What Can You Expect from Prenatal Care?

At Julia Barriga MD’s practice, your first prenatal visit is an important step in ensuring a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby. Dr. Barriga and her caring team will begin by taking a detailed medical history, asking about your menstrual cycle, previous pregnancies, chronic medical conditions, current medications, lifestyle habits such as smoking or alcohol use, and any family history of genetic or medical conditions. This comprehensive approach allows us to provide care tailored specifically to your needs.

During your visit, Dr. Barriga will conduct a thorough physical exam, including measuring your weight, checking your blood pressure, and performing a pelvic exam. This helps assess the size of your uterus and check for any abnormalities that could affect your pregnancy.

Several important tests are routinely performed at this first appointment. Dr. Barriga will order blood tests to determine your blood type and Rh factor, check for anemia, and screen for infections such as HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis. Additional bloodwork will check your immunity to diseases like rubella and varicella. You’ll also be asked to provide a urine sample to check for urinary tract infections, kidney function, and the presence of protein or sugar—early indicators of potential complications like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. Depending on your health history and risk factors, Dr. Barriga may recommend genetic screening tests to assess the risk of certain chromosomal or inherited conditions.

We believe in empowering our patients with knowledge and support. During your first visit, Dr. Barriga will discuss the importance of prenatal vitamins, offer guidance on nutrition and safe exercise, and explain what to expect in the coming months. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have and address any concerns about your pregnancy journey.

At Julia Barriga MD’s office, we are committed to providing compassionate, personalized prenatal care from your very first visit and throughout your pregnancy.

At Julia Barriga MD, we are committed to supporting you throughout your pregnancy with comprehensive prenatal care. During a healthy pregnancy, our team schedules regular check-ups to closely monitor the well-being of both you and your baby. Typically, you’ll visit our office once every four weeks during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy. From weeks 28 to 36, appointments are scheduled every two weeks, and after 36 weeks, you’ll come in once a week until delivery.

If your pregnancy is considered high-risk or if any complications arise, Dr. Barriga may recommend a more frequent or specialized visit schedule to ensure the best possible outcomes for you and your baby. These routine prenatal appointments are essential for monitoring your baby’s growth, screening for potential health concerns, and providing you with personalized advice for a healthy pregnancy.

At the medical practice of Dr. Julia Barriga, MD, we are dedicated to supporting you and your growing family through every step of your pregnancy. Our comprehensive prenatal care program includes a wide range of screenings and tests, personalized to ensure the health and well-being of both mother and baby.

From your very first visit, Dr. Barriga and her caring team will conduct routine blood tests to check your blood type, Rh factor, screen for anemia, and assess immunity to diseases like rubella. We also provide essential screenings for sexually transmitted infections (including HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and chlamydia), helping to identify and manage any conditions that could impact your pregnancy.

At each prenatal visit, we monitor your blood pressure and perform regular urine tests to detect early signs of conditions such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. Around the end of your first trimester, we offer advanced genetic screening options—including noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and combined first-trimester or quad screenings—to evaluate your baby’s risk for chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome.

Dr. Barriga’s practice features state-of-the-art ultrasound technology, typically performed between 18 and 22 weeks, to assess your baby’s anatomy, growth, and position, as well as the placenta and amniotic fluid. Additional ultrasounds may be scheduled if there are any concerns about your baby’s development or your health.

Between 24 and 28 weeks, our team conducts a glucose screening to evaluate your risk for gestational diabetes, an important step in ensuring a healthy outcome for both mother and baby. Closer to delivery, we also perform group B streptococcus (GBS) screening to protect your newborn from infection during birth.

Depending on your medical history, age, family history, and risk factors, Dr. Barriga may recommend further specialized testing, such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS), to provide you with comprehensive information about your baby’s genetic health.

At Julia Barriga, MD, PA, we understand that every pregnancy is unique. Dr. Barriga and her team tailor your prenatal care plan to fit your specific needs, offering compassionate guidance and expert care from your first visit through delivery.

Prenatal Nutrition and Wellness at Julia Barriga MD, PA

At Julia Barriga MD, PA, your health and your baby’s development are our top priorities throughout your pregnancy journey. During your prenatal visits, Dr. Barriga and our caring team will provide personalized guidance to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and make nutritious choices that support both you and your growing baby.

From your very first appointment, Dr. Barriga will recommend a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy. Our team emphasizes the importance of foods high in folic acid—such as leafy greens, beans, and fortified cereals—to help reduce the risk of certain birth defects.

We’ll also discuss ways to ensure you’re getting enough iron and calcium, which are essential for your blood health and your baby’s bone development. To help meet these needs, Dr. Barriga may recommend a daily prenatal vitamin, especially if you have dietary restrictions or experience morning sickness.

Staying well-hydrated is another key point we’ll cover—our team encourages you to drink plenty of water every day. We’ll talk about the importance of limiting caffeine and completely avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs, as these substances can negatively affect your baby’s growth. You’ll also receive advice on foods to avoid, such as unpasteurized cheeses, deli meats unless heated thoroughly, raw or undercooked seafood, and high-mercury fish like shark or swordfish, to minimize risks during pregnancy.

Physical activity is generally encouraged for our patients with uncomplicated pregnancies. Dr. Barriga may suggest moderate exercise—like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga—to boost your mood, energy, and overall pregnancy health. We’ll also discuss the importance of getting enough rest, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight gain based on your individual needs.

While Dr. Julia Barriga, MD, P.A. is a board-certified pediatrician, the clinic offers a crucial service for expecting parents: Prenatal Consults. This appointment is designed to allow parents to meet the provider before the baby arrives, ensuring a smooth transition and establishing a trusted partner for your child’s health from day one. Dr. Barriga brings over 35 years of doctor experience and has been dedicated to serving the Tampa Bay community for more than 25 years, promising “pediatric care that feels like family.”

Once your baby is born, the clinic is fully equipped to provide comprehensive Newborn Care and long-term services. Their wide range of treatments includes routine Well-Child Check Ups, pediatric vaccinations, physical examinations, and the management of chronic conditions like Asthma and ADHD. The philosophy of Dr. Barriga and her team is to integrate high-level, family-based medical care, focusing on helping you raise a healthy and happy child.

Most importantly, we encourage you to attend all your scheduled prenatal appointments and screenings at Julia Barriga MD, PA. These visits allow us to monitor your health and your baby’s development, address any concerns, and provide the support you need every step of the way. Our team is always here to answer your questions and help you enjoy a healthy, confident pregnancy. For more information, please contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 5001 East Busch Blvd Tampa, FL 33617. We serve patients from Tampa FL, Terrace FL, Thonotosassa FL, Lutz FL, Greater Carrollwood FL, Lake Magdalene FL, Westchase FL, and Town ‘N’ Country FL.