Antenatal appointments
regular health appointments with the doctor to check your health and the development of your baby
The first visit
You may be asked questions on the following:
1.The date of your last period so they can estimate when your baby is due.
2.You and your partner’s medical and family history. This will include any racial origins. This is in case you carry the gene for any inherited blood disorders which may affect your baby.
3.If there is a history of twins in either your family or your partner's.
4.If you have had any previous pregnancies, this will include miscarriages or abortions.
5.If you have any known allergies.
6.Whether you are taking any medications for illnesses.
7.What serious illnesses or operations you have had in the past.
8.You may also be asked about your backgrounds - what your jobs are and about your living accommodation. This is in case there is anything in your circumstances that may affect your pregnancy.
General examination
You will have regular checks on your heart and lungs to make sure your general health is good. Your blood pressure will also be taken at every antenatal visit.
Internal examination
Occasionally your doctor may carry out an internal examination, enabling them to feel the size of your uterus, this will help to estimate your stage of pregnancy. During this procedure you will be asked to lie on your back with your legs bent and your knees apart. The doctor will place two fingers of one of his/her hands into your vagina and press your abdomen gently with the other hand. This examination will not hurt and if you relax it will not even be uncomfortable. Most doctors prefer to use an ultrasound either at the first or later visit.
Height check
Your height is a rough guide to the size of your pelvis. If you have a small pelvis you can sometimes have a difficult delivery. If you are over 5ft you are unlikely to have any problems.
Weight check
You will be weighed on your first visit and then your weight gain should be checked regularly.
Blood tests
Blood samples will be required in your first visit. This blood test will check for:
What blood group you are.
Whether you may be anaemic.
Urine tests
You will be asked to give a urine sample on every visit, the urine will be checked for the following:
Sugar - this could be a sign of pregnancy diabetes.
Protein - this may indicate that there is an infection that needs treating
Antenatal Screening (Later visit)
tests that assess whether your unborn baby is at risk of certain conditions or abnormalities
You will be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat after week 14 with a device called a Sonicaid, which enables the beat to be amplified so that it can be heard.
-After week 16 you will usually have an ultrasound scan, this may however be carried out at any stage. An ultrasound scan uses sound waves to build up a picture of the baby in the uterus (womb).
-Around week 16 of pregnancy you may have a blood test for A.F.P. (Alpha-fetoprotein). A.F.P. is a substance found in the blood and high levels could indicate that you baby has a neural tube defect such as spina bifida. If the result is positive further tests such as an amniocentesis will be carried out. An amniocentesis is used to detect spina bifida and Downs syndrome. This test involves a small (1 in 100) risk of miscarriage and so is not a routine test. You are more likely to be offered this test if you are over 37 years of age.
Antenatal Classes
Going to antenatal classes helps you prepare for the labour and the birth, and for being a parent. It's also a great way to meet other new parents, and to share support and information with them.Most classes are run over a 6-8 week period and are usually conducted in the evening to allow both of you plenty of time to get there after work. If this time does not suit you and your partner there are some classes that cover all the information in an intensive format over a weekend.
Topics that are usually covered by these courses include:
-Pregnancy health.
-Advice on eating and staying fit.
-What to expect from the labour and birth.
-The sort of pain relief you might choose.
-Coping with labour and birth.
-Possible problems.
-Caesarean section.
-Information on feeding your baby.
-Looking after your newborn baby.
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