For those who are used to visiting their healthcare providers once a year, pregnancy presents a big change. You’re growing a human being, after all!
Walmart has partnered with Doctor on Demand to help you have the healthiest pregnancy possible. You have access to a personal online doctor who can work with you, your primary care provider and other health resources to access your unique needs and coordinate your healthcare services.
Conception to 28 weeks
For the first several months of pregnancy, you’ll visit with your provider every four weeks or so. The first prenatal visit usually happens around 8 weeks. This first visit will likely be the longest. You’ll undergo a variety of tests and measurements to confirm the pregnancy and screen for potential issues, go over your medical history, and learn your due date. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask your healthcare provider any questions you might have.
Each following appointment will likely be shorter, though there will be parts that don’t change. You’ll probably have your weight and blood pressure measured, and may provide a urine sample, at every visit. You’ll also always have the opportunity to ask your healthcare provider any questions you might have.
Other appointments might involve additional testing, but for the most part, you can expect similar visits throughout pregnancy.
The first few visits are great times to ask lots of questions. You can work with your personal online doctor to go over your questions beforehand, letting you get the most out of each prenatal visit.
28 to 36 weeks
Beginning at 28 weeks, you’ll probably start attending prenatal visits every two weeks. These visits will probably go similarly to your early visits, with your provider continuing to check your baby’s heartbeat and positioning.
Around this point, it might be a good idea to start looking into birthing classes, breast pumps, and other services and supplies you might need. You also have access to three lactation visits through Walmart’s Life with Baby program.
36 weeks on
Starting at this time, you’ll probably start visiting your healthcare provider on a weekly basis. The familiar tests and measurements will continue, and they may start checking for cervical dilation. You’ll also be tested for group B strep around 36 weeks.
It’s important to note that not every woman or healthcare provider follows this schedule. Some providers may recommend less frequent visits, especially earlier on. But depending on your risk factors, it’s possible that you may see a provider more than the regular schedule.
No matter how often you see your provider, your personal online doctor from Doctor on Demand can provide support in between appointments. They can answer questions that you might have, and help you have more effective visits with your provider.
To get started, just visit DoctorOnDemand.com/WalmartCare, or download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
