Why Is Prenatal Counseling Important?

How prenatal counseling from your pediatricians in Riverview, and Tampa, FL, can help you and your baby

Being pregnant is a wonderful event, but you also might be a bit nervous about the health of your baby. That’s where prenatal counseling comes in. Prenatal counseling is an easy way to help ensure the health of your baby and yourself.

Dr. Elizabeth Yakubu and Dr. Alrick Drummond at Children’s Health Center offer a wide range of pediatric services, including prenatal counseling. They have two convenient offices in Riverview, and Tampa, FL, to help you and your baby.

In addition to giving you peace-of-mind, there are many additional reasons why prenatal counseling is important. Prenatal counseling can:

Provide guidance before you get pregnant, which is especially vital if you have any underlying medical issues, or if you have a family history of serious diseases.

Help with fertility issues, if you have been trying to get pregnant; during counseling, your doctor can discuss fertility options with you.

If you are pregnant, prenatal counseling with your doctor can:

• Determine how many weeks you are into your pregnancy
• Schedule upcoming tests and examinations you need
• Discuss dietary, lifestyle, and exercise modifications you may need
  
  

Prenatal counseling is especially important during the first trimester, because:

• You need lab work to determine your overall health
• You will need your first ultrasound to determine a potential due date
• Your doctor may need additional testing to determine any potential issues with your pregnancy
  
  

Prenatal counseling during your second trimester is important in order to:

• Check your baby’s growth and development
• Possibly determine your baby’s gender
• Screen for gestational diabetes
  
  

Prenatal counseling during your third trimester is important because it’s time to:

• Come in more frequently to check on the development of your baby
• Determine whether there are any high-risk pregnancy issues that need to be addressed
• Discuss delivery issues including anesthesia, hospital stay, and what to expect
  
  

To learn more about the importance of prenatal counseling, call Dr. Elizabeth Yakubu and Dr. Alrick Drummond at Children’s Health Center. You can reach them in Riverview, FL, at (813) 677-2222 or in Tampa, FL, at (813) 914-7772, so call now.