Pregnancy: who to consult and when?

Are you pregnant but don't know who to consult? You've come to the right place! Once the pregnancy announcement has been made, you need a top-notch team to support you for 9 months, and even after childbirth.

General practitioner, gynecologist, midwife, pediatrician, physiotherapist… it's not always easy to know who to consult and when. We'll help you see things more clearly at each stage of pregnancy!

Reminder: Before going any further, have you remembered to declare your pregnancy ? This can be done in paper format or online.

The team you need throughout your pregnancy

Medical monitoring is provided throughout your pregnancy by a designated professional . This may be a general practitioner , a gynecologist , or a midwife at the hospital or in private practice.

Make sure you understand the difference between a medical gynecologist who provides routine care (like a general practitioner) and an obstetrician-gynecologist who is a specialist in pregnancy and childbirth.

The person you choose to follow your pregnancy is responsible for coordinating your care for nine months, and even afterward. How do you make the right choice? Turn to a professional you trust, with whom you feel comfortable, and to whom you aren't afraid to ask questions. If it's a midwife, no problem! They will refer you to a specialist if needed.

This leading healthcare professional will handle all seven mandatory prenatal appointments . He or she will remind you when to schedule your ultrasounds, blood tests, or other necessary examinations.

Essential appointments during the first trimester of pregnancy

The first consultation with a doctor

It's often the very first appointment after the positive test. And no, it's not just to say "congratulations" (although that's always nice).

During this consultation, the doctor will first make sure that your environment is okay for a peaceful pregnancy : living conditions, work, daily rhythm… nothing intrusive, just a global view to better support you.

It's also at this time that vitamin B9, also known as folic acid , is usually prescribed . Essential from the very beginning of pregnancy, as it plays a key role in preventing developmental abnormalities in the unborn baby's nervous system. A discreet but crucial game changer .

We also discuss lifestyle: alcohol, tobacco, and any potential addictions. There's absolutely no judgment here. The goal is truly to tailor the care to provide the best possible conditions for your baby… and for you.

Regarding examinations, the doctor will take your blood pressure and weight, and may suggest a Pap smear if your tests are not up to date . A complete blood test is prescribed to screen for certain infectious diseases (toxoplasmosis, rubella, HIV, etc.), as well as a urine test to check for any undetected urinary tract infections (this happens more often than you might think).

Finally, we explain the screening for Down syndrome. It is not mandatory, but if you wish to do it, the healthcare professional will explain the process, the different options and answer all your questions.

Prenatal preventive check-up

Less well-known, but nonetheless invaluable: the prenatal check-up . It's carried out by a midwife , either in private practice or at a maternal and child health center (PMI) , and can take place as soon as the pregnancy is declared. And the good news is: it's fully covered by health insurance.

This meeting is designed as a genuine opportunity for discussion. We talk about nutrition, physical activity, vaccinations (rubella, pertussis…), oral health monitoring, alcohol or tobacco consumption… always with a focus on prevention and support , never on making people feel guilty.

It's also a space to ask all your questions. Yes, even the ones that seem "silly" (spoiler alert: they're not). That's what the midwife is there for.

A quick reminder: remember to book your early prenatal appointment. It's recommended in the second trimester , but it's better to schedule it earlier.

The first ultrasound

The moment will be filled with emotion. The first ultrasound takes place between 11 and 13 weeks of amenorrhea.

First, it allows us to check if the pregnancy is single or twin (sometimes a surprise). We also ensure the viability of the fetus or fetuses, we listen to that little heartbeat, and we can tell you that there is often a tear that escapes at that moment.

This ultrasound also serves to precisely date the pregnancy and determine the due date . A key step for the rest of the medical monitoring… and to start to plan ahead, little by little.

Who should I consult during the second trimester of pregnancy?

Key events of the second quarter

One of the highlights of this trimester is the second ultrasound , also called the morphology scan . It allows the doctor to check the fetus's growth , analyze its morphology , and ensure that everything is developing harmoniously. It is also at this time that the baby's sex can be determined… provided it is in the correct position (and cooperative).

From the fourth month of pregnancy, you are also entitled to a free dental check-up . Yes, your teeth deserve some love during pregnancy too. Hormonal changes can weaken gums, so prevention is better than cure.

As for tests, regular blood tests are carried out to monitor red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Nothing very glamorous, but it's important to detect any deficiencies or abnormalities.

And of course, your monthly appointment with your designated healthcare professional continues. This is an opportunity to take stock, ask questions, talk about your rapidly changing body, and make sure everything is going well for you and your baby.

Early prenatal interview

This is a crucial appointment, yet it's still too often overlooked. The early prenatal interview takes place with a midwife, doctor, or gynecologist, ideally starting from the fourth month of pregnancy. It is mandatory and fully covered by health insurance.

The goal? To gently prepare for childbirth , discuss your birth plan, talk about your expectations, your needs, and any fears you may have. You can go alone or as a couple.

This is also a time to reflect on the second half of your pregnancy : do you need specific support? More intensive monitoring? Do you want to talk about it more? Anything can be discussed. This consultation is designed to lay the groundwork for personalized support.

Third quarter: the final stretch!

Key consultations for the third quarter

A third ultrasound is performed to check several essential elements: the location of the placenta , the position of your baby in the uterus , and its growth in preparation for delivery.

A new blood test is also prescribed to reassess your overall health status.

Also, don't forget the pre-anesthetic consultation . It's mandatory, even if you plan to give birth without an epidural. The goal is to anticipate all possible situations and ensure your safety on the big day.

Monthly appointments with your designated professional continue, with follow-up increasingly focused on preparing for childbirth.

Childbirth preparation sessions

These sessions are designed to help you truly understand what lies ahead. They allow you to:

• to understand the course of pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period;

• working on breathing and body, useful during pregnancy and on the day of delivery;

• learn relaxation exercises and postures to relieve certain ailments (edema, back, pelvis...);

• to know the role of each member of the medical team;

• learn the first aid to give your baby;

• Prepare calmly for your return home.
  

Sessions can be individual or group sessions, and some are open to the partner. Good news: they are 100% covered by Health Insurance .

Who should I consult after giving birth?

To take care of yourself

1. A postnatal consultation takes place between 6 and 8 weeks after delivery, with a midwife or doctor. It allows for a complete examination and, if necessary, the prescription of perineal rehabilitation.

2. Perineal rehabilitation can begin from the 8th week postpartum. It is carried out by a physiotherapist or midwife, sometimes with exercises, sometimes with accessories such as Kegel balls , or a combination of both.

3. An early postnatal interview , which is mandatory, is also offered between the 4th and 8th week after delivery. Its objectives are to detect the first signs of postpartum depression, identify risk factors, and assess your needs and those of your partner in terms of support.

4. A second interview may be offered between the 10th and 14th week after delivery, particularly for women who have given birth for the first time or for those in whom signs of fragility have been detected.

And of course, if you feel the need, never hesitate to seek help from other professionals: childcare worker, psychologist, sexologist … Asking for help is taking care of yourself.

To take care of your baby

In the days following your return home, you are entitled to two reimbursed appointments with a midwife , often at your home. These consultations allow her to check that everything is going well for the baby, and for you as well.

Initial care is of course provided at the maternity ward, but follow-up continues with several mandatory appointments:

• before 8 days; before the end of the second week;

• before the end of the first month;

• then at 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 11 and 12 months;

• then regularly until he is 2 years old, then once a year.
  

These consultations can be carried out by a general practitioner or a pediatrician.

We hope you now have a clearer understanding of the key appointments during your pregnancy. The most important thing is to choose a highly qualified healthcare professional to whom you can ask all your questions. He or she will be your guiding light and support you every step of the way.