Title: What is involved in a prenatal physical exam? | Health & Pregnancy - Sharecare
Headings: What is involved in a prenatal physical exam?
What is involved in a prenatal physical exam?
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Content: It is important to know your family history and the family history of the father of the baby to share with your health care provider. You should share with them any medicine you are taking and any allergies you may have. Do not be embarrassed to tell them about any history of abnormal pap smears, infections, history of batter or abuse, or if you have had an abortion or any procedure done to your uterus or cervix. This is really important to help us provide you the safest care for you and your baby. Make a list of questions to take with you for your first visit to your midwife or ob/gyn. Diana Meeks on behalf of Sigma Nursing
Family Practitioner
During the initial prenatal visit the physical examination will include a complete head to toe assessment of the woman. The purpose of a comprehensive examination is to gather baseline data about the woman’s health status as well as to identify any non-pregnancy related, pre-existing condition. A pelvic examination and collection of cultures and lab test will also be completed. At subsequent visits the physical examination is limited to an assessment of the growing pregnancy. In other words, the physical examination focuses on the abdomen, breasts and inquiries about bladder and bowel functions, weight gain, and vital signs.