Pregnancy is a life-changing journey. Whether you’re currently trying to get pregnant or you’re looking for a board-certified gynecologist and obstetrician for prenatal appointments, Samuel Van Kirk, M.D. OBGYN in Redding, California, can help. Dr. Van Kirk and his team are with you through every step of your pregnancy. From fertility to labor and delivery, you can find high-quality pregnancy care with Dr. Van Kirk. Schedule an appointment online or by phone today.

request an appointment

What are prenatal appointments?

Your OB/GYN appointments are an important part of your pregnancy. Prenatal appointments occur during your pregnancy and are the time when the doctor checks on your growing baby. Prenatal appointments are a great time for you and your partner to ask questions, too.

Your first prenatal appointment will likely be your longest one. Most women come in for their first prenatal appointment between eight and 10 weeks after conception. During your first prenatal appointment, Dr. Van Kirk performs a physical exam and blood test, and talks with you about your medical history.

In the months leading up to labor and delivery, Dr. Van Kirk helps you prepare for the arrival of your baby. This often includes discussions about hospital stays, induction, labor and delivery, and more.

How often do I have checkups during pregnancy?

You visit the doctor regularly throughout your pregnancy. After your first prenatal appointment, you can expect to have a checkup once per month for the first two trimesters, or up until about week 26. Between weeks 26-36, you might have a prenatal appointment every two weeks.

As you approach your due date, you start having prenatal checkups once per week. Dr. Van Kirk monitors the position of your baby and helps prepare you for labor and delivery.

Most women have about two ultrasound scans during pregnancy, but the number of scans you’ll have depends on your pregnancy. If you want to know the gender of your baby, Dr. Van Kirk can usually determine this between 18-22 weeks via ultrasound.

What is an ultrasound?

Many expectant parents look forward to getting an ultrasound. Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to create images. The ultrasound instrument uses high-frequency sound waves bouncing back to determine the size and shape of soft tissue and organs inside your body.

Ultrasound is a popular method for checking on the development of unborn babies. It’s used to confirm and date pregnancies, and it gives both Dr. Van Kirk and the parents a peek at the growing baby. Ultrasound can help Dr. Van Kirk determine your baby’s gender and identify the potential for congenital disabilities.

Dr. Van Kirk offers 3D and 4D ultrasounds in addition to standard ultrasounds. The 3D ultrasound creates three-dimensional images of the baby and gives parents the chance to see their baby’s face for the first time, while 4D ultrasounds are movie-like, with live video.

To learn more about the comprehensive pregnancy care at Samuel Van Kirk, M.D. OBGYN, schedule an appointment online or by phone today.