Pregnancy Checkup & Delivery
Pregnancy Checkup & Delivery
A pregnancy check-up refers to the routine medical examinations that pregnant women undergo to monitor the progress of their pregnancy to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby. These check-ups are typically conducted by healthcare professionals.
Pregnancy Process:
During the initial check-up, the healthcare provider will inquire about your medical history, including any pre-existing conditions, previous pregnancies, medications you’re taking and any concerns or symptoms you may have.
The healthcare provider will perform a physical examination, which may involve measuring your height, weight, blood pressure and checking your overall health.
Ultrasound scans are commonly performed during pregnancy check-ups. They use sound waves to create images of the developing baby in the womb. Ultrasounds can help determine the baby’s gestational age, detect any potential abnormalities and monitor growth and development.
Blood tests are conducted to check for various factors, including blood type, Rh factor, anemia, infections and screening for genetic conditions. Urine tests are performed to monitor kidney function, check for urinary tract infections and identify any signs of gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.
The healthcare provider may listen to the baby’s heartbeat using a handheld Doppler device or a fetal monitor. This helps ensure that the baby’s heart is beating normally.
Pregnancy check-ups also involve discussions with the healthcare provider about various aspects of pregnancy, such as nutrition, exercise, prenatal vitamins, common discomforts and preparation for labor and delivery. They provide an opportunity for you to ask questions and receive guidance on maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
Delivery Process:
Labor typically begins with contractions, which cause the cervix to dilate and efface. It can last for hours or even days, depending on various factors. Once contractions are regular and the cervix is sufficiently dilated, it’s time to go to the hospital or birthing center.
Upon arrival, you will be admitted to a labor and delivery room, where you will be monitored and receive medical assistance throughout the delivery process.
There are various pain management options available during labor, including natural methods like breathing techniques, relaxation exercises and water immersion, as well as medical interventions like epidural anesthesia.
In a vaginal delivery, the baby is born through the birth canal. The process typically involves three stages: labor, pushing and delivery of the baby and placenta. During labor, contractions help dilate and efface the cervix, allowing the baby to descend through the birth canal. The mother actively pushes during the second stage to help the baby move further down. Once the baby is delivered, the healthcare team assists with delivering the placenta.
A cesarean section is a surgical procedure in which the baby is delivered through an incision made in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. C-sections may be planned in advance for various reasons, such as maternal health conditions, previous C-sections, or specific concerns about the baby’s well-being. In some cases, emergency C-sections are performed when complications arise during labor.
After the baby is born, the healthcare team will assess the baby’s health, perform necessary procedures like cutting the umbilical cord and ensure the mother’s well-being. You and your baby will typically stay at the hospital for a few days for recovery and monitoring.
Pregnancy check up schedule
First visit:
- Confirmation that you are pregnant
- Calculating how many weeks your pregnancy is and when your due date will be
- Blood pressure, height and weight
- Blood tests including checking your blood group & test for anemia, HIV, hepatitis - B and hepatitis - C
- Urine test to see if you have a bladder or urinary tract infection
12-16 weeks:
- Blood pressure
- Measuring your tummy (abdominal palpation) to check your baby's growth
- Checking how your health is and if there are any problems
- Ultrasound scan to check your baby's physical development, growth and any complications with your pregnancy
16-24 weeks:
- Blood pressure
- Measuring your tummy (abdominal palpation) to check your baby's growth
- Checking how your health is and if there are any problems
- Blood test to check for diabetes during pregnancy
24 – 28 weeks:
- Blood pressure
- Measuring your tummy (abdominal palpation) to check your baby's growth
- Checking how your health is and if there are any problems
- Checking your baby's heartbeat and movements
- Blood test to check for anemia and blood platelet levels
- Urine test if you have signs of a urinary tract infection or raised blood pressure
32-36 weeks:
- Blood pressure
- Measuring your tummy (abdominal palpation) to check your baby's growth
- Checking how your health is and if there are any problems
- Checking your baby's heartbeat and movements
- Assessing presentation (which way up your baby is) & station (how far down the baby's head has moved into your pelvis)
36-40 weeks:
- Blood pressure
- Measuring your tummy (abdominal palpation) to check your baby's growth
- Checking how your health is and if there are any problems
- Checking your baby's heartbeat and movements
- Assessing presentation and station
- If you haven’t had your baby yet, checking your baby’s heartbeat and the amount of fluid around them
The choice of delivery method depends on several factors, like the mother’s health, the baby’s position and condition any complications or medical indications present.
Both pregnancy check-ups and the delivery process are essential components of prenatal care. It’s important to work closely with healthcare professionals throughout your pregnancy journey to receive appropriate care and guidance.
Painless Delivery
Non-Medical Techniques:
Techniques such as deep breathing, visualization and focused relaxation can help manage pain and promote a sense of calm during contractions.
Changing positions frequently, such as walking, rocking or using a birthing ball, can help relieve discomfort and facilitate the progress of labor.
Applying gentle pressure or massage to specific areas, such as the lower back, can alleviate pain and provide comfort.
Immersing in warm water, such as a birthing pool or tub, can help relax the body and relieve pain.
Pharmacological Pain Relief:
This is one of the most common methods of pain relief during labor. An anesthesiologist administers an epidural by injecting local anesthetics and opioids into the space around the spinal cord. It provides effective pain relief while allowing the mother to remain awake and actively participate in the birth.
Intravenous medications, such as opioids, can be administered to help manage pain during labor. However, these medications may affect the mother’s alertness and may cross the placenta.
It’s important to discuss your preferences for pain relief with your healthcare provider during prenatal care. They can provide more detailed information about the available options and help you make informed decisions based on your medical history, the progress of your labor and your personal preferences. Keep in mind that the effectiveness and suitability of different pain relief methods can vary from person to person, so it’s important to have open communication with your healthcare team during the delivery process.
We strive to deliver personalized care tailored to individual needs. Your health and well-being are our top priorities. And we are here to support you in every way.
