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Getting regular
prenatal care is one of
the most important things you can do
for your baby. |
If you think you
might be pregnant, or have
already confirmed pregnancy with a home
pregnancy test, call you healthcare
provider and make an appointment. It is
important for your physician to know all
medications that you may take regularly
and any medical conditions you may have
in order to provide the best care for you
and your baby. |
If your pregnancy is
going well, you can expect
to follow a routine schedule for prenatal
exams. A prenatal exam usually lasts about 10
to 15 minutes and consists of the following:(51) |
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Weight
and blood pressure check (via scale
and blood pressure instrument). This is a
good time to bring up dietary questions and
request an appointment with a nutritionist,
if you haven't already |
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Urinalysis
for sugar and protein levels |
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Fetal heartbeat check
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Check the size of
your uterus and the height of your fundus (top of uterus). (If there is a
question regarding your due date, an ultrasound may be necessary)
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A visual inspection
for edema and vein changes
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Questions about your
symptoms
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Suggested remedies or
safe medications for your symptoms, and possible follow-up visits
in between your monthly checkups |
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Possible blood tests
for certain conditions depending on your age, weight, and symptoms
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| Ask your
doctor for advice
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Before taking advice
from anyone else, it's important to see your doctor. You need to
get expert advice right from the start to lay a strong foundation for your
baby's health. Your
doctor knows your health needs better than anyone else and can give you answers
to all of
your questions. What's more, your doctor can spot the warning signs of
potential health
concerns and take the appropriate steps to help you right away. So be sure to
see your
doctor regularly, and call the physician's office if you sense any unusual
symptoms or have
concerns or questions about your pregnancy. |
| Keep track
of questions for your doctor |
It’s important to
discuss concerns about pregnancy and birth with your doctor. Use a journal
or notebook to write down any questions you might have. Then you can be
prepared to
discuss them during your scheduled prenatal visits. Having the answers to your
questions
may help you feel better. |
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| Call your
healthcare provider right away if you have: |
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Unusual
or severe cramping or abdominal pain |
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Noticeable changes in
your baby's movement after 28 weeks of gestation
(if you don't count 10 movements in 2 hours or less)
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Difficulty breathing
or shortness of breath
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Signs of premature
labor including: |
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Regular
tightening or pain in the lower abdomen or back |
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Any bleeding in the
second or third trimester |
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Fluid leak |
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Pressure in the
pelvis or vagina |
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Also
call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following conditions
during pregnancy: |
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A fever
over 100° Fahrenheit |
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Vaginal
bleeding |
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Severe or persistent
vomiting |
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Swelling in your
hands, fingers or face |
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Severe diarrhea
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Blurred vision |
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Fainting spells or
dizziness |
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Sore, cracked or
bleeding nipples |
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Pain, burning or
trouble urinating |
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Severe headaches
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Unusual vaginal
discharge |
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Pain or cramping in
your arms, legs or chest |
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