Pregnancy should be monitored by a medical specialist. Even before getting pregnant the future mom should consult her doctor and take the recommended exams. Pre-natal exams are very important.
These tests are not only for Mom but also for Dad.
Throughout the pregnancy the pregnant woman does a series of tests to see if the pregnancy is running in a healthy way. Most exams are common to all pregnant women, in some cases the doctor may ask for some complementary exams.
How are prenatal tests done?
They should start as soon as possible and continue through the end of pregnancy. These tests make it possible to find and prevent any problems as quickly as possible.
Physical exam
Physical exams allow you to check your heart and lungs, your blood pressure, and check your weight and height.
Urinalysis
The tests are used to measure glucose levels and infections to help prevent diabetes.
Blood tests
They serve to measure hemoglobin levels, to check for anemia, to check for immunity against rubella, and for hepatitis or another disease.
Exams that pregnant women do
#1
Combined 1st trimester screening
Between the 11th and the 14th week of gestation
Ultrasonography of nuchal translucency and blood test
The combined screening of the first trimester of pregnancy consists of analyzing the results of the 2 examinations. The results, combined with maternal age, allow us to calculate the risk of the baby having genetic abnormalities – Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome), Trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome) and Trisomy 13 (Patau Syndrome). The doctor also checks for the presence of the nasal bone, the tranquency of the neck, and the heartbeat.
#2
Morphological Ultrasonography / Ultrasound
Between the 20th and the 22nd week of gestation
In this echo is measured the weight and are analyzed the organs of the baby, in most cases it is possible to know the sex of the baby.
# 3
Gestational diabetes screening
Between the 24th and 28th week of gestation
The test is known as a glycemic tolerance curve or oral glucose tolerance test. A painful examination (by the liquid being cloying) and long. The pregnant woman drinks a glass of glucose and is then submitted to blood sampling: fasted after 1 hour, after 2 hours. Allow to detect the development of gestational diabetes.
# 4
Screening of beta-hemolytic streptococcus
Between the 34th and 37th week of gestation
Known as the swab examination, a sample consists of vaginal and rectal secretion to screen for possible infection caused by the group B streptococcus bacteria. This infection can pass to the baby during birth. If it is positive, it is necessary to administer antibiotics before delivery
# 5
Ultrasonography of the third semester / Echo
Ultrasound that checks the size, weight and position of the fetus. It also evaluates the maturity of the placenta and the amount of amniotic fluid
