This article helps answer:
When should I inform my family doctor about pregnancy?
When should I undergo my first pregnancy scan?
What are the important tests during pregnancy?
Take out your diary or open the memo on your phone. It's time to finalize several important appointments that should be made during pregnancy. These will help you continue to pay attention to your own health and the development of your baby.
Ⅰ. Where do you want to undergo prenatal check ups?
You decide where to give birth to your baby - private or public hospitals, delivery centers, or at home - which will determine where you want to go for prenatal check ups.
Visits can be made at hospitals, clinics, or physician offices. It also depends on your choice, as you may see the same person or different doctors and midwives at each visit.
The most important thing is to schedule appointments and see you on time, which will help ensure that your own and your baby's health is properly managed.
Ⅱ. First appointment? Please confirm with your family doctor if you are pregnant. This check may include:
Blood test
Urine examination
Blood pressure and other general health checks
III. 6-12 week scan
At around 6-12 weeks, you should have your first ultrasound and be able to hear your baby's heartbeat. This scan will also check the baby's developmental status. Measurements taken during blood tests and ultrasound can also screen for congenital abnormalities.
For specific congenital and genetic defects, there are other detailed examinations available. At this point, it is also possible to determine the gender of the baby. If you want to learn more about available tests, please consult your doctor.
Ⅳ. Mid term inspection
From 18-20 weeks, the gender of the baby can be detected on ultrasound, so if you and your partner want to know, please ensure that both of you can be present at the appointment time.
This ultrasound is sometimes referred to as a structural scan, which will examine the baby's limbs and fetal structure, examine the position of the placenta, and evaluate amniotic fluid volume.
As expected, you will schedule monthly appointments with a doctor or midwife who will continue to monitor your overall physical and mental health.
V. Blood glucose testing from 24 to 28 weeks
3% to 8% of women will experience an increase in blood sugar levels during pregnancy. After fasting for one night, drink high glucose beverages and take blood samples before and after consumption. This is expected to take at least 2 hours at the pathology center or clinic, so please bring your phone or book to pass the time.
VI. 28 week anti-D immunoglobulin injection
Your blood type will be recorded during the first prenatal examination. If you are Rh negative but your baby is not, your body may start producing antibodies to attack your baby's blood system. Injecting anti-D immunoglobulin can prevent babies from being harmed by these antibodies. Your doctor will inform you whether you need to receive anti-D immunoglobulin injections and when to do so.
Ⅶ. Post inspection
The closer you are to your due date, your obstetrician, midwife, or clinical doctor will want you to visit more frequently. As the big day approaches day by day, your examination should now be conducted once a week.
In addition to continuously monitoring the size of your baby, this can be determined by measuring the distance from your hip bone to the top of your belly, and an overall physical and mental health check will also be conducted.
Ⅷ. Additional pregnancy testing
If you have doubts about your own or your baby's health, or if you have a family history of congenital abnormalities, please discuss with your doctor whether additional testing is necessary.