PREGNANCY
When you become pregnant it is the most critical time in your baby's life and may shape the future of your child. How you take care of yourself will ultimately affect the welfare and development of your baby.
As soon as you think you are pregnant either via a home assisted device or intuition or body changes seek medical attention at once.
At your first visit a confirmatory test is usually done followed by a pelvic examination. A blood test may be required. Tests for sexually transmitted disease, blood type, blood count, and Rubella status may be required. You may be given pre-natal vitamins and encouraged to get an ultra sound for fetal age then scheduled for follow-up visits such as:
WEEKS
6 - 8 weeks
8 - 10 weeks
14 - 16 weeks
24 - 28 weeks
32 weeks
38 weeks
39 weeks
40 weeks
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TESTS
At every visit
1. BP (Blood Pressure) - Mom
2. Weight - Mom
3. Fundus (belly) height
4. Temperature and pulse - Mom
5. Heart beat - Baby if possible
6. Urinalysis
7. Feet edema
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Depending on your health care provider specific tests are ordered at some visits for example:
- Maternal and alpha-fetal protein at 14-16 weeks
- Oral glucose tolerance test at 24-28 weeks
Some common symptoms that may be seen during late stages of pregnancy are:
- Back pain
- Groin pain
- Frequent urination
- Pelvic discharge
- Stretch marks
- Difficulty getting in and out of sitting position
- Nagging pain at vaginal introitus
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