OB Appointment Weeks 30 - 33

You are probably becoming a very regular face around your doctor or midwife's office. From now until week 34, you will come in for a check-up every two weeks and starting with week 34, most doctors and midwives want to see their patients weekly. You will continue to be assessed for weight gain, blood pressure, sugar, infection, and protein in your urine. Your doctor or midwife will continue to monitor your baby's heartbeat with a Doppler, measure the size and height of your uterus, and check for swelling and varicose veins in your legs.

Starting this week, your doctor or midwife may ask you start keeping a record of kick counts along with your baby's movements. The kick count theory is based on the simple idea that an active baby is a healthy baby and is usually done by keeping track of how long it takes your baby to produce ten kicks. On average, a baby will kick ten times in about 20 minutes. This week you will need to discuss your birthing plan with your doctor or midwife, if you have chosen to create one. You should have your birthing plan ready to be added to your office file and hospital/birthing center chart at your next appointment.