Prenatal Care Specialist

When should a woman schedule her first prenatal appointment?

Dr. Bharksuwan can help confirm pregnancy, if needed, and perform early scans to detect for potential problems. In otherwise healthy women, the first prenatal exam is typically scheduled around the 10th week of the pregnancy.

What dietary changes are recommended during pregnancy?

Dr. Bharksuwan will assist women in making wise dietary choices. The phrase "eating for two" is actually incorrect, as a woman only needs to add about 300 to 500 extra calories per day to her normal diet during pregnancy. Typically an expectant mom should gain between 22 and 35 pounds during pregnancy, and a healthy, well-balanced diet will help avoid unwanted weight gain.

Certain foods are best avoided during pregnancy because of the risk of infection. These include:

• Unpasteurized foods
• Soft cheeses
• Shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish
• Raw meat
• Cold deli meat
• Alcoholic beverages
• Raw eggs

What tests are recommended during pregnancy?

At Pinecroft OBGYN, Dr. Bharksuwan offers many tests to screen for potential complications. At the first appointment, he'll perform tests to verify the pregnancy and determine the mother's blood type. Other tests that he may order during pregnancy include:

• Amniocentesis: Tests for genetic defects in the baby
• Biophysical profile: Tests for overall health of baby
• Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): Diagnoses genetic birth defects for high risk couples
• First trimester screen: For chromosomal disorders
• Glucose tolerance test: For gestational diabetes
• Maternal serum screen (quad screen): Tests mother's blood for genetic abnormalities
• Nonstress test: Tests heart rate and movement of baby
• Ultrasound: Provides a visual picture of the baby
• Urine testing: Tests urine samples for signs of complications

How often does a woman need to be seen during pregnancy?

The schedule for visits changes as the pregnancy progresses. Dr. Bharksuwan recommends the following schedule for patients without risks or complications:

• Visits 1 time per month through week 28
• Visits every 2 weeks from week 28 through 36
• Weekly visits from week 36 through birth

Women who have complications will need more frequent visits to reduce the risk of problems and carefully monitor the baby and the pregnancy. Women who are ready to start their prenatal care should schedule a visit with Dr. Bharksuwan as soon as they discover they're pregnant.

Please call the office to schedule an appointment for prenatal visits.