A prenatal pediatrician visit is a complimentary appointment for expectant parents to meet their child’s future doctor before the baby arrives. At Spring Valley Pediatrics, we offer free prenatal consultations where you can meet your physician, tour the office, discuss your birth plan, ask questions about newborn care, and feel prepared for the first days home with your baby. We recommend scheduling this visit in your third trimester.
What to Expect when you’re Expecting: All about the Prenatal Pediatrician Visit
What even is a prenatal pediatrician visit and why should you schedule one? Here, Dr. Lily Joseph explains everything you need to know!
As the mom of a newborn, I know just how exciting (and nerve wracking!) expecting a new baby can be. What will happen in the hospital after my baby is born? What should I feed my baby? What supplies should I have at home for the baby? What about when I have a question in the middle of the night? A prenatal visit with a pediatrician is a fantastic way to get all of these questions answered before baby arrives, and to get to know the person who will care for your child and family for the next 22 years (or more)!
At Spring Valley, all of our doctors offer complimentary prenatal appointments. During these informal visits, we aim to learn more about your family and introduce you to our practice. We briefly discuss your medical and pregnancy history and discuss what to expect at the hospital–from delivery to discharge. Finally, we dive into all things newborn: feeding plans, safe sleep, well-child visit schedule, childcare, and more! While we offer both virtual and in-perspn prenatal visits, we love inviting expectant parents into our office to introduce them to our entire staff and show them our beautiful lab facilities and private newborn waiting room.
What questions should you ask?
- Do you see newborns in the hospital after birth?
- What is the visit schedule in the first year?
- What are your views on vaccines?
- How far in advance do I need to schedule appointments?
- Do you offer same-day sick appointments?
- Can you run tests in the office?
- What happens if I have an emergency after-hours?
- Are you open on weekends and holidays?
- Do you charge for phone calls?
- Do you charge for school or camp forms?
You’re not just choosing a doctor. You’re choosing the person that will examine your newborn for the first time, guide you through those early sleep-deprived weeks, and partner with you for years to come. We know the transition into parenthood is overwhelming. That’s exactly why we like to meet you before the baby arrives. Click here to request your prenatal appointment today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a prenatal pediatrician visit?
A prenatal visit is a meeting with your child’s future pediatrician before the baby is born. It is a chance to meet the doctor, ask questions about newborn care and what to expect in the first weeks, discuss feeding choices (breastfeeding vs. formula), review any health concerns from your pregnancy, and establish care before birth. At Spring Valley Pediatrics, this visit is complimentary.
Why should I schedule a prenatal visit with a pediatrician?
Having a pediatrician already established before your baby arrives means you will know exactly who to call in those first anxious days at home. Your doctor will know your birth history and any prenatal concerns, and can visit your baby in the hospital within 24 hours of delivery. It also helps you feel confident rather than scrambling to find a doctor after the baby is born.
What happens at a prenatal visit at Spring Valley Pediatrics?
You will meet your physician, tour our office, and have time to ask questions — as many as you like. Common topics include: newborn feeding and weight gain, jaundice, safe sleep, umbilical cord care, circumcision care, when to call the doctor, and vaccinations. It is also an opportunity to see if Spring Valley Pediatrics feels like the right fit for your family.
When should I schedule a prenatal visit?
We recommend scheduling your prenatal visit in your third trimester — between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. This gives you enough time to tour, ask questions, and make any decisions before the delivery date, while being close enough that it feels real and relevant.
Is there a charge for the prenatal visit?
No. Prenatal consultations at Spring Valley Pediatrics are complimentary. Call 202-966-5000 to schedule.
