prenatal care you need. Schedule your initial consultation by calling our office, or request an appointment online anytime.