PRENATAL CARE STANDARDS

I was blown away today to find out that some OBGYN practices does not practice the standard of care that ACOG (American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology) has set forth for prenatal care.

Standard of care for EVERY prenatal visit is as follows:

• Vital signs

• Weight (height/weight/BMI—initial visit)

• Fetal assessment from 10th week

• Uterine size for progressive growth & consistency with EDD (belly measurement)

• Domestice violence screening

• Assessment of tobacco use & smoking exposure

• Answer any questions you have

• Talk about any upcoming tests

Why is this not standard in ALL practices, considering these are ACOG’s guidelines?!

Wish I knew the answer.

But what I do know is, if you are not receiving care with which you are comfortable at every single visit (regardless of COVID-19 or not), you should find a new doctor.

Good thing is that switching practices is easy! Typically, the new office will request your files (with your signature, of course) from your old practice…then you’re good to go. Some practices will even see you before they receive your records to ensure there is not an interruption of care. It’s NEVER too late to switch providers! You & your baby deserve more.