How often should doctors’ appointments be scheduled during pregnancy?
Most Progressive Obstetrics & Gynecology patients will see Dr. Lang once a month until the 28th week of the pregnancy. In weeks 28-36, visits are usually scheduled twice monthly. During the final part of the pregnancy and leading up to delivery, Dr. Lang usually sees patients once a week. This appointment frequency is designed to meet the needs of healthy patients who aren't in a high-risk group. If you're in a high-risk group such as advanced maternal age, the visits may need to be more frequent. Dr. Lang is happy to create a custom appointment schedule based on your specific needs.
When is a pregnancy considered to be high risk?
A pregnancy is generally considered to be high risk if a mom, her baby, or both mom and baby have or are at risk for medical issues. Certain groups of women are more likely to have a high-risk pregnancy, so women in these groups will be monitored more closely throughout their pregnancies. High-risk groups include:
- Women who are 35 or older
- Women who have suffered from polycystic ovary syndrome in the past
- Women who suffer from diabetes
- Women who suffer from autoimmune disease
- Women who have suffered from cancer or other serious illness in the past
What should you eat while pregnant?
It's important to gain enough weight to ensure a healthy baby, but that doesn't mean that an endless array of junk food is okay. The occasional treat is fine, but eating food that is high in calories and low in nutritional content every day can lead to excessive weight gain and poor health for mom and baby. The best way to gain pregnancy weight is by eating highly nutritious foods that actually make you feel satisfied. This can include options like dairy products, legumes, and whole grains.
Which medicines are safe to use while you’re pregnant?
Dr. Lang is happy to recommend medications that are safe to use during your pregnancy. Always check with Dr. Lang before you ingest any medicine -- even herbal supplements -- while you're pregnant.
