Receiving a positive on a pregnancy stick test is the scariest, most exciting moment for most women. Whether the baby was planned or not, a lot of women would go through a phase of panic. This is especially seen in first-time mothers. The next step is usually the confirmation of pregnancy as pregnancy test kits can sometimes produce false positives. If you do not have a doctor and would like to see an obstetrician in Manhattan, visit us at 67th Street OB/GYN- Total Women’s Health Care to find a location close to you and schedule an appointment today. After it is confirmed that you are pregnant, Doctor usually arrange your first official prenatal visit anywhere from 6 weeks to 11 weeks from your last menstrual period1.
At your first visit, a they may need your complete medical and family history depending on familiarity (that is, are you a new patient or already a patient). After this, your doctor would run a battery of tests to establish your current physical health and might request for blood samples from the father of the baby if available. Finally, your doctor would have a lengthy conversation with you about your lifestyle, what you should and should not eat, prenatal vitamins, possible discomforts (morning sickness) and possible due date2. Being pregnant is one of the most special and emotional times for a mother; hence having a doctor you can completely trust is key.
Prenatal Checkups during length of pregnancy
Unless your pregnancy is at the high risk, you will see your doctor once every four weeks for the first 28 weeks. During this period Dr will closely monitor you and your baby’s health to mitigate any complications that may arise. From 9-12 weeks, the doctor should be able to hear your baby’s heart beat2. You need to provide your Blood/ urine samples during visits to measure your risks of gestational diabetes, anemia and to screen for other infections that may be harmful to you and your baby3.
At 20 weeks, you should go for an ultrasound to measure growth, fluids, placental abnormalities, and image the baby’s internal organs for possible abnormalities4. At your 28 week appointment; your doctor would ask you to start paying attention to your baby’s movement during his/her active period. You should immediately inform him/her; if you notice a drastic change. During 28-36 weeks; your would ask you to come in every 2 weeks to closely monitor both you and your baby’s health. During the final 4 weeks, the baby gains a lot of weight. As such, your Doctor will ask you come in weekly until the birth of your child.
Prenatal tests throughout pregnancy
From the first trimester, your doctor would start testing for possibilities to avoid complications that may arise during your pregnancy. Below is a list of a few of the tests your doctor might request depending on your medical history.
- Rh (Rhesus) factor test- your doctor would need to monitor you; if your blood comes back negative and the child’s father it Rh positive2.
- Hemogoblin Measurement- to check for signs of anemia2.
- Anmiocentesis- can detect Down syndrome, spina bifida, cystic fibrosis3. It is usually done between weeks 14-20 during gestation.
- Biophysical Profile (BPP)- You need go under it during the third trimester. It is important to determine the overall health of the baby and whether he/she should be delivered early3.
- Nonstress test- It helps to monitor your baby’s health. Doctor ask for it 28 weeks3.
- Group B streptococcus- screen for bacteria that causes serious infections in new born babies.
- Glucose Challenge Screening- determine mother’s gestational diabetes risks.
There are dozens of tests for pregnant women during the entire duration of pregnancy to ensure the safety of both mother and child. This is why it is exceeding important to not miss a single prenatal visit; since these tests are essential for the wellbeing of you and your child.
Ultrasound examination (OB/GYN Detailed Sonograms)
An ultrasound examination is performed by radiating energy in the form of sound waves through your body and a transducer is used to turn echoes receive from your body into images5. The Doctor uses this images as pictures or video (sonograms). Though ultrasounds are safe, It is not advisable to pay independent companies to produce videos of your child during pregnancy. Ultrasound examinations are not for entertainment purpose. It is good only to determine the health of your child. You will usually be given a sonogram regardless of if you ask during your ultrasound examination at your prenatal visits.
At 67th Street OB/GYN – Total Women’s Health Care, we specialize in every stage of development in the female body. From puberty to pregnancies to menopause, we have counselors and specialized OB/GYNs in Manhattan who treat and can care for the female mind/body at every stage. Visit us today.