Questions
How Many Weeks Pregnant Should You Get a Midwife?
You can start seeing a midwife as soon as you find out you're pregnant, ideally by 8–10 weeks. Early care ensures you get the right prenatal tests and support from the start. If you're further along, it's often not too late to switch.
When should you call your midwife?
Knowing when to call your midwife can feel confusing, especially if you're not sure what's normal. Here's a clear checklist to help you decide. If you're ever unsure, call—that's what we're here for.
- Contractions follow the 4-1-1 rule: Contractions are 4 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute each, for at least 1 hour. This is a common sign that labor is underway, and you should call your midwife.
- Your water breaks: If you feel a gush or a steady trickle of fluid, call us right away. We'll help you determine next steps, especially if you're not yet 37 weeks.
- You notice bleeding: Any bright red bleeding, especially with pain, warrants an immediate call. Light spotting can be normal, but we'll help you tell the difference.
- You have a severe headache or vision changes: These can be signs of preeclampsia, a serious condition. Call us immediately if you experience these symptoms.
- Your baby moves less: If you notice a decrease in your baby's movements, don't wait. We'll guide you on what to do next.
- You have signs of preterm labor: Contractions before 37 weeks, pelvic pressure, or a change in discharge are all reasons to call us right away.
Remember, you don't need to be in active labor to call. It's always better to check in than to worry. We're available by phone during office hours, and after hours by appointment.
How often should you visit your midwife during pregnancy?
Your prenatal visit schedule is designed to keep you and your baby healthy at every stage. Here's what a typical schedule looks like, though it may vary based on your health and needs.
| Stage of Pregnancy | Visit Frequency | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| First trimester (weeks 4–28) | Every 4 weeks | Confirm pregnancy, blood work, first ultrasound, discuss symptoms. |
| Second trimester (weeks 28–36) | Every 2–4 weeks | Check baby's growth, monitor blood pressure, glucose screening. |
| Third trimester (weeks 36–40) | Weekly | Check baby's position, discuss birth plan, prepare for labor. |
| After your due date (if needed) | Every 2–3 days | Monitor baby's well-being, discuss induction options if necessary. |
We see midwives more regularly in the third trimester to catch any issues early and make sure you're ready for birth. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you may need more frequent visits, and we'll work with your care team to coordinate.
What does a midwife do during pregnancy and birth?
Midwives offer comprehensive care that goes beyond just catching your baby. We're trained to support you physically, emotionally, and educationally throughout your entire journey. Here's a breakdown of what we do.
| Care Area | What a Midwife Does | How It Helps You |
|---|---|---|
| Prenatal care | Regular checkups, monitoring baby's growth, ordering tests, providing nutrition and exercise guidance. | Catches potential issues early, keeps you informed, and builds a trusting relationship. |
| Labor support | Continuous presence, pain management techniques (like waterbirth), position changes, emotional encouragement. | Reduces the need for interventions, helps you feel safe and empowered. |
| Birth | Deliver your baby in a hospital, birth center, or at home, depending on your plan. | Provides a personalized birth experience that respects your choices. |
| Postpartum care | Checks your recovery, supports breastfeeding, monitors your emotional well-being, and cares for your newborn. | Helps you heal and adjust to life with a new baby, reducing the risk of complications. |
| Wellness care | Annual exams, Pap smears, birth control, and menopause management. | Keeps you healthy for life, not just during pregnancy. |
Midwifery care is associated with excellent outcomes, including lower rates of cesarean sections and higher satisfaction. Our team, led by a board-certified nurse midwife with over 23 years of experience, is here to support you every step of the way.
Can you switch to a midwife later in pregnancy?
If you're already seeing an OB-GYN but are curious about midwifery care, you might wonder if it's too late to switch. The answer is: often, it's not. We regularly welcome women who transfer care in their second or even third trimester.
A good fit if…
- You want a more personalized, low-intervention approach to birth.
- You're looking for continuous support during labor, not just at the end.
- You're interested in options like waterbirth or natural birth classes.
- You want a provider who spends more time with you during appointments.
Consider another option if…
- You have a high-risk pregnancy that requires the constant availability of a physician.
- You're planning a scheduled cesarean section.
- You have a medical condition that needs specialized monitoring.
How late is too late? It depends on your health and the practice. We can often accept transfers up to 36 weeks, but it's best to call early so we can review your records and ensure a smooth transition. If you're considering a switch, don't wait—reach out to us at 877-537-3240 to discuss your options.
Directions to our midwife near me from Gardens of the World
Start at Gardens of the World and head to The Midwife and More at 5115 Clareton Drive, suite #100, Agoura Hills, CA 91301.
How many weeks pregnant should you get a midwife?
The short answer: as soon as you know you're pregnant, ideally by 8–10 weeks. Early care is important for your health and your baby's development. Here's how to get started.
- Take a test and confirm: As soon as you get a positive result, call us. We'll schedule your first appointment, usually around 8–10 weeks.
- Gather your health history: Bring any records of past pregnancies, medical conditions, or medications you're taking. This helps us personalize your care.
- Attend your first visit: We'll confirm your due date, run initial blood work, and discuss your health and lifestyle. This is also a great time to ask questions.
- Schedule your next visits: You'll typically see us every 4 weeks until 28 weeks, then more often as you get closer to your due date.
- Build your birth team: If you're considering a birth center or home birth, we'll help you plan. If you're planning a hospital birth, we can coordinate with the hospital.
If you're already past 10 weeks, don't worry—it's never too late to start receiving quality midwifery care. We've supported families in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, and across the Conejo Valley for years. Contact us today to schedule your first appointment.
I'm pregnant — now what? First steps for getting midwifery care
Finding out you're pregnant is exciting and maybe a little overwhelming. Here's a simple first-steps checklist to get you on the right track.
- Schedule your first appointment: Call us at 877-537-3240 or book online. We'll see you as early as 8 weeks.
- Start taking prenatal vitamins: If you haven't already, begin a daily prenatal vitamin with folic acid. We can recommend one at your visit.
- Make healthy choices: Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and limit caffeine. Eat a balanced diet and stay active with your provider's guidance.
- Learn about your options: Research birth settings (hospital, birth center, home) and pain management. We offer natural birth classes in-person and online to help you prepare.
- Ask questions: Write down any concerns—medications, travel, exercise, sex—and bring them to your first visit. No question is too small.
We're here to support you from the first positive test to postpartum and beyond. Our clinic in Agoura Hills serves families from Calabasas to Fillmore, and we're happy to answer any questions you have.
What to expect at your midwife appointments: wait times and visit length
One of the best parts of midwifery care is that we don't rush you. While wait times can vary depending on the day, we strive to see you on time. Our appointments typically last 30–45 minutes, much longer than a standard OB visit. This gives us time to really listen, answer all your questions, and build a relationship with you.
You'll never feel like just a number. We take the time to understand your health history, your birth preferences, and any concerns you have. Whether you're coming for a prenatal checkup or a well-woman exam, you can expect a thorough, unhurried visit.
We're located at 5115 Clareton Drive, suite #100, in Agoura Hills, with easy access from the 101 freeway. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, and we offer after-hours appointments by request. If you're running late or need to reschedule, just give us a call at 877-537-3240.
For details on services and visits, see the main page about midwife near me.
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Frequently asked questions
How many weeks do you wait after giving birth?
After giving birth, you'll typically have a postpartum checkup with your midwife at 2 weeks and again at 6 weeks. These visits help ensure you're healing well, address any concerns, and support your emotional health. We also offer ongoing care for breastfeeding and newborn needs.
What week do you get a midwife?
You can start seeing a midwife as soon as you get a positive pregnancy test, but most practices schedule the first appointment between 8 and 10 weeks. This timing allows for an accurate due date and early screening tests. If you're further along, it's often still possible to begin care.
I'm pregnant! Now what should I do?
First, congratulations! Next, schedule an appointment with a midwife or healthcare provider. Begin taking prenatal vitamins, and make a list of any questions or concerns. We're here to guide you through every step, so don't hesitate to reach out.
What is the 4-1-1 rule in labor?
The 4-1-1 rule is a common guideline for when to call your midwife: contractions every 4 minutes, lasting at least 1 minute, for 1 hour. This pattern often indicates active labor. However, if you're unsure or have other symptoms, always call us.
Do they shave pubic hair during labor?
No, midwives do not shave pubic hair during labor. Shaving is not recommended because it can increase the risk of infection. You can groom as you prefer before birth, but it's not required. We focus on keeping you comfortable and safe. For more, see our article on shaving during labor.
Also asked as
- When should I start seeing a midwife?
- What week do you get a midwife?
- How late can you switch to a midwife?