As an expecting mother, ensuring your and your baby’s health is of paramount importance. This wonderful journey towards motherhood is filled with excitement and anticipation, and it is important that you keep up with checks during this period of prenatal care.
Prenatal care is pivotal in promoting a healthy pregnancy and ensuring your and your baby’s well-being. The first step to proper prenatal care is check-ups with a GP/family physician. If you’re a first-time mother or a mum that wishes to refresh knowledge of prenatal care, we give you insight into all you need to know about prenatal check-ups, screenings, and finding the right pregnancy clinic in Singapore to help you on your prenatal journey.
Prenatal check-ups: Why is it important?
When you are having a baby soon, getting a prenatal check-up is essential to ensure proper prenatal care. These appointments are typically scheduled monthly in the first two trimesters and more frequently in the third trimester. Prenatal check-ups allow healthcare providers to monitor your pregnancy’s progress closely and help you identify potential complications so that you can address them promptly. To determine if the baby is at risk of complications, your physician may also recommend undergoing additional prenatal screenings before your scheduled check-up.
What is prenatal screening?
Prenatal screenings evaluate the risk of certain genetic and chromosomal conditions in a developing foetus during pregnancy. These screenings are typically offered to provide information about the likelihood of your baby having certain genetic disorders or congenital issues. Prenatal screening tests are non-invasive and involve analysing the mother’s blood or performing ultrasound examinations to assess the baby’s health.
What to expect during prenatal check-ups and screenings
During prenatal check-ups, your healthcare provider will perform various assessments to ensure your pregnancy’s health.
1. Physical examinations
During your prenatal check-ups, your healthcare provider asks you to undergo tests to check your weight, blood pressure, and overall health to track changes throughout your pregnancy. As your pregnancy progresses, weight gain and blood pressure variations are common, but consistent monitoring helps identify any unusual patterns that might require attention. Aside from checking your vital signs and weight, they will also ask you about any discomfort, symptoms, or concerns you may be experiencing. This helps your physician address specific issues and tailor their care to your needs.
2. Ultrasound and imaging
Transvaginal ultrasound scans are a fundamental tool in the realm of prenatal care. These scans provide a detailed and intimate view of your baby’s development within the womb. By closely monitoring growth, assessing the formation of organs, and detecting any potential irregularities, your healthcare provider gains valuable insights that enable timely intervention, if necessary. Furthermore, for those keen to know, ultrasounds can also reveal your baby’s gender, offering an exciting glimpse into the future.
3. Blood tests
Regular blood tests allow healthcare providers to determine if you’re at risk of conditions such as gestational diabetes, anaemia, and other medical concerns. Early detection allows for swift intervention, ultimately contributing to your and your baby’s overall health and well-being.
4. Urine tests
Like blood tests, routine urine tests help identify various health markers and potential complications. By analysing your urine, we can ascertain your kidney function, detect signs of preeclampsia, and identify urinary tract infections.
5. Health history
Expect your doctor to review your medical background in detail during prenatal check-ups. This includes inquiries about any pre-existing medical conditions, previous pregnancies, surgical history, allergies, and family medical history. These insights provide a contextual foundation for your current pregnancy and assist your doctor in tailoring your care plan to suit your specific needs.
6. Nutrition and lifestyle guidance
Maintaining a healthful lifestyle during pregnancy is important not only for your baby but also for your well-being. For your meals, incorporate healthy foods containing iron, like green leafy vegetables and beans; calcium, like dairy produce and sardines; and folate, such as green beans, spinach, and broccoli. Particularly, you need folate or B vitamin, which is crucial in your baby’s nervous system development. Moreover, consult your physician on suitable workouts to keep you healthy but not exert yourself beyond your limits.
Find the right healthcare provider for your prenatal care
Choosing the right healthcare provider is a crucial decision in your pregnancy journey. At Osler Health, we understand the importance of compassionate and expert care during this special time. Our women’s clinic has a team of experienced professionals that specialises in women’s health and prenatal care, offering personalised care tailored to your unique needs. We have cared for many women during this period of their life. With our facilities and comprehensive services, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Make Osler Health your partner in this incredible journey today. You can also check out our guide on holistic wellness when you’re having a baby.
