Office Visits
A overview of our midwifery care office visits and what to expect.
“Throughout pregnancy, Heather performed Spinning Babies body work and techniques on me at each appointment and checked on my emotional, mental and physical wellbeing. The bodywork was completely new to me with this being my 2nd pregnancy.”
-Corinna M.
What happens at a typical prenatal visit?
Most of the visit is dedicated to listening, talking, and collaborating with you. We discuss upcoming tests, life stressors, and things going on in your life. We encourage you to ask us questions.
During the clinical portion of the visit, Heather takes your blood pressure, listens to your baby, and palpates your belly while she and you discuss your baby’s movements.
Heather also incorporates Spinning Babies Body Balancing during your prenatal visits. Partners are instructed on a few of these techniques as as well.
Prenatal visits are 45min – 1hr.
When should I schedule my first prenatal visit?
Women who know conception dates will normally schedule their first appointment between 8 to 12 weeks.
If you are unsure of conception dates, then an early ultrasound will be scheduled for confirming the estimated due date.
What is the schedule for prenatal and postpartum visits?
San Diego County Midwives follows the traditional prenatal schedule of visits which is monthly until 28 weeks, bimonthly till 36 weeks and then weekly until the birth. Heather provides home visits for her clients within 24 – 36 hours after the birth, as well as on days 3 or 4, and as needed if there are lactation issues. She continues to see her clients in the office between four and eight weeks postpartum.
8 – 12 Weeks (Initial Visit)
Initial office visit includes completing your history and physical exam. Any necessary labs will be drawn unless you have already had them with your previous care provider.
Initial Visit may be later if transferring care into the practice.
Nutritional consult will be scheduled approximately two weeks after the Initial Visit. Monthly in-person visits are scheduled thereafter until
28 Weeks
Glucose & repeat CBC
Every 2 weeks
36 Weeks
GBS & gen culture visit at 36 – 37 weeks
Weekly from 36 – 41 weeks
41 Weeks
Non-Stress Test (NST)
41.3 Weeks
Biophysical profile test (BPP)
41.6 Weeks
NST
Postpartum Visits
24 – 36 hours: Home visit by your midwife
Day 3 – 4: Home visit by your midwife
Week 2: Home and Office visit
Week 4: Office visit
Week 6-8: Office visit
Additional postpartum visits are available on an as needed basis.
Can you tell the position of my baby?
At each of your prenatal visits, Heather will palpate your belly and check for your baby’s position. She is trained in this art, and she can usually verify the “wisdom of her hands” by locating your baby’s heartbeat. If there is any question, she may refer you for an Ultrasound to verify baby’s position. Babies do move around, sometimes right up to the end of the pregnancy. Heather is always watching, feeling and listening so that she is knowledgeable of your baby’s whereabouts!
Do you require me to have any tests or laboratory work?
Yes, we do require some lab work, as lab work is one of the best indicators of the health of you and your baby.
Some of the tests we do will help us to know, among other things, your blood type and Rh factor, if you may be anemic, how well your blood clots, if you are at risk for Gestational Diabetes, or if you may have any signs of infection.
A Pap smear may be requested depending on the last time that you had one. We only test for those things we know can have a direct effect on your pregnancy.
Our goal is to give you the best prenatal care possible.
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