Pregnancy Care

Growing a tiny human may be a little scary if it’s your first time. It may even be a little scary if it’s your fifth, or sixth, or seventh. The professionals at Serenity Birth Center guide you through prenatal care to equip you to confidently carry and deliver your baby.

Prenatal Care Schedule

Typically, you’ll see your midwifery team every four weeks during weeks 4 to 28. From weeks 28 to 36, you’ll see them every two weeks and after 36 weeks until baby is born, you’ll be scheduled weekly. Same day appointments are always available if you sense a problem.

During your appointment, you’ll have plenty of time to ask whatever questions you have. We don’t rush our clients through visits and we want to alleviate any fears or concerns you have. We’ll show you how to optimize your food and lifestyle choices to benefit you and your baby. Any lab work that needs to be done is conveniently located at Serenity Birth Center.

First Visit

During your first prenatal care appointment at Serenity Birth Center, your midwife will:

• Ask you about your health, your partner’s health, and the health of your close family
• Identify any medical problems
• Determine your due date, an estimate of the day your baby will be born (usually within two weeks before or after due date)
• Make sure you’re taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid
• Discuss with you any medications you are taking
• Conduct a complete physical exam
• Check your weight
• Check your blood pressure
• Check a urine sample for infection
• If indicated, refer for blood work to check for blood type, anemia, and to see if you have had certain infections (rubella, hepatitis, HIV, or syphilis)

Future Visits

During every visit after the first, expect to spend about 30-60 minutes with your midwife team and come ready to discuss your hopes, expectations, and fears about pregnancy and birth. It’s a good idea to write down your questions as they come to you and bring that list with you.

The Serenity Birth Center team will also:

• Weigh you
• Check your blood pressure
• Measure your belly to see how the baby is growing
• Check your hands, feet, and face for swelling
• Listen for the baby’s heartbeat (after the 12th week of pregnancy)
• Feel your abdomen to assess the baby’s position (later in pregnancy)

If necessary, your midwife will refer you for any tests needed, such as blood tests or ultrasound.

Referrals to other health care and birth professionals

Serenity Birth Center partners with other health care and birth professionals to lead you in your pregnancy and birth experience and to make the whole process as comfortable as possible. These include:

• Doulas
• Chiropractors
• Massage therapists
• Lactation consultants

Serenity Birth Center offers childbirth classes and we’ll connect you with pregnancy-friendly exercise classes. We have pregnancy and birth photographers we recommend, as well, so you can document your journey.