CT Pregnancy Services 

Table of Contents
Getting Started
Scheduling Your Prenatal Visits
Types of Prenatal Testing
Prenatal Testing & Visit Timeline 
Warning Signs: When to Call CT Coastal
Pregnancy FAQs
Why Choose CT Coastal OB/GYN

Getting Started

Congratulations on your new pregnancy! CT Coastal OB/GYN is excited for you and, as your partner, we look forward to working with you to make this journey as seamless and stress-free as possible. 

The first step is to confirm you are pregnant, which entails an initial visit that is usually scheduled about seven weeks after your last menstrual period and includes an ultrasound and physical exam. After the confirmation visit, an initial pregnancy visit is scheduled. This visit takes longer than usual, because it involves a thorough review of your history and blood tests. We will also discuss a wide variety of topics to ensure that your pregnancy is a healthy experience.

At your first obstetrical visit, we will give you a pregnancy education packet. Much of this information can also be found on our website. Please call our office if you have any questions or concerns not addressed below. Thank you for choosing our practice.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

During your initial prenatal appointment, you’ll meet with one of our obstetricians or midwives who will take a detailed look at your health history, including medical conditions, previous pregnancies (if any), medications, surgeries, and your family health history. We will perform a full physical exam (including blood pressure, weight, and possibly a pelvic exam) and order baseline lab tests. You’ll also receive an ultrasound for dating and confirmation of the pregnancy

We’ll review early-pregnancy tips such as nutrition, lifestyle modifications, prenatal vitamins, and any needed vaccinations. We’ll also take time to answer your questions, address concerns, and help you feel comfortable with what lies ahead

Because this visit is more comprehensive than a routine check-up, please allow extra time in your schedule. Our goal is to make you feel supported and informed as you begin your journey with us.

What to Bring With You

To ensure your first prenatal visit goes smoothly and efficiently, please plan to bring the following:

• Photo ID and insurance card: So we can verify your coverage, update your records, and review benefits related to prenatal care and delivery.
• Completed patient forms: If you received any intake forms ahead of time, please bring them filled out. If not, we’ll provide them during your visit, and you may complete them in our waiting room.
• List of current medications, supplements, and dosage: Includes any over-the-counter vitamins or herbal products you are taking.
• Any relevant prior medical records or prenatal test results: For example, prior ultrasounds, lab work, or surgeries. Bringing these helps avoid duplication and ensures our team has a full picture of your health.
• Questions or topics you’d like to discuss: We encourage you to write down anything you want to ask: diet, exercise, birth plans, genetic testing, or other concerns.
• Partner, support person, or spouse (optional but encouraged): Having your support person with you can help capture information and share in the experience.
• Comfortable clothing:You may be asked to change into a gown for the exam or ultrasound, so wear something easy to adjust.

Scheduling Your Prenatal Visits

Every milestone from conception to delivery should be celebrated. To maintain a healthy pregnancy, it’s important to visit our office for regular pregnancy check-ups. The typical pregnancy check-up schedule is as follows:

We recommend following this schedule for check-ups; however, it can change depending on the health of you and your baby. Prenatal care is vital for you and your baby’s health, and these check-ups can increase the likelihood of a successful birth.

Types of Prenatal Testing

Subsequent prenatal visits involve checking your weight, blood pressure, monitoring the growth of your baby, listening to the fetal heartbeat, and discussing any of your questions or concerns.

Initial Blood Tests

The initial prenatal labs include a blood count, blood type and Rh status, testing for hemoglobin disorders, and several tests for infectious diseases (including HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B).

Ultrasounds

We generally perform two medically indicated ultrasounds in our office:

• First trimester: This helps confirm your due date and/or evaluate any symptoms, such as bleeding. 
• Second trimester: Occurring around 20 weeks, this ultrasound is used to assess the anatomy and growth of your baby. The sex of the baby can often be determined at this time, if desired.

Glucose Tests

Between 26 and 28 weeks, we will check your blood count, repeat an HIV and syphilis test, and perform a glucose screening test for gestational diabetes. Because of a hormone put out by the placenta, some people cannot metabolize glucose as well during pregnancy. If a person’s blood sugar is too high during the pregnancy, the baby can grow too big and have problems maintaining its blood sugar following birth. Babies with very low blood sugar can have problems with seizures, maintaining their temperatures, and adapting to life outside the uterus. Many individuals with gestational diabetes are able to maintain a normal blood sugar range with diet modifications, and the baby generally does very well.

Gestational diabetes screening is done via a 1-hour glucose challenge test. Fasting is not required for this test. At the lab you will be given a sugary drink; one hour later, a sample of blood is drawn to check your glucose level. If the glucose level is normal after one hour, no further testing is done. If the glucose level is high, we will ask you to undergo a fasting 3-hour glucose tolerance test (GTT). If two of the values (one, two, and three hours after drinking the glucose solution) or the fasting glucose are elevated, it is diagnostic for gestational diabetes.

Group B Strep Tests

We test all pregnant individuals at 36 weeks for Group B streptococcus (GBS) using a vaginal and rectal swab. It is a widespread bacteria that resides in the gastrointestinal tract, vagina, or urinary tract of up to 40% of people. People who have these bacteria are said to be “colonized” and are called “carriers.” There is no way to get rid of GBS permanently. It tends to come and go and rarely causes symptoms in adults.

This is important to check during pregnancy because 15-40% of pregnant individuals are colonized with GBS, there are no symptoms, and it can cause serious illness in the newborn if exposed during birth.

Every pregnant person is tested for GBS around 36 weeks of pregnancy. If the culture is positive, the individual is given IV antibiotics in labor. Approximately 99% of babies exposed to GBS do not become infected.

More information is available at these websites:

• https://www.cdc.gov/groupbstrep/
• https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Group-B-Strep-and-Pregnancy

Optional Testing During Pregnancy

Some diseases are genetically passed from pregnant person to baby. Blood from a pregnant individual can be tested to find out the risk of specific genes being passed to the baby. Even if you are healthy and have no family history of these diseases, you may have a single gene or be a “carrier” of a disease.

Your genes never change. Therefore, these tests do not need to be repeated in future pregnancies. Testing is typically done early in pregnancy but may be done at any time.

The most common genetic disease tests are offered to everyone. Additional tests may be offered based on your family history or ethnic background. Knowing if your baby has a chance of inheriting a disease may change the way you plan for your baby or how you manage your pregnancy. The midwife or doctor will review these testing options at a prenatal visit in the first trimester.

Optional Testing for the Baby

There are two groups of problems that can be screened for during pregnancy:

• Down Syndrome/chromosomal problems: The risk for chromosomal problems can be determined using tests of a pregnant person’s blood around 10 weeks of pregnancy. Having this information may change the way your plan for your baby or how you manage your pregnancy. The midwife or doctor will review the type of testing that is most appropriate for you at a prenatal visit in the first trimester.
• Spina Bifida/neural tube defects: A test of the pregnant person’s blood can be done to determine the risk for problems with the development of the spine, spinal cord, or brain. This is generally performed in the early part of the second trimester (15-20 weeks).

Prenatal Testing & Visit Timeline

Every pregnancy is unique, but certain tests and checkups help ensure both you and your baby stay healthy throughout each stage. Here’s what you can typically expect during your prenatal care at CT Coastal OB/GYN:

First Trimester (Weeks 1–13)

Your early visits establish a strong foundation for your pregnancy.

• Initial prenatal visit (7–10 weeks): Comprehensive medical history, physical exam, blood pressure, weight check, and baseline lab work.
• Ultrasound: Used to confirm pregnancy, verify gestational age, and check for multiple pregnancies.
• Genetic screening options.
• Nutrition and lifestyle guidance: Discussion of prenatal vitamins, diet, safe medications, and wellness tips.

Second Trimester (Weeks 14–27)

As your baby grows, we monitor development and screen for specific conditions.

• Routine checkups (every 4 weeks): Blood pressure, weight, fetal heartbeat, and any new symptoms or concerns.
• AFP screening (15–20 weeks): Screening for neural tube defects
• Anatomy ultrasound (around 20 weeks): A detailed scan that examines your baby’s anatomy and growth.
• Glucose tolerance test (26–28 weeks): Screens for gestational diabetes.

Third Trimester (Weeks 28–40)

Your visits become more frequent as delivery approaches.

• Rh immune globulin (around 28 weeks): This is an injection given to Rh-negative patients to prevent blood incompatibility with the fetus.
• CBC recheck: Ensures healthy iron and hemoglobin levels.
• Group B Strep (GBS) test (35–37 weeks): Vaginal and rectal swab to check for bacteria that may affect delivery planning.
• Birth preparation: Discussion of hospital pre-registration, labor signs, pain management options, and postpartum planning.

Warning Signs: When to Call CT Coastal

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, please give us a call at 203.562.5181. 

• Bleeding 
• Persistent pain that comes and goes at regular intervals 
• A fever over 100.4 F
• Painful urination 
• Vomiting that lasts more than 24 hours
• Severe headaches that aren’t relieved by Tylenol (acetaminophen) 
• Blurry vision or flashing lights in front of your eyes 
• Leaking fluid from the vagina 
• Contractions that do not stop soon after you get off your feet and drink water. 
• Decreased fetal movement

Pregnancy FAQs

How can I tell if I’m pregnant?

• Classic signs and symptoms of pregnancy include a missed period, tender or swollen breasts, frequent urination, nausea with or without vomiting, and fatigue. You can also take a pregnancy test if you have a feeling you may be pregnant.

When should I take a pregnancy test?

• For a more accurate result, wait until you’ve missed a period to take a pregnancy test. If you don’t know when your next period is due, take the test at least 21 days after you last had unprotected sex.

If I find out I’m pregnant, when should I see a doctor?

• We recommend making an appointment for your first prenatal visit about seven weeks after the last menstrual period.

What prenatal vitamins should I take?

• Most brands of prenatal vitamins contain the recommended amounts of folic acid and iron. If you have specific questions about the prenatal you’ve chosen, just ask your provider.

What is a birth plan?

• A birth plan is a written document of what you would like to happen when you are giving birth. This outline of your preferences during your labor and delivery can include who you want with you during labor, if you want pain medication, and anything else that will make you comfortable at that time.

To learn more, please visit our pregnancy resources page.

Why Choose CT Coastal OB/GYN

Pregnancy is a time of excitement, change, and countless decisions, starting with who you trust to guide you through it. At CT Coastal OB/GYN, we believe exceptional care starts with connection. Our experienced physicians, certified nurse midwives, and compassionate support staff work together to provide personalized care that meets your medical, emotional, and lifestyle needs.

• Collaborative approach: Our physicians and midwives partner closely with you to create a birth plan that reflects your preferences while ensuring the highest level of safety.
• Advanced technology in a comfortable setting: We combine modern diagnostic tools and ultrasounds with a calm, supportive environment that helps you feel at ease.
• Access to trusted hospital partners: We deliver at Yale New Haven Hospital with a state-of-the-art maternity unit, giving you the reassurance of exceptional care close to home.
• Focus on education and empowerment: Every appointment is an opportunity to help you understand your body, your baby, and your options so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Whether this is your first pregnancy or your fourth, you can count on our team to provide compassionate, evidence-based care every step of the way. At CT Coastal OB/GYN, we’re honored to be part of your pregnancy journey.