Routine medical check-ups and tests during pregnancy
Ultrasounds, analyzes, gynecological examinations, … discover the basic schedule of medical tests for pregnant women.
From the moment the fertilized egg implants in the uterus, it begins to increase in size, the cervix softens, the placenta and cord are formed, and the secretion of specific hormones begins. The first clinical manifestation in women is the absence of the rule. From that moment on, the pregnancy test will be positive.
The duration of a pregnancy is 40 weeks or 10 lunar months or nine months plus a calendar week or 280 days from the first day of the last menstrual period. Another way to calculate the probable date of delivery is to add 7 days and subtract 3 months from the date of the last menstrual period.
Therefore, if the delivery occurs at this time, it will be considered a “term delivery”. If you do it earlier, it is called “preterm delivery” and if you do it after that date it is called “postmature delivery.”
Index
GYNECOLOGICAL CHECK-UPS OF THE PREGNANT WOMAN
The first gynecological examination can be carried out once the pregnancy test turns out to be positive .
IN A NORMAL PREGNANCY, 3 ULTRASOUNDS ARE PERFORMED
– 3 ultrasounds , performed at weeks 11, 20 and between weeks 32 and 34.
– Gynecological examinations every 4 or 5 weeks .
– Determination of the group and HR, of the alpha-fetoprotein in blood and the O’Sullivan test.
– Fetal monitoring.
– Blood and urine tests
Below we offer more details about these general tests that must be taken into account during pregnancy.
BLOOD GROUP CAN AFFECT PREGNANCY
The different blood types are distinguished from each other because they belong to one of the four main blood groups: A, B, AB, O. In addition, they can be differentiated by the ipso Rh. This is a blood factor, an antigenic system, that coats the red blood cells. Some people have Rh + and others Rh-. It is indifferent to have one or the other.
The setback arises when a woman with Rh- and a man with Rh + want to be parents. If the first child is born with a different Rh than the mother, the latter should be given a substance that generates antibodies that favor future pregnancies with normal development.
ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN DOSAGE
Alpha-fetoprotein is a substance produced by the fetus, and its presence in its blood, in the pregnant woman and in the amniotic fluid increases until week 32, at which time it begins to descend.
Abnormally high levels may indicate defects in the neural tube . The alpha-fetoprotein test is done using a simple blood test, but it can also be done with amniotic fluid (between weeks 14 and 18).
FETAL MONITORING
Also called a cardiotocographic study, it consists of placing two microphones on the abdomen of the pregnant woman , secured with adjustable belts. The two sensors can also be placed inside the uterus: this system is more aggressive and although it is more reliable, the external option is usually preferred.
With this test, the fetal heart rate and uterine activity are recorded. This control can be carried out during childbirth to find out whether or not there is fetal distress.
OBSTETRIC ULTRASOUND
An abdominal or transvaginal probe is used to see the baby. In a normal pregnancy, 3 ultrasounds are usually prescribed: at the beginning (between weeks 8 and 12, to check the approximate date of delivery, if the pregnancy is progressing and if the fetus is developing correctly), in the middle (at week 20 , allows to discover in time possible formation defects that may be possible to correct) and towards the end of pregnancy (between weeks 32 and 34, to confirm the previous one. Fetal weight, the degree of placental maturation and the amount of fluid are assessed amniotic).
Ultrasound has become a routine examination during the gestational period, since thanks to it, a lot of information can be obtained about the regular development and the state of fetal health. Science has evolved so much that there is already a four-dimensional ultrasound , which shows the fetus as if we were seeing it through a video camera.
Dr. Tabriella Perivolaris, Sara's mother and fan of fashion, beauty, motherhood, among others, about the female universe. Since 2018 she has been working as a copywriter, always bringing to her articles a little of her experience and experience as a mother and woman.