Find out when, how often and why you should go for check-ups that will monitor your pregnancy development
Of all the check-ups you will attend during pregnancy, the first one is considered the most important. It is at the first examination that your pregnancy is confirmed and you are introduced to all the news that you will have to adapt to in the next 9 months.
Examinations in pregnant women are necessary for adequate monitoring of pregnancy, and regular examinations provide a clear insight into the growth and development of the fetus, as well as the recognition of possible complications.
Of all the check-ups you will attend during pregnancy, the first one is considered the most important. It is at the first examination that your pregnancy is confirmed and you are introduced to all the news that you will have to adapt to in the next 9 months.
This exam is one of the most detailed because, in addition to the review, we strive to establish direct and open communication, learn more about your habits, and provide guidance and advice that will make your pregnancy as easy as possible.
The first pregnancy check-up should be done as soon as you experience some of the symptoms that could indicate pregnancy or if the test has already confirmed your pregnancy. Try to make an appointment for an appointment between 6 and 11. week of pregnancy.
If it is a high-risk pregnancy (with a burdened history of thrombophilia or recurrent miscarriages), the examination should be performed before the 6th week of pregnancy.
A high-risk pregnancy can be defined by a number of factors, most of which are related to the mother’s health and her daily habits. Factors such as age (35+ years), diabetes, thyroid disease, obesity or malnutrition can play a big role in the development of the fetus and the appearance of possible complications.
That is why going for the first check-up is crucial for further monitoring of possible changes that may occur in later stages of development.
The calendar of examinations during pregnancy is on average the same for every woman. More frequent examinations are possible in emergency situations, for example when diagnosing a certain disorder in the fetus.
If this is your first pregnancy, the doctor can order you for an average of 10 examinations. The regularity of examinations will increase in the later stages of pregnancy. Thus, until the 28th week of pregnancy, you will come for a check-up every month, and until the 36th week once every three weeks. After the 38th week, it is necessary to come for check-ups once a week.
The last stage of pregnancy, the one that follows after the 40th week, will require maximum attention and readiness from the responsible staff. During this period, examinations will be carried out every other day.
Before coming for an examination, we recommend that you first visit a primary gynaecologist in order to obtain the information necessary to carry out the tests. This may include filling out certain documentation, medical history, or simply the doctor’s opinion on possible complications that you should pay special attention to:
Previous surgeries, illnesses, allergic reactions, etc.
This refers to a history of illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and other similar disorders.
How old were you when you got your first period, the regularity of your cycle, possible surgeries in the area of the reproductive system, venereal diseases, all this is information that can be used at the first examination in pregnancy.
By looking into this data, we can find out if there were any complications during previous pregnancies (spontaneous abortion, problems with fetal furniture, certain conditions that occur during pregnancy such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, cesarean delivery , etc.).
This applies primarily if you work in the health sector or if you have recently traveled to some exotic places (greater exposure to diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, jaundice, etc.).
By collecting the above data, it will be easier and more precise to determine your general health condition and better prepare you for the upcoming 9 months.
There are several mandatory check-ups in pregnancy that are carried out on the first arrival at the office. Some of these searches include:
General history includes previous illnesses and/or surgeries, medication use, allergies, and identifying potential risks for pregnancy complications.
In addition to possible complications that the mother may suffer from, the family history is also taken into account in the anamnesis (in case of overlooking certain chronic diseases).
How long you are pregnant depends on the duration of your menstrual cycle and the day your last period began. Based on your menstrual cycle , the possible time of conception, the duration of pregnancy and the date of delivery are determined.
These examinations include: speculum examination, bimanual palpation, taking a Pap test (if you do not have a finding in the last year), cervical swabs (cervical swabs) for the diagnosis of potential sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, ureaplasma, mycoplasma and other infections.
Measurement of blood pressure, body height and weight and calculation of body mass index (BMI).
Laboratory tests include observing blood counts, determining blood type, Rh factor, iron and glucose levels in the blood, testing for hepatitis B and other microorganisms that can cause complications during pregnancy (HIV or hepatitis C).
Genetic counseling is considered useful in the case of pregnancy that occurs at risk years (after the age of 35). The consultation includes consultations that present the family history of the mother and father of the child, possible genetic diseases and emphasize the risks typical in later pregnancy.
Conducting a vaginal ultrasound is certainly one of the safer methods in proving pregnancy. Unlike a standard ultrasound whose probe passes over the abdomen, this ultrasound uses a probe that is placed inside the vagina. This ultrasound is done to make it easier to recognize the site of pregnancy and visualize the fetus that would not be visible with standard ultrasound.
Before going for the first check-up in pregnancy, try to make a list of questions you would like to ask our team of experts. Asking questions can’t hurt your preparation for the next 9 months.
No question is superfluous. Our staff will endeavour to provide you with all the information you need, but we can clarify some guidelines or resolve any concerns you may have with additional questions.
Here are some of the most common questions you get asked at the first visit:
Raw and uncooked meat, unpasteurized milk, pâtés, mature cheeses, ready-made salads and fish are just some of the foods that you should avoid during pregnancy.
Of course, special emphasis is placed on the cessation of alcohol and cigarette consumption and reduced caffeine intake.
Traveling by plane, boat and car should not pose challenges during pregnancy. However, if you are in the last stage of pregnancy, try to avoid long trips and stays abroad.
Moderate physical activity is recommended during pregnancy. However, such decisions are best left to the gynecologist’s assessment.
Weight gain is normal in any pregnancy. However, there is a limit in which normal weight grows into obesity that can leave consequences both on the mother and later on the child.
On average, gaining up to 10 kg is still considered normal, but everything after that requires changes in diet and physical activity.
You are allowed to continue working as long as you feel physically and mentally fit. Exceptions arise if the job requires increased physical activity and exertion, or if the doctor has advised in advance to be absent from the workplace due to other health risks.
You may be credited with supplements such as iron and folic acid (vitamin B9), which are generally more necessary during pregnancy. A deficiency of these elements in the body can cause anemia.
At the Lohuis Filipović Polyclinic, we have gathered a team of experts in the field of gynecology who will make sure that your pregnancy goes without any disturbances and unnecessary complications.
We especially nurture interaction with clients and try to provide answers to all the worries and fears you have related to pregnancy.
Make an appointment today by calling +3851 2444 646 or fill out our online form.
The main goal of LF Polyclinic is to improve the quality of life and health of our clients by providing them with top-notch healthcare services.
