Throughout pregnancy, from the first visit to the gynecologist until labor, medical supervision of the pregnant woman is of vital importance. This helps to ensure a smooth and safe progression of the pregnancy. A series of visits to the gynecologist are following during which appropriate medical check-ups are done so that we can be absolutely certain that the fetus is developing properly.

The main goals of monitoring the pregnancy:

  • Analysis, diagnosis and treatment of any condition or other obstetric complication are some of the main goals of pregnancy monitoring.
  • It is also necessary to diagnose and treat any embryonic problems such as infections and anatomical anomalies while, at the same time, informing the expecting parents on anything concerning their pregnancy, childbirth and the period of accouchement.

The primary check-up for pregnancy monitoring is the ultrasound, which gives us all the necessary information about the course of the pregnancy.

The necessary information is as follows:

  • The viability of the fetus.
  • The age of the fetus.
  • If the pregnancy is single, twin or multiple.
  • The location of the fetus and the placenta.
  • The amount of amniotic fluid.
  • Any genetic abnormalities of the fetus.
  • The gender of the fetus, depending on its position in the uterus.

In a normal pregnancy, the primary pregnancy monitoring ultrasounds are the following:

  • Week 5 to 6: First trimester ultrasound.
  • Week 12 to 13: Nuchal Translucency Ultrasound and PAPP-A.
  • Week 21 to 22: Level II ultrasound.
  • Week 32 to 33: Doppler ultrasound.
  • A biophysical profile (Doppler ultrasound in combination with an antenatal cardiotocography) is performed after 36 weeks, if considered necessary.

However, in addition to the planned pregnancy monitoring, your gynecologist can give advice on appropriate diet and general lifestyle during pregnancy.

Prenatal Care

Prenatal care involves a set of medical check-ups that need to be performed at the beginning of the pregnancy or before the couple starts attempting to conceive.

Prenatal care usually includes the following medical check-ups:

  • Complete Blood Count, Iron and Ferritin Levels
  • Glycosylated Hemoglobin, Fasting Blood Glucose
  • Cystic fibrosis test
  • Thrombophilia test
  • Blood type and Rh factor
  • Rubella immunity
  • Tests for Hepatitis B and C Viruses, HIV I & II, and Syphilis
  • Test for toxoplasmosis
  • CMV test
  • Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
  • Amniocentesis
  • Prenatal Molecular Karyotyping
  • Non-Invasive Prenatal Control
  • Vaginal Culture Test