5 Doctor’s Visits Not To Miss
Regular antenatal care is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. Most women will see their doctor once a month until they are about 30 weeks pregnant, then every two weeks until the final month, and weekly thereafter. At all of these visits, doctors will check the mother’s weight, urine, blood pressure, and monitor the baby’s growth. But a few are more important than others:
1. Diagnosing The Pregnancy
The first doctor’s visit usually takes place at 7-10 weeks’ gestation. The pregnancy is confirmed and dated, and it’s a crucial opportunity for you to discuss the next nine months, voicing any fears and asking questions about your nutrition and overall health. The doctor will take a medical history from you and your partner, and will advise you on nutritional supplements, as well as any symptoms you may experience, such as morning sickness. At the visit, you should also check with your doctor whether you can safely take any medication you might be using for other health conditions.
2. The 12-Week Ultrasound Scan
During this scan, the doctor will check whether you are having a single baby or more than one, will check the location of the placenta, check the baby’s heart is beating properly, and confirm the expected date of delivery. He will also measure the thickness of the nuchal fold at the back of the baby’s neck, to help determine the chances of Down’s Syndrome.
3. The Midterm Scan
This takes place at 20-22 weeks, and includes an in-depth check of your baby’s development. The doctor will check out each of the internal systems, including the heart, lungs and kidneys, and monitor the circumference of the head and the length of the limbs. If you want to find out the sex of the baby, the doctor can probably determine it at this point. This visit is crucial because it allows the doctor to identify anomalies or problems in the baby’s development, and to schedule further tests, if needed.
4. Nearing The End
A 32-36 weeks, the doctor will do a scan to check how the baby is lying, whether the head is engaged yet, and where the placenta is located – all of this in preparation for the birth itself. At this point, you should also start attending antenatal classes. You need to start discussing your wishes for the birth: for example, whether you want a natural labour or a Caesarean, what pain relief you want to consider, who you want with you in the delivery room, etc.
5. The Post-Natal Check-Up
The post-natal visit usually takes place when the baby is six weeks old. The doctor will check on your physical recovery from the birth (e.g. the healing of stitches from an episiotomy or Caesar), as well as on your mental well-being (checking for signs of post-natal depression). It’s advisable to take your partner along with you if possible.
