Obstetric Care
Care Throughout Your Pregnancy
Regular prenatal appointments help monitor your health and your baby's development, answer questions, and identify concerns that may require further evaluation. Dr. Margarita Chudner, MD, discusses a care plan based on your medical history, stage of pregnancy, and individual needs.
When Should I Schedule My First Prenatal Visit?
Contact the office when you learn you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. The timing of your first visit depends on your history, symptoms, and pregnancy circumstances. Call 732-927-1224 to discuss scheduling and available obstetric services.
How Often Are Prenatal Visits Scheduled?
For an uncomplicated pregnancy, a commonly used visit schedule is:
- Through 28 weeks: approximately every four weeks.
- 28–36 weeks: approximately every two weeks.
- After 36 weeks until delivery: approximately every week.
Visit frequency is individualized. Some pregnancies require more frequent monitoring or consultation with maternal-fetal medicine specialists.
What Happens at a Prenatal Appointment?
Depending on the stage of pregnancy and your needs, visits may include:
- Review of symptoms, medications, and medical or pregnancy history
- Blood pressure and weight assessment
- Assessment of fetal growth and heartbeat when appropriate
- Discussion of nutrition, activity, common discomforts, and warning signs
- Laboratory testing, screening, or ultrasound when indicated
- Time to ask questions and discuss the next steps in care
Screening and Testing During Pregnancy
Prenatal care may include blood type and antibody testing, anemia and infection screening, genetic screening options, ultrasound examinations, gestational diabetes screening, and group B streptococcus testing. The choice and timing of tests depend on current clinical guidance and your individual circumstances. Screening tests are optional decisions to discuss with your clinician.
When to Seek Urgent Care
Seek immediate medical evaluation for heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe headache or vision changes, or decreased fetal movement after movement patterns are established. For emergencies, call 911. Do not use a website contact form for urgent medical concerns.