Routine check-ups during your pregnancy allow you to build rapport with your midwife and obstetrician as well as get updates on your fetus’ development. If your doctor doesn’t already have your full medical history, they will document it during your first appointment. During each of your appointments, you will be able to ask questions, address concerns, and plan your birth. These check-ups are conducted in regular intervals in a clinical setting where tests can be run to ensure the safety of you and your growing baby. It’s impossible to overemphasise the importance of routine check-ups during your pregnancy.
When To Schedule Your Antenatal Check-Ups
Your doctor or midwife will schedule regular appointments in advance based on your expected due date and any underlying medical conditions you may have. These appointments typically take place at four to six-week intervals until you reach 28 weeks of pregnancy. After that you will have appointments every two weeks until you reach 36 weeks, and then weekly until you give birth. Several factors can determine the frequency of these appointments. The frequency depends on whether you and your baby are in good health, you have given birth before, and the level of risk to you and your baby.
What Doctors Look for During Your Antenatal Check-Ups
With the luxury of a lot of research and scientific advancements, there are many things doctors know to look out for. Of course, to begin with, your doctor will ensure you are pregnant. After that, they will ensure the baby is developing as expected and check for chromosomal issues like Down’s syndrome as well as the anatomy of your baby by the end of the 1st trimester (taking advantage of NIPT and ultrasound technologies). Your obstetric team will also check your weight, blood pressure, and the baby’s heartbeat and movement at each visit. These are just the primary aspects of your check-ups that may prompt your doctor to investigate further.
The Benefits of Routine Check-Ups During Your Pregnancy
Pregnancy may leave you full of anxiety, so it is really important to attend your regular antenatal check-ups for peace of mind. During these check-ups, you can ask your doctor every question under the sun and ensure that you and your baby are healthy. These check-ups will put your mind at ease, and the doctor will be able to help you deal with any additional symptoms you may have. These check-ups also enable the doctor to run the necessary tests and help you plan the birth. You will be able to see your baby during your ultrasound and 3D/4D scans and learn what to expect during childbirth and learn more about breastfeeding.
The excitement of pregnancy is best complemented by regular appointments with your doctor to ensure everything is progressing as it should. In addition to these appointments, you will rely on the skills of sonographers who can conduct anatomical ultrasound scans at 12 and 18-20 weeks gestation, as well as fetal well being ultrasound scans from 24 weeks onwards. At OMNI, our expert fetal medicine team, led by Dr Colin Walsh and our experienced and RANZCOG/FMF NT accredited sonographers, will give you and your baby the best possible ultrasound care. To book an appointment, get in touch with us today.