WOMEN’S BODIES: ROUTINE CHECKUPS
The purpose of regular checkups during pregnancy is to make sure that everything’s progressing normally. These via also provide a good opportunity for you
and your doctor or midwife to get to know each other better, and for you to ask the questions you’ve thought of since last visit.
Routine checkups in an uncomplicated pregnancy are usually done every 4-6 weeks until 28 weeks, then every 2-3 weeks until 36 weeks, and then every week until the baby is born. If there are problems, checkups will be more frequent. If anything worrying happens between appointments, don’t wait: contact your doctor or hospital straight away.
During a routine checkup, you’ll be asked how things have been going since your last visit. Your blood pressure and weight will be measured, and a urine sample tested. Your abdomen will be examined to check the size of your uterus and, after around 26-8 weeks, the position and heartbeat of the foetus.
If any problems are suspected from these quick and simple checks, other tests may be needed for more accurate diagnosis. Early treatment of many problems may prevent more serious complications. These problems include:
• high blood pressure (pregnancy-induced hypertension). This rarely develops before 28 weeks and is most common after 34 weeks and in first pregnancies. If hypertension isn’t controlled, it can lead to eclampsia or antepartum haemorrhage
• uterus larger than expected. This finding prompts ultrasound examination to find the cause, which is most commonly that the pregnancy is more advanced than the dates suggest; occasionally multiple pregnancy
• uterus small for dates. This suggests that the foetus isn’t growing at the normal rate. Ultrasound is used to find out why
• unusual position of the foetus. It is important to know if the foetus isn’t in the usual head-down position when delivery is close. Fortunately, many foetuses in breech or transverse positions turn to head down before labour commences.
If any problems arise during pregnancy, you and your partner will be given every opportunity to discuss possible causes and consequences, and the available treatment options.
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