10.7: Prenatal Care
Once pregnancy is confirmed, it is advised to seek prenatal care to assess the physical condition of the mother and what to expect in the coming months. It is typical to begin prenatal care at approximately 8-10 weeks gestation, and pregnancy care should continue until approximately 6 weeks postpartum. The main purpose of the prenatal visits is to perform preventative medicine. Most complications in pregnancy are best treated if they are caught early. A series of tests will be performed throughout the pregnancy to judge the mother and fetus' well-being including:
- Mother's history
- Urine tests for glucose, protein, blood cells and infection
- The mother's weight
- Blood tests such as a complete blood count, HIV test, or the triple screen which is the test used most commonly to look for neural tube defects and Down's Syndrome.
- Physical examination
- Blood pressure
- Fetal heart monitoring
- Ultrasound scans
- Non-stress tests
Continuous care is the best way to ensure a healthy mother and baby.