Preconception Care
Preparing your body for pregnancy can make a lasting impact on both your health and your baby’s development. During your preconception visit, your provider will:
- Review your medical, family, and reproductive history to identify any genetic or health-related risk factors
- Confirm your immunizations and medications are safe for pregnancy
- Recommend prenatal vitamins and nutrition guidance
- Discuss healthy habits like exercise, sleep, and stress management
- Create a customized care plan to support fertility and early pregnancy
This proactive approach helps you enter pregnancy as healthy and prepared as possible.
Prenatal Care
Regular prenatal visits allow your provider to monitor your baby’s growth, track your health, and address any concerns that arise along the way. Appointments typically include weight checks, blood pressure monitoring, urine testing, and ultrasounds to ensure everything is progressing normally.
Your provider will:
- Help manage symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, or swelling
- Offer nutrition and activity recommendations
- Perform prenatal testing and screenings to assess your baby’s development
- Provide guidance for emotional and physical changes throughout pregnancy
For patients with high-risk pregnancies or chronic conditions, additional monitoring and collaboration with maternal-fetal medicine specialists are available.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), consistent prenatal care is one of the most important ways to ensure a healthy pregnancy.* Regular checkups help detect and treat potential complications early—protecting the health of both parent and baby.
Postpartum Care
Your care continues after delivery. Postpartum visits are designed to help you recover, adjust, and thrive during the fourth trimester. These visits may include:
- Monitoring for infection, bleeding, and blood pressure changes
- Guidance and support for breastfeeding and lactation
- Screening for postpartum depression and emotional well-being
- Managing chronic conditions, such as gestational diabetes or hypertension
- Contraceptive counseling and planning for future pregnancies
Our goal is to support both your physical recovery and mental health while ensuring a smooth transition into parenthood.
Discuss Pregnancy Care with Your Provider
If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, your care team at UWH of Pennsylvania is here to guide you—from the first positive test to your postpartum recovery. Schedule a visit to discuss your family planning goals or begin prenatal care with a provider who understands your needs and supports your journey every step of the way.
FAQs
When should I schedule my first prenatal visit?
Most patients schedule their first appointment around 8–10 weeks of pregnancy, but you can reach out sooner if you have concerns or a history of high-risk pregnancies. We also encourage current patients to meet with their provider for pre-conception planning prior to becoming pregnant.
Can I continue my current medications during pregnancy?
Your provider will review your prescriptions and supplements to make sure they’re safe to continue or adjust them as needed.
How often will I see my provider?
Typically, visits are scheduled every four weeks early in pregnancy, every two weeks after 28 weeks, and weekly from 36 weeks until delivery. Your schedule may vary based on your health and pregnancy progress.
*Source: ACOG