Pregnancy is a difficult phase for an expectant mother. It’s like nurturing two lives. a combination of healthy eating and comprehensive prenatal care program can ensure the birth of a healthy baby. Prenatal care also comprising of periodical pregnancy checkups, would help the doctor track baby’s development at regular intervals. With proper tracking of mother and child’s health, any problems countered can be dealt with at the right time.
As the prenatal care would extend over the period of nine months, it is advised that you choose a doctor whom comforts you and listens patiently. It is very important to feel comfortable with your caregiver to ensure openness and avoid complications. Seeking advice and getting referrals from your friends and family can be a safe bet. Once all has been decided and done, four basic things should be noted for scheduled pregnancy checkups to ensure you are well prepared for the delivery. Read on and be aware.
1. First Visit
The moment you suspect you are pregnant, fix an appointment with the doctor. Be informed that your first visit will most likely be the longest, as the physician will make a note of your and the baby’s father’s entire medical history. This may include menstrual history, previous pregnancies, if any, and hereditary disorders. Do not hesitate to keep your doctor informed about any habits that you may have such as consuming alcohol, drug addiction, or smoking as they can be dangerous for your baby. Stay normal and worry free as any form of tension will also affect your baby.
2. Tests during pregnancy
Now when your pregnancy reports are positive, your doctor will thoroughly examine you, various lab tests will be conducted and the approximate due date will be determined. Your doctor will also maintain a chart to keep a track of your weight and in most cases; you will be prescribed a prenatal vitamin. Be prepared for some exercise advice along with a strict diet schedule.
3. Periodical checkups
How often you will visit the doctor depends on individual condition. A normal pregnancy consists of three trimesters and lasts for about 40 weeks in total. In most cases, you will see the doctor once a month for first and second trimesters. Starting from the 28th week, you will be advised to visit twice a month and once you hit 36th week, to be on the safe side weekly checkups will be recommended. Pregnant women having complications require frequent checkups. They may include the ones over 35 years of age, those who had difficulty conceiving, have a higher risk of delivering a baby with any kind of disorder or have family history of diseases like diabetes.
4. At each checkup
Over the period of nine months, there will be many types of lab test and checkups that you will have to undergo. But few things that will remain common and become a part of your routine checkup will include urine tests to ensure that protein and sugar levels are normal. The doctor will also maintain your weight gain chart, examine your blood pressure and swelling on your feet and hands, measure the size of uterus, and most importantly keep a tab on baby’s heartbeat. Other than just paying a visit to the doctor for health checkups, take it as an opportunity to discuss or clear your doubts, if any. It is a good idea to maintain a list so that you do not forget to question anything that might be bothering you.
