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Prenatal Exam
Pregnancy is a celebration of life. But during this wonderful time of happiness, concerns for the safety of the mother and child are very important. The primary concerns are for the health and wellbeing of the mother and baby. It’s never too early to start good health habits when you’re pregnant. Pregnancy is one of the most important moments in a woman’s life. Preventative care for the mother and baby are important. With today’s modern medicine practices most mothers and infants have a healthy birth experience. A prenatal exam consists of a variety of evaluations to determine the mother’s ability to complete her pregnancy. From anatomy to blood everything about the mother’s body will be checked. Every system in the mother’s body is affected by the pregnancy. All past and present experiences which, may affect the pregnancy, will be documented, from personal information to genetic profiles, as the doctor determines. Include your partner in your examinations as much as possible. The prenatal exam consists of evaluations of the mother (the Carrier), the baby (the Passenger), and the pelvis organs and structures the baby will pass through on delivery (Passageway).
The Carrier The OB/GYN doctor will check teeth, legs, lungs, heart, weight and many other factors about the mother’s body. They’ll conduct lab tests on blood and urine to make sure the mother and baby are getting proper nutrients. Blood type will be determined, A and O are the most common types. The doctor will also keep watch for any anemic (low iron) conditions (feeling sickly, pale or weak). An average weight gain from 24 to 32 pounds is normal during pregnancy. The baby accounts for approximately 8 pounds of pregnancy weight gain. The rest comes from various changes in the mother’s body. Blood capacity will increase from five, to seven quarts. This will account for about 3 pounds. Breasts will enlarge and account for a couple extra pounds. The placenta and amniotic fluid weigh about 3 pounds. The uterus will grow by about 2 pounds and other fluids and fat will amount to approximately 6 pounds. The mother’s heart will need to pump the extra blood throughout her and her baby’s body so, the heart will enlarge by approximately 50%, and the heart rate will increase 5 to 8 beats per minute to facilitate the increase in blood volume.
The Passenger The growth, skeletal and organ development of the baby will be monitored. Hearing the baby’s heartbeat is always exciting. The doctor will most likely perform several ultrasounds and take measurements of the baby. The baby can and may change positions frequently right up until the time of delivery. As delivery nears the doctor will check how the baby is lying. Head down is preferred, however buttocks down (breech), is not uncommon. The Passageway The passageway consists of the organs and structures in the pelvis that the baby will pass through. The pelvic inlet and outlet will be measured to make sure the passageway is adequate for the baby. The vagina, cervix, pelvic bone, sacrum, and coccyx will be examined, so make sure your bladder is empty before a pelvic exam. Normal and healthy births are very common. However, the mother should be aware of certain danger signals and contact her doctor immediately if any appear. Danger signs:
Vaginal bleeding If any of these symptoms develop, contact your doctor immediately. Pregnancy lasts 280 days or approximately nine months from the time of ovulation. Prenatal exams will normally be once a month for the first eight months, every two weeks the ninth month, then once a week until the baby is born. Pregnancy is a wonderful time of life, but can bring anxiety. Talking with your doctor and educating yourself will bring reassurance as you move through this important stage of life.
For additional information regarding prenatal exams view program #160 |