You want to become a mother and feel only your little happiness in your arms. This decision must be balanced and informed. Already from this moment you should prepare yourself for future motherhood. To bear and give birth to a healthy baby is not an easy task and not every woman can do it. You will have to learn a lot about the development of the fetus, about the processes taking place in your body, about what tests are done during pregnancy.
Pregnancy planning
You should abandon bad habits and take up your health closely. Be sure to visit the antenatal clinic. The doctor will examine you, take the necessary smears from the cervix. They will tell you in detail about which tests to take during pregnancy, and which ones are better to take before it occurs. The latter include a general blood test, studies on sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, and so on.
First trimester
What tests are done during pregnancy for up to 12 weeks? Be sure to undergo scheduled examinations by a gynecologist and follow all the recommendations. The first months are the most difficult. During this period, miscarriages most often occur. Up to 12 weeks, blood tests for various infections and blood types are given. You will also be asked to give urine for testing. It contains many elements that can tell about the course of pregnancy. An ultrasound scan is required at 12 weeks. At this time, it is possible to identify abnormalities in the development of the child (in particular Down syndrome) and, if necessary, terminate the pregnancy.
Second trimester
The calmest time for a pregnant woman. By this time, toxicosis ceases to torment, and the stomach has not yet grown enough to interfere. But do not relax much. It is still necessary to monitor your health. What tests to pass, the doctor and the midwife will tell. Among them should be present: a blood test for sugar, to determine the viral load and immune status. If you have not done this before, you will need to go through a number of specialist doctors: an endocrinologist, therapist, ophthalmologist, ENT specialist, cardiologist, dentist.
At week 16, the doctor can already hear the baby’s heartbeat. You will measure the volume of the abdomen and the height of the uterus. Such manipulations will be carried out every time you visit a doctor. At 18-20 weeks, a second ultrasound is prescribed. The risks of fetal chromosomal abnormalities, disorders during pregnancy are determined. As a result, they will tell you what tests are given during pregnancy in this or that case.
Third trimester
The end of pregnancy is getting closer every day, and most women begin to worry about how the birth will go. During this period, you may be tormented by back pain, frequent urination, swelling, and so on. Report any disorders or problems to your doctor. You already know what tests are done during pregnancy. The last trimester is no exception. You will be given a referral for a general blood and urine test. By week 33, an ultrasound scan is required. It will show how the child develops. In the later stages, cardiotocography is regularly done (listening to the fetal heartbeat). In the last month, it is recommended to carry an exchange card with you, because childbirth can begin at any time.