Do I Need Prenatal Counseling if I've Given Birth Before?

The joy of expecting a baby brings a flurry of excitement, coupled with an array of questions. If you've given birth before, you might assume that you've already mastered the ropes of pregnancy. 

But at the Center for Women's Health, in Wichita, Kansas, we can't stress enough the significance of prenatal counseling, whether it's your first pregnancy or your fifth. Here’s what board-certified OB/GYN Sharon Breit, MD, and our team want you to know.

A fresh perspective for every pregnancy

No two pregnancies are the same. Each carries its unique set of joys, challenges, and experiences. What worked during one pregnancy may not necessarily work for another. This is one of the reasons prenatal counseling is so vital.

Prenatal counseling provides you with a comprehensive understanding of what to expect throughout your pregnancy, ensuring you're better prepared physically, emotionally, and mentally for the journey. 

Even if you've given birth before, each pregnancy presents new questions, potential concerns, or changes in health conditions that might warrant attention.

Why we advocate for prenatal counseling

Here at the Center for Women's Health, our goal is to provide you with comprehensive care and guidance throughout your journey. This includes a strong emphasis on prenatal counseling for all pregnancies, not just first-time pregnancies.

Medical evaluation

Each pregnancy can bring changes to your health status. Therefore, routine checkups, tests, and screenings are vital to monitor and assess the health of both mother and baby throughout the pregnancy. 

Your age, weight, chronic conditions, and health history can significantly influence the course of your pregnancy.

Emotional support

The emotional roller coaster of pregnancy can be overwhelming. It's not uncommon for mothers, even experienced ones, to suffer prenatal anxiety or depression. Prenatal counseling can provide emotional support and help you manage these feelings effectively.

Tailored guidance

Whether you're dealing with a challenging teen at home, have changed jobs, or are grappling with a global pandemic, you can rest assured that we understand that every pregnancy happens in a unique context. 

Our prenatal counseling sessions are designed to provide you with tailored guidance and advice that take into account your specific circumstances.

How prenatal counseling benefits you and your baby

Prenatal counseling is designed to ensure that you and your baby enjoy the best health outcomes. The sessions equip you with knowledge and strategies to take care of yourself and your baby during the pregnancy, prepare for the birth, and manage the postnatal period.

Not only does prenatal counseling increase the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy and birth, but it also reduces the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal complications. It helps in the early detection of any potential health issues, too, allowing for timely intervention and management.

Navigating the journey of motherhood, whether it's your first time or not, is both a beautiful and challenging experience. At the Center for Women's Health, we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized care for all mothers. 

We firmly believe in the power of prenatal counseling to equip mothers with the knowledge and skills they need for each pregnancy.

For a prenatal consultation, call our Wichita, Kansas, office at 316-202-1690, or request an appointment using our online scheduling form. Embark on this journey with the assurance that with prenatal counseling, you're doing the very best for both you and your little one.

Telehealth appointments are available. Please call our clinic to determine if your visit is eligible for a telemedicine appointment.