Getting pregnant can be an exciting yet anxious experience for mothers-to-be. One issue to think about if you are pregnant is having a support partner to help you through prenatal visits and other pregnancy concerns. You’ll find the help and support you need when you visit the doctors at the Child and Adolescent Clinic in Longview and Vancouver, WA.
When To Schedule a Prenatal Visit
A prenatal visit is an appointment with a pediatrician before the child is born so that you can discuss important matters for both you and your newborn. You’ll discuss issues ranging from breastfeeding to genetic testing. You’ll also receive a medical exam, including a blood pressure check, a medical history review, and an ultrasound to check the baby’s condition. You should schedule your first prenatal visit within the first three months of pregnancy and as often thereafter as you and your pediatrician decide.
What Are Support Partners?
A support partner is a loved one who can be a consistent presence in the mother’s life as she navigates the prenatal experience. A support partner will ideally attend the prenatal appointments and help the mother get to and from the visit safely. A support partner could be a spouse, sibling, parent, or friend. If the pregnant mother is dealing with a difficult pregnancy, having a support partner is particularly valuable.
Tips for Getting Support for Prenatal Health
It’s best to identify potential support partners soon after the pregnancy is confirmed by your Longview and Vancouver, WA, providers for prenatal visits. Talk to them about the help you’ll need, including attending appointments with you, helping you with medical paperwork, and ensuring that you get refills for prenatal vitamins so that they will be prepared. A support partner can also be helpful for everyday activities, like getting exercise and maintaining a healthy diet.
Your Upcoming Prenatal Visit
If you're planning to visit a pediatrician for a prenatal visit, think about who you can ask to be your support partner throughout the pregnancy. Contact the doctors at the Child and Adolescent Clinic in Longview and Vancouver, WA, if you have questions, by calling (360) 577-1771 or (360) 254-7750.