Pregnancy Follow-Up

Pregnancy follow-up is usually performed by an obstetrician or gynecologist. During the follow-up process, the expectant mother should periodically see her doctor and ensure that the necessary tests are performed. These tests are performed to provide information about the health of the mother and baby and help prevent labor complications.

It is extremely important to protect the health of the mother and baby and prevent labor complications. The tests that should be performed during pregnancy follow-up include tests such as blood and urine tests of the expectant mother, ultrasonography, NST and glucose screening test. Recommendations for prenatal care to be taken during pregnancy follow-up are very important for having a healthy pregnancy process and giving birth.

 

Pregnancy follow-up is also important for birth planning. Later in pregnancy, the expectant mother is informed about the mode of delivery and a birth plan is prepared. The birth plan includes the pain management options to be applied during delivery, the place of birth, the positions to be used during delivery, and other important details.

Asst. Prof. Yüksel IŞIK

Obstetrician and Gynecologis

  • Gynecological Laparoscopic Surgery
  • Follow-up and Treatment of Oncological Patients
  • Vaginal Surgeries and Genital Aesthetics
  • Normal and Risky Pregnancy Follow-up and Treatment
  • Infertility Diagnosis and Treatment

Tests to be Performed during Pregnancy Follow-Up

Ultrasonography: This test is used to assess the development and health of the baby in the womb. It is usually done between 8-12 weeks of pregnancy.

Blood tests: Blood tests are used to measure the levels of certain hormones and enzymes in the expectant mother’s blood. These tests can also be used to detect genetic diseases such as Down syndrome.

Urinalysis: A urinalysis is performed to detect an infection or other problems in the urine.

Cervical screening test: This test is performed to detect cancer cells in the cervix.

NST (Non-Stress Test): This test is performed to evaluate the baby’s heartbeat and activity during the last stages of pregnancy.

Glucose screening test: This test is performed to assess the risk of gestational diabetes.

Chorionic Villus Biopsy (CVS): This test is performed to examine the genetic structure of the baby in the womb. Usually it is done between  10-13 weeks.

Amniocentesis: This test is performed to examine the genetic structure of the baby with a sample taken from the fluid in the womb. Usually it is done between 15-20 weeks.

During pregnancy follow-up, the expectant mother also receives vaccination recommendations. During pregnancy, the expectant mother’s immunity weakens, so vaccines are recommended to protect against certain infections. For example, vaccines such as the influenza (flu) vaccine, pertussis vaccine, and hepatitis B vaccine are recommended during pregnancy.

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The diagnosis of pregnancy formed by the combination of male sperm and female egg, that is, the answer to the question ‘am I pregnant’, is made by blood test (beta hcg) and ultrasound to see the gestational sac. Urine pregnancy tests can give misleading results by 5 to 30 percent.

An empty pregnancy is a condition in which there is no embryo, despite the presence of the membrane and placenta that make up the gestational sac. In other words, there is a gestational sac, but it is a case of not forming a baby in it.  It should be treated with medication or surgery.

Nausea and vomiting seen during pregnancy starts at 4 to 6 weeks and reaches its highest level at 8 to 12 weeks and decreases after that. There is more nausea when the stomach is empty. For this purpose, it should be fed at frequent intervals and liquid intake should be reduced with meals and consumed between meals.

In general, the most beneficial and healthy mode of delivery for the baby and mother is a normal vaginal delivery. Even in case of additional illness, a normal delivery is mostly preferred.

Since you secrete milk during breastfeeding, continue your diet as during pregnancy to meet the increased protein and energy needs. Do not breastfeed on an empty stomach. Consume 2.5-3 liters of liquid per day (compote, buttermilk, milk, lemonade).  Do not forget to take at least one glass of liquid after breastfeeding.

An ectopic pregnancy is a condition in which the gestational sac is not in the uterus, which is where it should be, it is located in the tubes or ovaries outside the uterus, or at the lower end of the uterus, or in places such as the outside uterus, between intestines in the abdomen. Ectopic pregnancy must necessarily be treated, otherwise it can be fatal, it is treated with drug therapy, open or closed surgery.

It is the absence of a normal pregnancy appearance due to the abnormal development of the placenta in the early period of pregnancy, and the abnormal formation of the placenta with a grape-like structure. It must definitely be treated with medication or surgery.

Having painful menstrual pains or having painful menstrual periods is called dysmenorrhea. Either it exists from the first periods when menstruation begins, which is called Primary Dysmenorrhea. There are usually no other accompanying disease conditions. Secondary Dysmenorrhea; it is a condition that occurs at an older age. It is the onset of menstrual pains that did not exist before. It may indicate a serious condition such as endometriosis. Secondary dysmenorrhea should be treated.

A transparent, white, odorless, slippery and wet discharge that does not cause itching is considered a normal and untreated discharge. Yellow, green or white discharge that causes itching is called vaginitis. It needs to be treated.

Myoma or myomas are the most common benign tumors of the uterus. It is found in 20-25% of women of reproductive age. With the widespread use of ultrasound, small myomas that do not give any signs have been easily detected and it has been revealed that they are seen even at a very young age. The treatment plans of myomas are determined according to the size they reach, the complaints they cause, and the complications that develop or are likely to develop. Sometimes, just regular follow-up is enough. The most effective treatment is surgery.

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