It is important for prenatal care and pregnancy to go hand in hand. As soon as you learn about your pregnancy, you will need schedule a visit to your trusted healthcare provider as soon as possible to set your very first prenatal appointment.
You will probably need to free up your schedule to allot ample time to clear your doubts and apprehensions during the initial stages of your pregnancy as well as knowing what to expect on the next few months. If possible, it would also be advisable to invite your partner to the doctor’s consultation.
During the first meeting, the doctor will be able to give you the expected delivery of the baby. This estimation of the date is also important for careful evaluation of the monthly growth of the fetus. For women with irregular menstrual cycles, doctors usually recommend ultrasound scans to derive a clearer picture with regard to the expect date of delivery. Mothers will also be asked to record the height, weight as well as the blood pressure to have a reliable assessment of the mother’s health. In some cases, PAP tests may be required to screen for cervical cancer.
On the prenatal visits, blood tests are also conducted to screen for certain diseases such as the following:
• Mumps
• Measles
• Rubella
• Syphilis
• HIV
• Kidney disorders
• Diabetes
Apart from these tests, the doctor will ask you about you lifestyle and eating habits and may ask you to make the appropriate changes to accommodate your pregnancy.
What to expect in future visits
After your first prenatal visit, you may need to see your doctor every four weeks or so until the 28th week of pregnancy, after which you will need to see each other more often. In addition to these checkups, you may also want ensure possible screening methods to ensure normal development of the baby. The important key here is to discuss these options to your doctor and seek expert advice.
A sonogram or ultrasound will also be conducted between 18 to 200 weeks. You will also be advised to take multivitamins that contains iron and folate to ensure you are getting enough nutrients in your diet. If you have questions, be sure to list it down and ask your doctor about your concerns for your next visit.
As your pregnancy progresses, you will eventually discuss your birth plan. Here are some possible issues that you may need to work out with your doctor:
• Who will she or he work with you throughout your pregnancy?
• Where will the baby be delivered?
• Who will be on call if in case your doctor will be on vacation?
• In case of emergencies, who will attend to you?
• What prenatal education does he or she recommends?
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/the-anatomy-of-prenatal-visits-682298.html
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