Antenatal or prenatal checkups are vital for both the mother’s and the fetus’s health. During these checkups at maternity hospitals in Mulund West, your gynecologist will evaluate your health, check for the early signs of any pregnancy-related issues, and order tests to ensure your baby is doing fine in the womb.
It’s essential to start antenatal care as soon as you find out you’re pregnant and attend each appointment as recommended by your doctor. Antenatal care is essential for every pregnant mother, even if they have a healthy pregnancy.
Why Prenatal Care is Important
Here’s why antenatal care matters:
Discover Fetal Abnormalities
Antenatal care programs focus on tracking your baby’s growth at various stages of pregnancy and ensuring they are developing normally. Your gynecologist will also run ultrasounds and other tests to check your baby’s position and other vitals. This helps mothers feel at peace.
Prevent Maternal Complications
Mothers can also develop pregnancy-related complications, like gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preeclampsia (to name a few) during pregnancy. Some conditions can be life-threatening and require prompt medical attention at the best maternity hospital in Mumbai.
Nutritional Guidance
Another crucial aspect of the antenatal care program is nutritional guidance. Only a certified gynecologist or a dietician can tell you what’s safe and unsafe during pregnancy. Besides, each pregnancy is unique. Your doctor will prescribe supplements that provide the necessary nutrition.
Clear Your Doubts
A maternity hospital provides you with a comfortable space to speak with a professional and clear all the doubts you have regarding pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum phase.
How Often Do You Need to Schedule a Pregnancy Checkup?
For a majority of women with a healthy pregnancy, here’s how the antenatal care checkups are scheduled:
- From week 1 to 28: Visit your healthcare provider every four weeks or once a month
- From week 28 to 36: See your gynecologist every 2 weeks
- From week 36 until delivery: See your gynecologist every week.
Your doctor may want to see you more often if you have a high-risk pregnancy.
What Should Be Expected in a Pregnancy Checkup?
Each visit to your gynaecologist may involve different tests and medications. Here’s what to expect during your visits:
First Visit: Your first visit to a gynecologist is all about questions like your Last Menstrual Period (LMP), whether you’ve taken a pregnancy test, and your medical history. You may need to take blood and urine tests to rule out UTI and gestational diabetes. Based on your health, they may recommend folic acid and other supplements.
Between 19 and 26 Weeks: At this point, the doctor will recommend an anomaly scan that captures a detailed image of the baby’s organs. The test ensures that your baby is developing properly.
Between 28 and 36 weeks: The doctor will check your baby’s position, look for signs of early labor, and discuss your birthing plans with you.
You must visit the top maternity hospital in Mumbai for your antenatal checkups.