Medical Care and Prenatal Visits

January 13th, 2024 | Pregnancy

Balancing Medical Care While Pregnant

Pregnancy is a magical period filled with excitement and anticipation. It’s also a time when you need to be extra careful about your health and the health of your unborn one. Therefore, going on prenatal visits is one of the most important things you should do during this period. Regular medical examinations and tests during pregnancy are part of the mandatory care. They ensure you and your baby are healthy and prepare you for birth.

To clarify things, we’re here today to share some insightful info about what happens to your body and your baby during pregnancy.

What is prenatal health care during pregnancy?

The prenatal period is the time from conception to the birth of a baby. Prenatal care is key to providing medical support for you and your little one. As soon as you find out that you are pregnant, you must visit your doctor even if you feel completely fine. You shouldn’t be afraid to talk with your doctor about everything you feel, what you’re afraid of, and what bothers you.

Trimesters

Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters: first, second, and third.

First trimester (4th – 13th week)
At the beginning of pregnancy, a doctor’s examination is performed, when a detailed history is taken from the pregnant woman, her previous illnesses, and received vaccines. Usually, if everything is fine, you’ll have to do laboratory analyses once a month.
Second trimester (14th – 27th week)
Due to the baby’s formation course, your doctor will perform an ultrasound screening. In addition to monitoring the growth of the fetus, it also makes a detailed analysis of the anatomy of the fetus and its organs, as well as excluding congenital anomalies of the fetus.
Third trimester (28th – 40th week)
This is the final pregnancy period and begins with an ultrasound examination. In the last three months, the fetus develops structurally and functionally, the organs mature, and the baby takes its final shape.

How often should you do prenatal visits?

Although pregnancy is managed according to trimesters, prenatal appointments are performed according to the following schedule:

1 monthly visit – from the 4th to the 28th week;
1 visit every two weeks – from the 28th to the 36th week;
1 weekly visit – from the 36th to the 40th week, that is, until the very end of pregnancy.

If you have complications during pregnancy or if you’re pregnant with twins, you’ll have to do checkups more often.

What happens if a pregnant woman doesn’t get prenatal care?

Mothers who don’t get appropriate care give birth to babies that are three times more likely to have a low birth weight. With prenatal visits, you can prevent birth injuries and ensure a more seamless birthing experience.

What to expect for your first prenatal appointment

Pregnancy confirmation
General health and physical exam
Check your blood, blood pressure, and urine
Your due date
Checking your medical history

Although pregnancy is a magical time full of unknown information, the needs of the mother and baby are well known. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to go on your prenatal visits regularly and take enough vitamins and nutrients. For that reason, we kindly recommend our natural, drug-free Preggie Line products, which we are sure will provide you with the support you need. For more resourceful info, don’t forget to read through the rest of our blogs!