Prenatal and Postpartum Care

November 2, 2022, 6:59 pm

It is important to get checkups during and after pregnancy in order to find and address any health issues or concerns that may arise in the months before and after birth. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have provided recommendations for prenatal and postpartum care to help promote patient health during these vulnerable periods.

Prenatal care should begin in the first trimester of pregnancy. All pregnant people should visit their obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) during this time and seek additional care as needed leading up to delivery. During prenatal visits, patients can also talk with their doctor to learn how to have a healthy pregnancy and ask any questions.

Postpartum care should begin within 3 weeks after delivery and continue with ongoing care as needed, ending with a comprehensive OB/GYN visit within 12 weeks after delivery. Also known as the “fourth trimester”, the 12-week postpartum period is an important time to continue monitoring the health and well-being of both mother and baby. Postpartum visits are recommended for all patients after giving birth and are especially critical for those who had complications during pregnancy and/or labor and delivery. After the postpartum period, care should transition into regular well-woman and well-baby care.

Visit the following webpages for more information on women’s health services offered by CoxHealth:

• Women’s Health – provides a list of services, links to resources and women’s health providers
• Pregnancy and Baby Care
• Gynecological Care

CoxHealth also offers baby- and family-focused programs to help prepare every member of the expectant family. Dates, times, and costs of each class can be found in the CoxHealth calendar of events. Current topics include:

• Prepared Childbirth
• Natural Childbirth
• Fatherhood: Basic Training
• Baby Basics
• Breastfeeding Basics
• Breastfeeding Support Group (The Lactation Club)
• DogSense
• Grandparenting

Sources:

Prenatal and Postpartum Care (PPC) - NCQA

Pregnant and Postpartum Women | CDC

Optimizing Postpartum Care | ACOG

Postpartum Care: An Approach to the Fourth Trimester | AAFP