Pregnancy is a nine-month process full of questions, emotions, and anticipation. At Physicians for Women in Madison, Wisconsin, our board-certified OB/GYNs, as well as our Certified Nurse Midwives, collaborate to help you through your pregnancy. The team personalizes your prenatal care according to your needs and preferences. If you’ve taken a pregnancy test with positive results and need expert guidance through the coming months, don’t hesitate to call Physicians for Women or request an appointment online today.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Q & A
What is pregnancy?
Pregnancy is the term used to describe the period in which a fetus develops inside a woman’s womb or uterus. Pregnancy usually lasts about 40 weeks, or just over 9 months, as measured from the last menstrual period to delivery. The obstetricians and midwives at Physicians for Women and The Madison Midwives refer to three segments of pregnancy, called trimesters. In each trimester, directed labs and ultrasounds are performed to ensure you and your baby remain healthy.
To become pregnant, your ovary must release an egg during the part of your menstrual cycle called ovulation. Then, a single sperm must fertilize the egg shortly after sexual intercourse or after artificial insemination. The fertilized egg must travel through the fallopian tube and into the uterus, where it attaches to the uterine wall. The embryo grows and ultimately develops into a fetus
What symptoms can I expect during my pregnancy?
Common symptoms you might experience while you’re pregnant are:
- Headaches
- Morning sickness
- Heartburn
- Weight gain or weight loss from a lack of appetite
- Back pain
- Depression, mood swings
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Frequent urination
- Trouble sleeping and extreme fatigue
- Breast tenderness
- Acne
These signs and symptoms are typically transient and not everyone has them. If you suspect that you’re pregnant, take a home pregnancy test. If the result is positive, you should make an appointment at Physicians for Women right away. Alternatively, you can contact our office and have a pregnancy test done in our office.
How often should I visit my obstetrician during pregnancy?
You’ll need to visit your Physicians for Women provider regularly throughout your pregnancy leading up to childbirth. It’s important to make these appointments a priority so that you and your provider can address your questions or any signs of a complication with you or your baby right away. Your prenatal visits will increase in frequency as your pregnancy progresses.
We see you frequently in the first and third trimesters and essentially once per month in the second trimester when most women feel their best and there are fewer concerns or risks. Once you reach week 36, you’ll need to see us every week to check in on you and your baby’s health. If you have any complications with your pregnancy, we may ask that you come in more frequently.
To consult with the trusted team at Physicians for Women about your planned or existing pregnancy, call the office at 608-227-7007 or request an appointment online today.