Obstetrics is the branch of medicine that focuses on preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum care. Your obstetrician follows the development of your fetus and helps you plan your delivery. They are available to answer questions about your pregnancy and delivery and to perform various screenings at specific times.
At Northwest Women's Center in Houston, TX, patients receive attentive prenatal care from a skilled team that includes two Fellows of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Our physicians and nurses guide you through every stage, providing education, screenings, and personalized care for a healthy pregnancy and birth experience.
Obstetrics vs. Gynecology vs. OBGYN
While a gynecologist is a specialist who provides services that pertain to your reproductive health, it is an obstetrician who will see you through your prenatal, pregnancy, and postpartum time. An OBGYN is an obstetrician-gynecologist. They combine both specialties.
Should I Make an Obstetrics Appointment if I'm Trying to Become Pregnant?
It is generally recommended to meet with a healthcare provider before becoming pregnant. This visit may be with your primary care physician, gynecologist, or OBGYN.Â
A preconception appointment provides helpful medical guidance as you prepare for pregnancy. During this visit, your doctor can review your medical history, discuss fertility, and offer guidance on steps that support a healthy pregnancy. Having this conversation early can help you feel informed, confident, and better prepared for the months ahead.
When to Schedule Your First Obstetrics Appointment After Finding Out You're Pregnant
Most patients schedule their first obstetrics appointment around 8 to 10 weeks of pregnancy. This visit allows your obstetrician to confirm the pregnancy, review your medical history, and discuss important health considerations for the months ahead. Your provider may order initial lab tests, estimate your due date, and answer questions about diet, lifestyle habits, and what to expect during pregnancy. Early prenatal care helps establish a baseline for your health and your baby's development.
What to Expect During Regularly Scheduled Obstetrics Visits
When you begin to receive obstetrics care, you can expect to see your doctor quite a lot! Generally, starting at week 8 or 10 of pregnancy, you will attend monthly visits with your obstetrician. Beginning around week 28, your visits will increase to twice a month. After week 36, your obstetrician will see you weekly.
Between these routine visits, you may have additional visits, depending on your health and your pregnancy's progress. The purpose of each prenatal visit is to observe your baby's development.
You may have a urine test at each visit. Your weight is also checked, as well as your blood pressure, and the doctor will listen to your baby's heartbeat. They will measure your belly and discuss your progress. Your doctor will also take time to answer any questions or concerns you have and to discuss any upcoming screenings you need to schedule.
Common Prenatal Tests
Prenatal testing helps monitor your health and your baby's development throughout pregnancy and supports a healthy delivery. Common tests include:
- Blood work to check your blood type, iron levels, and immunity to certain infections.
- Ultrasounds to evaluate fetal growth and development.
- Screening tests to check for the risk of certain genetic conditions.
- Additional tests, such as glucose screening for gestational diabetes or group B strep testing later in pregnancy
When to Call Your Obstetrician
While many pregnancy symptoms are normal, certain changes should prompt a call to your obstetrician. These include:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Heavy bleeding
- Sudden swelling in the face or hands
- Severe headaches
- Persistent vomiting
- High fever
- Decreased fetal movement later in pregnancy
- Sudden vision changes
- Signs of preterm labor
Your obstetrician can help determine whether symptoms require evaluation and provide guidance to protect both your health and your baby's well-being.
Pregnancy Nutritional Considerations
During your pregnancy, your body may need additional calories to support proper fetal development. Your doctor will discuss the number of calories that may be ideal for you based on your medical history and current health.
Generally, pregnant women are encouraged to maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet that is low in salt and sugar and high in lean protein, healthy fat like nuts and avocado, and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. The consumption of sugar is especially important to limit during pregnancy due to the risk of gestational diabetes and the adverse effects that elevated blood sugar can have on both mother and baby.
Finally, it is imperative that you stay adequately hydrated during your pregnancy. Your doctor may encourage you to consume more than the average 64 ounces a day, sipped over the course of several hours.
Why Choose Northwest Women's Center for Obstetrics in Houston, TX?
Northwest Women's Center is a trusted obstetrics and gynecology practice serving women throughout Houston, TX. Our team provides comprehensive pregnancy care and addresses a wide range of women's health concerns, from routine exams to complex conditions.
Here, patients benefit from advanced diagnostic tools and minimally invasive procedures, including ultrasound services and other modern technologies for monitoring maternal and fetal health. From preconception counseling through postpartum care, our experienced physicians support women at every stage of pregnancy and throughout all phases of life.
FAQs
A pregnancy may be considered high-risk if certain medical or lifestyle factors could affect the health of the mother or baby. Examples include:
- Being over age 35
- Having chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure
- Carrying multiples
- Having a history of pregnancy complications
Your obstetrician will review your medical history and closely monitor your pregnancy to determine whether additional testing, monitoring, or specialized care may be recommended.
Small, frequent meals may help prevent nausea caused by an empty stomach. Many patients find that bland foods such as crackers, toast, or rice are easier to tolerate. Staying hydrated and avoiding strong odors or foods that trigger nausea can also help. Ginger products and vitamin B6 may provide relief for some people.
If nausea becomes severe or prevents you from keeping food or fluids down, contact your obstetrician for guidance.
If you are currently trying to get pregnant, you may start taking prenatal vitamins. These are intended to keep you and your baby healthy throughout your pregnancy. Some of the common nutrients that are encouraged during pregnancy include:
- Folic acid, which aids in neurological development
- Calcium and vitamin D, which support fetal bone development
- Iron, which supports your additional blood volume during pregnancy and helps maintain the baby's oxygen supply
- Vitamin A, which supports eye development
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about our practice and our doctors, or to schedule your visit with a compassionate, experienced obstetrician, contact our office in Houston, TX, today at 281.444.3440.