Prenatal Care
Prenatal Care
Prenatal care at MCA begins with your initial free consultation which generally takes about an hour. We’ll share our history and philosophy, the pros and cons of both home and hospital birth, and answer any questions you may have. Your consultation allows you to see if we are the right midwifery practice for you.
“There is a secret in our culture and it is not that birth is painful but that women are strong.”
Laura Stavoe
Before your first visit:
Complete your Mobile Midwife client portal. Please contact us with any questions or difficulties.
Early pregnancy pre-lab work and ultrasounds are available before your first official prenatal visit. Please contact us with any questions or concerns! We are a continuous resource.
Your First Prenatal Visit
Now that we’ve made the commitment to work together, you begin care with your first prenatal visit. We welcome the presence of partners, siblings and any other support persons.
Your first visit will take place between 9-12 weeks
Your first visit entails:
- Overview of your medical, social and gynecological history
- A physical examination and lab work work
The prenatal care schedule consists of monthly visits until 26-28 weeks, bi-monthly visits until 36 weeks, and weekly visits until your birth.
Women experiencing risk factors will individually schedule a visit with Capital Health’s Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and a plan of care will be developed in conjunction with Maternal Fetal Medicine. While it is up to us to coordinate your care every step of the way, the specialists at Capital Health will work with us on a recommended plan for your care that is safe and evidence-based.
Though rare, should any severe complications be beyond the scope of our practice, we’ll discuss options for transfer of care with you. We will continue to provide the information and support you need during the transition of your care.
Planning for delivery
If you are planning a home birth please visit our home birth page for more information.
If you are planning a hospital birth, please visit our hospital birth page for more information.
Documents
New Jersey Birth Certificate WorksheetPennsylvania Birth Certificate Worksheet
Parent Handbook
FAQs
What happens during my first prenatal visit?
Your first visit includes a comprehensive overview of your medical, social and gynecological history, a physical examination, and lab work. We welcome partners, siblings, and support persons to join you.
How often will I have prenatal appointments?
The prenatal care schedule consists of monthly visits until 26-28 weeks, bi-monthly visits until 36 weeks, and weekly visits until your birth.
What if I have risk factors during pregnancy?
Women experiencing risk factors will individually schedule a visit with Capital Health’s Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and a plan of care will be developed in conjunction with Maternal Fetal Medicine. We coordinate your care every step of the way.
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule a consultation to learn more about our services and how we can support your journey.