Everything You Need to Know About Prenatal Care

With the onset of pregnancy, a new phase of life begins, and the next nine months can be exciting for most women. First, however, it is vital for you and your baby to be under close observation by a specialist so that everything turns out well in the subsequent months. Jackson Heights pregnancy care is key for the overall safety of women and their developing babies. Here is everything you need to know about prenatal care.

The first checkup

It is important to schedule your first appointment with a gynecologist when you suspect that you are pregnant. It is during this time that your doctor conducts tests to determine your pregnancy. The doctor begins with a detailed medical history assessment to establish whether it is a high-risk pregnancy and if you suffer from certain underlying conditions that may jeopardize the pregnancy.

Your doctor also seeks to find out about your previous deliveries and if there were past complications. Then, in a consultation, the doctor explains what you need to do in nutrition, work, exercise, and travel. Other topics may include birth preparation, medication, HIV antibody test, oral health, and screening for other conditions. Your initial examination includes a pelvic examination, and other important parameters such as the Rhesus factor are determined.

Subsequent checkups

After the initial checkup, your doctor schedules subsequent visits during the first, second, and third trimesters. These checkups are important since they help prevent any inherent danger to your life and that of the baby. Further, your doctor may conduct several tests to identify and treat any disorders in good time.

Your baby is also examined, and if you have a high-risk pregnancy, more appointments are scheduled. During every appointment, several tests are conducted; these include weight and blood pressure, protein and sugar content, and urine tests. The examination also conducts an ultrasound to check the position of your uterus, the heartbeat, and the child’s position.

Screening for gestational diabetes

Screening for gestational diabetes is one of the most important examinations during pregnancy as it can increase the risk of your baby developing diabetes later in life. Your doctor schedules this test between the 25th and 28th week of pregnancy. If a positive test is determined, you will be put on drugs to reduce the risk to you and your baby.  

Other examinations

In addition to checkups, gestational diabetes screening, and ultrasound, there are other tests your doctor performs to check on your baby’s health. These include testing for genetic abnormalities in your child, such as Down’s syndrome. These are preventive measures, and although they are not mandatory, your doctor may schedule them for the overall safety of you and your baby.

Nutritional advice

It is important to eat a balanced diet for a healthy pregnancy. Your doctor educates you on the best diet during the pregnancy and foods to avoid. In addition, if you experience any allergies, you should tell your doctor about it, who may advise on supplementary diets.

Prenatal care is important because it reduces the risks and any complications that may occur during pregnancy. Contact the specialists at Raveco Medical and kick start your prenatal care.