What is pregnancy monitoring?
Pregnancy control or prenatal care is the follow-up performed during the entire gestation period. Check-ups with the gynecologist specialist should be monthly during the first seven months of pregnancy and more frequent as the due date approaches. Routine tests are performed at each appointment to verify the proper development of the pregnancy, while some examinations are performed only in high-risk pregnancies.
Why is it performed?
Pregnancy control is performed because it is necessary for the well-being of the mother and baby. During pregnancy a number of complications can occur for the baby and the mother herself that can be prevented and avoided by monitoring the evolution. Thus, pregnancy control is performed for a correct prevention of complications, to advise the mother and to control the condition of the fetus.
What does it consist of?
Pregnancy monitoring consists of a series of check-ups and successive visits to the doctor to monitor the evolution of the baby. The most frequent diagnostic and control tests during the parental control are:
- Obstetric examination
- Weight and blood pressure
- Blood and urine tests
- Echocardiography
- Obstetric ultrasound
- Prenatal diagnostic tests
Pregnancy checkup preparation
Pregnancy control examinations do not usually require prior preparation. However, it is usually the case that the woman must take certain measures prior to the diagnostic tests that require it, such as fasting for the blood test.
Care after the procedure
Pregnancy control visits do not require aftercare, although the gynecological specialist may prescribe measures or medication if necessary.