Regular doctor visits are helpful during pregnancy so you can keep track of both your health and the health of your baby. These visits catch any potential problems early on before they escalate into large issues. Each visit consists of a number of tests, measurements, and discussions aimed at different aspects of pregnancy. Here’s what happens during doctor visits while pregnant:
Weight Check
At each visit, the doctor will ask you to step on a scale to watch for weight gain. Appropriate weight gain will confirm your baby is growing correctly and will help to assess your maternal health. Weight gain that is too much or too little can indicate gestational diabetes or poor nutrition. Your provider will talk to you about healthy eating and lifestyle habits that will help you maintain a healthy weight throughout pregnancy for the benefit of you and your baby.
Blood Pressure Check
At every visit, your healthcare provider will measure your blood pressure using an arm cuff. It’s necessary to keep blood pressure healthy because it can cause complications like preeclampsia. If you have high blood pressure, you and the baby might be at risk. Further tests or interventions may be recommended if the readings are abnormal. This will be monitored regularly by the doctor to make sure that your cardiovascular health stays the same throughout pregnancy.
Urine Tests
At your appointment, you may provide a urine sample, which will be tested for protein, sugar, and infections. If you have protein in your urine, you may have preeclampsia, and if your sugar levels are high, gestational diabetes is a possibility. These tests can also find urinary tract infections (UTIs) that are common in pregnancy. By checking your urine, your provider can see how well your kidneys are working, as well as how the rest of your pregnancy is going.
Fundal Height Measurement
The doctor will measure from your pubic bone to the top of the uterus. The fundal height shows how well your baby is growing, as well as the size of your uterus. This is in centimeters and corresponds to your gestational age, giving you some indication of fetal development. If the measurement is less or more than anticipated, further tests may be necessary. Fundal height monitoring helps make sure your baby is growing normally.
Fetal Heartbeat Monitoring
At every visit, your doctor will listen to your baby’s heartbeat. This is to make sure that your baby’s heart is beating at an average rate. Should any irregularities be detected, you may need to be checked for possible complications.
Blood Tests
Blood tests are usually done during the first trimester and later as required. These tests detect anemia, your blood type, and some infections. Rh incompatibility with the baby is beneficial to know, and blood type testing must be done to determine this. If you’re Rh negative and the baby is Rh positive, you may require particular treatment. Routine blood work also helps pick up other problems, like low iron, to keep you and your baby healthy.
Protect Your Pregnancy With Regular Doctors Visits
Prenatal visits are necessary to help you and your baby have a healthy pregnancy. Your doctor can keep an eye on key health indicators with regular checkups and give you advice that is tailored to you. Visits like this help find problems early so you and your provider can handle any issues. Schedule a visit to a healthcare provider today.
