Normal pregnency follow up

WHAT TO EXPECT FOR A NORMAL PREGNANCY FOLLOW-UP?

If you expect to become pregnant in the near future, it would be a good idea to consult your obstetrician/gynecologist. Your medical history will help your physician give you both general and specific advice.

Get into the habit of noting the date on which your period starts, as well as the date of your pregnancy test. At your first visit, your family and personal history will be reviewed, including any previous pregnancies. Details of your lifestyle, diet, the type of work you do, medication you are taking and any other information will help your doctor get to know you better and to advise you.

After the interview and a physical and gynecological examination, your doctor will usually be able to tell you the expected date of delivery of your child, and may already be able to explore certain subjects with you based on your questions, concerns and your specific needs. Screening for prenatal abnormalities is part of the discussion. Basic blood tests will be prescribed, and others may be necessary depending on your particular case. Screening for gestational diabetes will normally be done around week 26 and other tests may also be performed between weeks 28 and 32. A screening ultrasound is usually done between weeks 18 and 20. This helps to verify gestational age, locate the precise position of the placenta, and review the anatomy of the fetus for any detectable abnormalities. Subsequent visits will generally take place every four weeks up to week 32, then every two weeks to week 36, continuing until delivery. Your blood pressure, weight, abdominal measurements will be taken and the baby's heartbeat will be checked.

Use these visits to ask your doctor questions about subjects that concern you and any symptoms that you may have. Around week 36, your doctor will generally take a vaginal culture for betahemolytic streptococcus and will also give you a vaginal examination to be more certain of the position of the baby's head. If you go longer than the expected delivery date (which is not uncommon), your doctor will advise you about taking certain tests to check on your baby's health and possibly induce labour and delivery. It has been shown that regular follow-up helps reduce complications in both mother and child.

Have a safe pregnancy!