Healthy Mom and Healthy Baby! Pregnancy Checkup Calendar
Regular pregnancy checkups are a key element of prenatal care. A healthy mother is the first step towards a healthy and happy motherhood. It's important for pregnant women to regularly attend gynecological checkups and undergo any tests ordered.
In this article, we explain why it is important to undergo regular tests during pregnancy and present a calendar of these tests.
Why are tests important during pregnancy?
Regular checkups allow for the progress of the pregnancy and monitoring of the mother's health and the baby's development throughout each trimester. They minimize the risk of complications. This allows for the prompt, early diagnosis of potential health problems (e.g., anemia, gestational diabetes, hypertension, infections) and the initiation of appropriate treatment. Screening tests (double/triple serological marker test) allow for the assessment of the risk of genetic defects in the fetus.
When should pregnancy tests be performed?
Pregnancy tests should be performed regularly throughout pregnancy. The first blood and urine tests are usually performed during the first visit to the gynecologist after pregnancy is confirmed. Afterward, depending on the pregnancy and any risk factors, the doctor may order regular tests every 4-6 weeks. In some cases, such as when there is a risk of gestational diabetes or hypertension, the doctor may order more frequent tests, even every 1-2 weeks. Prenatal history and testing are also important to determine the risk of genetic syndromes.
Pregnancy checkup calendar
0–10 weeks
Blood type, complete blood count, urine, cytology, glucose, TSH, toxoplasmosis, HIV, HCV, VDRL, rubella, dentist, ultrasound
11–14 weeks
Prenatal ultrasound + PAPP-A
15–20 weeks
Morphology + urine
18–22 weeks
Half-length ultrasound
21–26 weeks
Glucose, urine, anti-D (Rh−), IgM toxoplasmosis
27–32 weeks
Blood count, urine, ultrasound, anti-D (Rh−)
33–37 weeks
HBs, HIV, VDRL, HCV, GBS, blood count, urine
38–39 weeks
Morphology + urine
≥ 40 weeks
Ultrasound + CTG
Important!
- The frequency of tests should be adjusted by the gynecologist depending on the patient's individual situation and possible risk factors.
- At each stage of pregnancy, the doctor performs a medical history and physical examination, measures blood pressure and body weight, and assesses the pregnancy risk. Prenatal education begins between weeks 21 and 26 of pregnancy. From this time on, the doctor assesses fetal heart rate, and from week 33 of pregnancy, fetal movements are also assessed.
A healthy mother is not only the key to a healthy baby but also to a peaceful and safe pregnancy. Therefore, regular checkups play a crucial role in monitoring the health of both mother and child. Follow-up visits to a gynecologist and scheduled tests are essential.
Medical consultation
Gynecology and obstetrics (in progress)
The information contained in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is recommended that you consult a physician or other qualified healthcare professional for advice regarding specific symptoms, ailments, or health conditions.