ROUTINE PRENATAL CARE

In this section, you can find information regarding routine prenatal check-ups.

Throughout the pregnancy, during each visit to your doctor, your blood pressure and weight will be measured. In the later weeks of pregnancy, NST (non-stress test) – a test that measures uterine contractions and the baby’s heart rate using probes placed on the mother’s abdomen – will also become a routine procedure.

7-9 Weeks: First Visit

During your first visit, you will be asked to provide a detailed medical history. This includes information about previous pregnancies, medications you are taking, allergies, past illnesses, and your family’s medical history. This information is crucial for your pregnancy care. Routine evaluations during this visit include blood pressure measurement, blood type, complete blood count, thyroid tests, infection screenings, urine analysis, gynecological examination, and a Pap smear test (if necessary).

An ultrasound will be performed during the first visit to observe the baby’s heartbeat and to check for any other possible conditions affecting your reproductive organs.

11-14 Weeks: First Trimester Screening

This is the period for the first trimester screening test, which assesses the risk for Down Syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities. This is a risk assessment test that indicates the likelihood of these conditions. The screening includes an ultrasound measurement of the nuchal translucency (NT) and blood tests. Factors considered in this test include the mother’s age, the NT measurement, the presence of the baby’s nasal bone, blood flow in the baby’s heart and ductus venosus, and the levels of PAPP-A and free Beta hCG in the mother’s blood.

16-18 Weeks: Evaluation of First Trimester Screening Results

During this period, the results of the first trimester screening are evaluated. If the baby’s position is favorable, the gender can also be determined.

22 Weeks: Vaginal Bacteriology and Cervical Length Measurement

This period involves screening for early delivery by checking vaginal bacteria and measuring the length of the cervix.

19-24 Weeks: Second-Level Ultrasound

Commonly known as the detailed or Doppler ultrasound, this scan lasts approximately 30 minutes and involves a thorough examination of the baby’s skeletal system and organ structures.

24-26 Weeks: Glucose Tolerance Test

This test is conducted for patients at risk of gestational diabetes, including those with a family history of diabetes, a body mass index (BMI) > 25, age over 35, a history of gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies, or a history of delivering a baby weighing over 4 kilograms. Certain hormones produced during pregnancy can increase the risk of developing diabetes. Gestational diabetes can negatively affect the pregnancy if not controlled, posing risks to both the mother and baby.

28 Weeks: General Check-Up

For Rh-negative blood group patients, a routine anti-D injection will be administered.

28-30 Weeks: Monitoring Baby’s Growth and Weight

32 Weeks: Monitoring Baby’s Growth and Weight

34-39 Weeks: Weekly Monitoring of Baby’s Growth and Weight and NST

41 Weeks: Monitoring Baby’s Growth and Weight Every 2-4 Days

This includes evaluating the baby’s movements, breathing, amniotic fluid levels, and NST.

Up to 32 weeks, prenatal visits will occur monthly, then every 2-3 weeks until the 36th week, and weekly until the 40th week.