WPP TOP 10 PRENATAL VISIT QUESTIONS TO ASK AT THE PRENATAL CONSULTATION
1. When should I schedule the first appointment after my baby is born?
Upon discharge from the hospital, your Pediatrician will typically instruct you to schedule a newborn follow up appointment in our office within 24-72 hours after discharge.
2. How many times should I expect to bring my child to see the pediatrician?
We follow babies very closely for the first 2 weeks of life. Your baby will have regular check-ups at our office to monitor growth and development and administer vaccines. In general, your baby will be seen within a week after birth, then at age 2 weeks, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 2 years, and then yearly thereafter. Additional appointments are always available if your child becomes sick, or you have additional concerns.
3. How does your office handle emergencies that occur after business hours and on weekends?
If your child has a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. If you have an urgent question or concern about your child after business hours and on weekends, you may call our main number (972-608-0774)and ask to speak with our nurse triage service. You will speak with a trained pediatric nurse who will advise you regarding concerns about your child. One of the physicians from the practice is on call 24/7 and may be as contacted as necessary. There may be a charge for afterhours calls.
4. What is your immunization policy and schedule?
Our practice follows the recommended immunization schedule outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). We strongly believe in the science and safety of vaccines and require all new patients to comply with the recommended schedule. Healthychildren.org is another great resource.
5. What is the delivery or nursery routine?
If you deliver at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano or Medical City Plano one of our pediatricians will see your baby within 24 hours and daily thereafter until discharge. If you deliver at a different hospital, your baby will see the on call pediatrician and follow up with us in office in 24-72 hours after discharge.
Shortly after your baby is born your infant will have a general assessment and you will be able to enjoy immediate skin to skin bonding. Your infant will receive eye ointment to reduce the risk of infection. A Vitamin K injection is given to prevent vitamin K deficient bleeding. In addition, your infant will receive protection against Hepatitis B virus given within 24 hours of life. Your baby will also receive a heart screen, hearing screen and state newborn screen prior to discharge.
6. What resources are available for breastfeeding?
We know breastfeeding can be challenging therefore we have a lactation therapist in clinic and a trusted referral base to ensure breastfeeding success. A helpful website to check out is womenshealth.gov for more information.
7. When is the best time to enroll my child in daycare?
This is a very personal decision and will vary based upon individual circumstances. We encourage you to discuss this decision in person with your pediatrician. Some factors to consider are that children are more prone to illnesses during the first year of life. Their immune systems are maturing primarily in the first 2 years of life. In general, babies start socializing with their parents and siblings and caregivers from birth. Toddlers typically start socializing with other children around the age of 2 in the form of parallel play (playing alongside each other). 2 year olds have not mastered the concept of sharing yet! By age 3 your child will benefit from a pre-school environment or from activities where he/she can socialize with their new friends.
8. In what cases should I call or bring my child in for consultation?
We have same-day sick appointments available daily to address any unexpected illnesses or concerns. In addition, a nurse you can speak to for guidance or reassurance. A few concerning signs of when to bring your child to the pediatrician include fever (100.4F), poor feeding or irritability in infants, vomiting, lethargy, decreased urine output.
9. When can I start taking my baby to public places?
When your infant is born their immune system that helps protect against infection is in early development. Therefore, it is best to keep them isolated from large crowds to prevent any spread of illness to your child especially in the first 6-8 weeks of life and until after they have received their 2 month old vaccinations.
10. What vaccines should I receive before my child is born?
Current vaccines recommended during pregnancy are Tdap, Flu, RSV, and COVID-19. We encourage you to discuss this further with your Obstetrician prior to delivery.
Schedule your complimentary prenatal visit today with Dr. Berger, Dr. Gair, Dr. Mix, Dr. Prengler, or Dr. Reed to discuss these questions and more in further detail!