Pregnancy

How soon should I make an appointment to confirm my pregnancy?

If you have a positive result from a home pregnancy test, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with our office as soon as possible. She can confirm your pregnancy with an ultrasound, bloodwork and gynecology exam around 8 weeks post your last menstral cycle. Once confirmed our office can get you scheduled for your routine prenatal care visits until you deliver your baby. One of the advantages of choosing Elle Obgyn your obstetrician is the one who performs all of your office visits with our two in office sonographers. As we are a small, private practice specializing in obstetrics, you will see our 3 providers for your prenatal visits, and she will be the doctor who delivers your baby. Our providers are also the ones who answer late night phone calls when you need us after hours.

What are the first signs of pregnancy?

Every woman is different, and every pregnancy is unique, but common signs that you are pregnant often include:

• Fatigue
• Food aversions
• Abdominal bloating
• Sensitivity to certain smells
• Frequent urination
• Tender breasts
• Nausea or vomiting
• A missed period

The early signs of pregnancy, including mood swings, may be similar to premenstrual symptoms, but without a period. One telltale sign of pregnancy for many women is that a food you always enjoy suddenly makes you feel sick to your stomach at the sight or thought of it.

What is prenatal care?

Prenatal care encompasses your medical care from the earliest signs of pregnancy through your baby’s birth. Typically, you come in for a prenatal visit once a month during the first two trimesters of your pregnancy, and then more frequently after that. After 28 weeks, Dr. LeBel, Dr. Hoy and Dr. Roper will check yours and your baby’s progress every two weeks, and then from 36 weeks until you deliver, you’ll come to the office each week.

Prenatal checkups ensure that both you and your baby are healthy and progressing as you should during the course of your pregnancy. These appointments include:

• Health screenings for you and your baby
• Preventive care
• Routine blood work and blood type testing
• Genetic testing
• Ultrasound exams
• Nutrition and exercise recommendations
• Taking a family medical history
• Monitoring weight gain and taking abdominal measurements
• Blood pressure and heart rate monitoring

Additionally, if your pregnancy is considered high-risk as a result of genetics, pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes, or your age, Dr. LeBel, Dr. Holsopple and our team of Nurse Practitoners may recommend additional testing and precautionary screenings based on your individual needs.

If you’re pregnant or planning to be, call to make an appointment with Elle Obgyn and our compassionate, friendly team,  will create  the most personalized obstetrics care in the Greenville area. You can also book an appointment online.