To have a healthy baby,
prenatal care is a necessity, and not an option. The basics of prenatal care involve tests and
checkups designed to provide adequate information for a healthy pregnancy, and
they generally include: the general health and
well-being of the mother, as well as the baby; any early detection of pregnancy
complication; education and preparation for parenthood; and the preparation for
birth.
The first prenatal
appointment usually takes place between week 8 and 12.
Routine blood tests are
taken to check for HIV and hepatitis B, and other health issues that the mother
may have. Urine samples are taken to check for protein and glucose levels. Blood
pressure is regularly checked for pre-eclampsia, a life-threatening
condition affecting 8 to 10 percent of pregnant women.
The baby’s growth is
measured by the distance from the top of the uterus to the pelvis bone. Early
ultrasound scan may be offered to confirm the due date and the number of
babies. Nuchal transparency screening may be offered (week 11-14) to
determine if there is any possibility for Down’s syndrome or other
abnormalities, such as accumulation of more fluid at the back of the baby’s
neck.
Prenatal checkup continues
once a month for low-risk pregnancy until week 28 to 32, then twice a month
until week 36, and then once a week until birth. This is the general pattern of
prenatal care.
Screening tests may be
conducted every now and then to measure the levels of chemicals to identify the
risks of problems and health issues with the baby.
During pregnancy, some
invasive diagnostic tests may also be offered to determine certain health risks
associated with the baby. Discuss with the doctor the pros and cons of these
tests, and make the decision.
An ultrasound scan may be performed
(week 20-24) to check the baby’s development as well as the baby’s sex.
A blood test may be given (around
week 28) to check for anemia (why: abnormally low level of red blood cells),
and gestational diabetes.
Most of the tests, scans, and screenings are necessary to ensure the safety and health of both the baby and the mother. However, some may be unnecessary and even too invasive. Use your judgment to decide the dos and the don’ts. Always ask the doctor why a certain test, scan, or screening is required and if it carries any undesirable side effect. If need be, seek a second opinion on any issue.
The Dos and Don't During Pregnancy
Most of the tests, scans, and screenings are necessary to ensure the safety and health of both the baby and the mother. However, some may be unnecessary and even too invasive. Use your judgment to decide the dos and the don’ts. Always ask the doctor why a certain test, scan, or screening is required and if it carries any undesirable side effect. If need be, seek a second opinion on any issue.
The Dos and Don't During Pregnancy
Stephen Lau
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