5 pregnancy checkups you need besides seeing your ob-gyn

Keep your body and baby healthy with these other important appointments

Pregnancy is a big change in a woman’s life. And one of those changes is the number of appointments they have with their obstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyn). That’s a type of doctor who specializes in women and their babies during pregnancy and childbirth. During these visits, the doctor will ensure that the baby is growing well and that the mother is staying healthy.

But there are other health care providers who can help you stay well over the 40 weeks ahead. Below, take a look at 5 other providers you may want to book a checkup with before your baby’s born.

Health insurance may help cover certain pregnancy-related visits. Call a licensed insurance agent at (800) 827-9990 to talk about plans, or browse your options online today.

1. Dentist

The hormones that come with being pregnant make you more likely to have dental problems during pregnancy. Cavities — or areas of tooth decay — are one common pregnancy problem, as is gum disease. Gum disease is a serious infection that can harm “the tissues that hold your teeth in place” and in some instances can lead to tooth loss.

Up to 3 in 4 pregnant women have gingivitis, which is the mildest form of gum disease. You may suspect you have gingivitis if you have red, swollen and inflamed gums.

The good news is that when it’s caught early at a dental visit, gingivitis can be reversed with a cleaning, as well as by practicing good oral care at home.

But taking care of your teeth isn’t just for you — it’s for your baby’s future oral health too. Untreated oral health problems in pregnant women have been associated with poor oral health in their babies. That can include more cavities in their teeth when they become children.

Make sure you have your next appointment set up — and ask your provider how frequently you need to visit their office. (It’s different for everyone.)

2. Dermatologist

It’s common to notice skin changes when you’re pregnant. Hormonal changes, an increase in blood volume, and compression from a growing uterus can lead to conditions like:

• Melasma, or brown and gray-brown patches on the face, neck, arms and other parts of the body
• Rashes
• Skin tags, or small noncancerous growths that tend to be the same color as your skin
• Varicose veins, which happen when the veins become enlarged, twisted and swollen and are visible under the skin

Some of these skin conditions aren’t serious and will go away after the baby is delivered. But pregnancy may also be associated with skin diseases that are more serious, such as autoimmune conditions. (Autoimmune conditions happen when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, cells and organs.)

If you notice a concerning change in your skin, such as a new rash, it’s important to talk to your doctor, who may refer you to a dermatologist to get it checked out.

In addition, some topical skin-care products are not safe to use during pregnancy. These include products with retinoids, a popular ingredient in products that target acne.

It’s a good idea to talk to your dermatologist about your skin-care routine. Ask them if there are any changes to products you’ll want to know about — and get their recommendations for safe skin care during pregnancy.

3. Primary care physician or a specialist

Certain health conditions that you have going into pregnancy will continue throughout these 40 weeks. So, you will want to keep your primary care physician (PCP) up to date.

Managing them well can help prevent some pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia. That’s a potentially serious condition that happens during the second half of pregnancy. It occurs when a pregnant woman suddenly develops high blood pressure and too much protein in their urine.

It can cause seizures and sometimes be fatal. It’s a good idea to make sure your blood sugar is properly managed throughout your pregnancy, by working with your PCP or a specialist like an endocrinologist. (That’s a type of doctor that specializes in the endocrine system, which includes hormone-producing glands and organs.)

Another specialist you may need to see is an asthma doctor (an allergist or immunologist) if you have asthma. That’s a long-term lung condition that affects the airways in the lungs. Asthma can flare up during pregnancy, and some women may even need to be hospitalized for their symptoms. Pregnancy requires more oxygen, and a growing baby can push on your diaphragm (“the muscle just below your lungs”), affecting your breathing.

Treatment options for asthma are the same whether you’re pregnant or not. So, if your current plan is working for you, your doctor may suggest that you stick with it. The important thing is that your asthma is well controlled, since poorly controlled asthma has been linked to things like:

• Low birth weight
• Preeclampsia
• Premature birth
• Preterm labor

Health insurance can be helpful with the multiple visits needed throughout pregnancy. Call a licensed insurance agent at (800) 827-9990 to talk about plans, or browse your options online today.

4. Nutritionist

Eating a balanced, nutritious diet when you’re pregnant can help you stay healthy and your baby grow strong. But making sure you get all the nutrients you need can feel daunting. Here are some of the nutrients you’ll need to get enough or more of:

• Choline
• Fiber
• Folic acid
• Iron
• Potassium
• Protein
• Vitamin D

That means you’ll want to add whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, beans, nuts and seeds, low-fat or fat-free dairy, and healthy fats to your diet. And your doctor may also recommend certain prenatal vitamins.

But if you have questions about your needs, ask your doctor about referring you to a registered dietitian. They can help you plan out your meals and snacks in healthy and satisfying ways, no matter what your cravings might be.

Additionally, if you have diabetes, a dietitian who is a certified diabetes care and education specialist can help you manage the disease during and after pregnancy.

5. Mental health professional

Pregnancy is a happy time, but it can also come with feelings of sadness, hopelessness and anxiety. Even if you are excited and thrilled about your growing family, you may also experience perinatal depression, a mood disorder that can happen during pregnancy and after you’ve given birth.

You deserve to get the help you need for yourself and for your baby. That’s because perinatal depression can affect your ability to bond with your baby once they’re here. It can be difficult to seek help, especially if you’re experiencing thoughts that you find disturbing.

But it’s common, and it can be treated with therapy, medication or a combination of both. If you don’t know where to start, talk to your ob-gyn or PCP. They can help connect you with a mental health professional.

Need to find the health plan that’ll work for you? Call a licensed insurance agent at (800) 827-9990 to talk about plans, or browse your options online today.

Disclaimer:
For informational purposes only. This information is compiled by HealthMarkets Insurance Agency and does not diagnose problems or recommend specific treatment. Services and medical technologies referenced herein may not be covered under your plan. Please consult directly with your primary care physician if you need medical advice.