


Some prenatal tests can help prevent these problems or spot them early. Health problems that occur during pregnancy can involve the health of the mother, the baby or both. Urine test: Looks for urinary tract infections, diabetes and preeclampsia in a pregnant woman.It also may be able to determine the gender of the baby. Ultrasound exam: Utilizing high-frequency soundwaves, this imaging test can be performed during a pregnancy to look at the baby’s growth and development.Nonstress test (NST): Fetal heart rate monitoring that can assess fetal and placental wellbeing.Maternal serum screening: Detects pregnancies at high risk for chromosomal disorders or neural tube defects.Group B streptococcus culture: Tests for bacteria that can cause newborn health problems.Glucose tolerance test: Diagnosis of gestational diabetes.First trimester screening: Detects pregnancies at high risk for chromosomal disorders and other issues such as heart defects.Chorionic villus sampling: A sample of tissue from the placenta can diagnose certain birth defects including chromosomal and genetic disorders.Biophysical profile (BPP): Monitors the overall health of the baby and placenta via fetal heart rate monitoring and ultrasound.Amniocentesis: Evaluation of amniotic fluid containing fetal cells to diagnose certain birth defects such as Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis or spina bifida.The following list includes some common prenatal tests. Depending on the parents’ family histories, patients and their doctors may also make the decision to screen or test for genetic problems. The type of exam given will often depend on how far along a woman is in her pregnancy, or if the doctor detects possible health problems. Prenatal tests check on a mother’s health and baby’s development during a pregnancy. The doctor will also check the mother’s blood pressure and weight, as well as her abdomen to assess the baby’s growth. In later prenatal visits a doctor will examine the baby’s heart rate. The doctor will also ask questions about a patient’s medical history, lifestyle, diet, general health and more.
#IMPORTANT PREGNANCY DOCTOR VISITS FULL#
What to expect with a prenatal care checkupĭuring a patient’s first visit the doctor will do a full physical exam, pelvic exam, Pap smear, blood tests, urine tests and calculate the baby’s due date. Women with high-risk pregnancies may have to receive additional care and see their doctor more frequently. There are also a number of prenatal exams and tests that a doctor will recommend throughout the pregnancy. Weeks 28 to 36, every two to three weeksĭuring these visits doctors will check on the mother’s health, as well as see if the baby is developing and growing normally.Following is the typical schedule for checkups during a pregnancy: Getting early and regular prenatal care promotes a successful pregnancy.Īt a woman’s first prenatal appointment, our doctors will give her a schedule of all the visits that are necessary during pregnancy. Women who are thinking about becoming pregnant or currently are pregnant should learn about prenatal care. Prenatal (meaning before birth) care is the focus of a mother’s healthcare while she is pregnant. Our Pregnancy Info Packet What is prenatal care? The first step in prenatal care is choosing a doctor you trust to help you with your pregnancy.
