The purpose of pregnancy follow-up is to protect the health of the mother throughout pregnancy and to ensure that the baby is born healthy. Pregnancy follow-up begins as soon as pregnancy is diagnosed. Approximately 2 weeks after pregnancy is diagnosed with blood and urine tests, the gestational sac can be seen with ultrasound. During this period, the status of ectopic pregnancy is checked by checking whether the gestational sac is inside the uterus. Approximately 1-2 weeks later, the baby's heartbeat can be detected with vaginal ultrasound. Blood and urine tests are then performed to determine the mother's general condition. It is determined whether there is a risk for diabetes, thyroid disease and blood incompatibility.

What should be the frequency of pregnancy follow-ups?

If the baby is single, follow-up every 2-3 weeks is appropriate for the first 3 months. Monthly follow-up is then continued. In cases of multiple pregnancies, existing illnesses in the mother, and recurrent miscarriages, follow-up is continued at frequent intervals. Here, the determining factors in the follow-up period are the risks and health status of the pregnant woman. If there are risk factors in the mother, such as the mother being older or younger, being too fat or too thin, having hypertension, diabetes, anemia and uterine abnormalities, follow-ups are carried out differently and more frequently.

Weekly checks during pregnancy

10-14. In the following weeks, the baby's neck thickness is checked with ultrasound. A double screening test is performed. Thus, early diagnosis of diseases such as Down Syndrome can be made.

16-18. A triple screening test is requested from the pregnant woman in the following weeks. The baby is evaluated with ultrasound. If the triple screening test is high, amniocentesis is performed to confirm the diagnosis. Amniocentesis is taking a sample of the baby's fluid with a needle. In experienced hands, the risk of amniocentesis is low.

20-24. Since the baby's organ development is largely completed in the following weeks, detailed ultrasonography is requested. In this ultrasound performed by the radiologist, attention is paid to all abnormalities in the baby.

24-28. A sugar challenge test is performed to detect gestational diabetes in the following weeks. Gestational diabetes is called "gestational diabetes". It poses a risk for the baby. Pregnant women whose sugar loading test is faulty are given an appropriate diet. Pregnant women with blood incompatibility are given blood incompatibility injections at the 28th week.

28-36. The baby is continued to be monitored with ultrasound between weeks. The mother is checked for urinary tract infection. The mother's weight and blood pressure are monitored.

After the 36th week, the gynecologist determines the mode of delivery. If there is an obstacle to normal birth, a cesarean section is planned. NST test is performed to evaluate the baby's condition. NST tests, which are performed once a week starting from the 36th week, are performed every 2-3 days after the 40th week.

In the last weeks, the amount of baby's water (amniotic fluid) is measured by ultrasound. After the 40th week, pregnancy is seen every 2-3 days. If labor does not begin, the pregnant woman is hospitalized and medications are given to initiate labor.

 

 

 

 

WHAT IS PREGNANCY MONITORING?

WHAT SHOULD WE CONSIDER FOR A HEALTHY PREGNANCY AND AFTER?

The purpose of pregnancy follow-up is to protect the health of the mother throughout pregnancy and to ensure that the baby is born healthy. Pregnancy follow-up begins as soon as pregnancy is diagnosed. Approximately 2 weeks after pregnancy is diagnosed with blood and urine tests, the gestational sac can be seen with ultrasound. During this period, the status of ectopic pregnancy is checked by checking whether the gestational sac is inside the uterus. Approximately 1-2 weeks later, the baby's heartbeat can be detected with vaginal ultrasound. Blood and urine tests are then performed to determine the mother's general condition. It is determined whether there is a risk for diabetes, thyroid disease and blood incompatibility.