Prenatal Care Specialist
Parisa Pourzand, M.D.
OB/GYN located in Glendale, CA, Burbank, CA, & Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA
Prenatal care is essential for a healthy pregnancy and birth. For many women in and around Glendale, Burbank, and Beverly Hills, California, Dr. Parisa Pourzand provides guidance and care from pre-conception through childbirth and beyond. If you’re looking for an OB/GYN who is personable, skilled, and takes the time to get to know you as an individual, book a visit at Parisa Pourzand, M.D. Inc. and learn more about her services. Online scheduling is available, or set up your appointment over the phone.
Prenatal Care Q & A
What is prenatal care?
Prenatal care includes all medical services aimed at ensuring healthy pregnancy and birth. You should begin seeing Dr. Pourzand as soon as you find out you’re expecting, and continue coming in for regular prenatal appointments throughout your pregnancy.
What are the benefits of prenatal care?
Prenatal care offers numerous benefits. Research shows that regular prenatal care reduces the risk of pregnancy complications for both mother and child.
Pregnancy places significant strain on your body. Dr. Pourzand monitors your condition throughout your pregnancy and addresses issues as they arise. Early intervention and skilled care can keep many conditions from developing into more serious health issues.
One of the less tangible, but equally as important benefits of prenatal care is having access to a trusted medical advisor when questions or concerns arise. That’s especially comforting if this is your first pregnancy, or if you have a high-risk pregnancy.
How can I stay healthy during my pregnancy?
There are many different things you can do to stay healthy throughout your pregnancy, including:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a varied diet low in processed foods
- Stay active
- Avoid smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
- Take high-quality prenatal vitamins
In addition to these basic tips, Dr. Pourzand gives you advice tailored to your specific medical needs.
What will happen during my first prenatal visit?
Your first prenatal visit will be a longer appointment, as Dr. Pourzand needs to gather a lot of information about your health and the development of your baby. You’ll share your full health history and current medical conditions, including any prescriptions.
Dr. Pourzand creates your prenatal care record, including your weight, height, and blood pressure. Blood tests determine your blood type and your Rh factor. Additional testing checks for genetic abnormalities and other health issues.
A pelvic exam is also part of your initial visit. Ultrasound testing offers additional insight into your baby’s health, and also helps Dr. Pourzand estimate your due date.
What happens during later prenatal visits?
As your pregnancy progresses, your prenatal visits will focus on checking your baby’s ongoing development to make sure everything is progressing smoothly. Dr. Pourzand can tell how things are coming along by measuring your stomach, weight gain, and fetal positioning.
If you develop preeclampsia, gestational hypertension or diabetes, or any other pregnancy issues, your later prenatal visits will focus on managing those conditions.
Call Dr. Pourzand as soon as you learn you’re pregnant to schedule your initial prenatal visit.