First Weeks in Pregnancy: What Checks Perform?
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Pregnancy beginning special exciting time in every woman's life. To reduce anxiety rule out possible risks tailor individual pregnancy care plan in first pregnancy weeks months recommended perform several essential checks. About what examinations performed in first pregnancy weeks continues to tell Health and Beauty Center Adoria gynecologist Jana Bjornsone.
Summary About Examinations in First Pregnancy Weeks:
- First examinations: blood urine analyses allowing assess prospective mother's overall health condition other important indicators.
- Visual diagnostics: gynecological ultrasonography for early fetal development assessment.
Pregnancy Confirmation First Specialist Visit
First signs potentially indicating pregnancy onset usually menstrual delay enhanced fatigue breast tenderness pulling sensations in lower abdomen.
If pregnancy suspected initial confirmation can be provided by home pregnancy tests determining chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) level in urine. But need consider these tests not always show pregnancy in early stage. To obtain more accurate results HCG level can be determined also by submitting blood test to laboratory – this method much more sensitive able confirm pregnancy in very early stage.
In addition to HCG sometimes additionally determined also progesterone level in blood – its indicators can provide additional information about pregnancy development in early stage especially cases with complications in anamnesis concerns about pregnancy maintenance. However to gain full confidence rule out ectopic pregnancy risk start necessary care important timely go to gynecologist.
Register for pregnancy accounting possible from 8th pregnancy week counting from first day of last menstruation. During this visit performed detailed anamnesis collection including information about previous pregnancies births suffered diseases chronic illnesses in family used medications lifestyle habits.
Also performed gynecological examination assess uterus size condition also taken smears for analyses e.g., oncocytological examination if not performed in last year. This visit basis for further pregnancy monitoring plan.
- Anxiety about upcoming birth natural but will help timely preparation not only practically but also physically emotionally. Get advice how prepare for birth read our specialists prepared article: "Birth Preparation Course: How Prepare for Birth?".
Indispensable Laboratory Examinations in Early Pregnancy Their Importance for Quality Pregnant Women Care
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Laboratory examinations in first pregnancy weeks months provide essential information about prospective mother's health condition possible risks. After first visit ordered several blood urine analyses.
- HCG progesterone level determination in blood: performed confirm pregnancy especially in early stage or assess pregnancy development dynamics if complications suspected. Characteristic sharp HCG level increase (often doubling every 48–72 hours) in early pregnancy indicates normal development while sufficient progesterone level essential for successful embryo implantation pregnancy maintenance.
- Complete blood count: helps assess hemoglobin level (rule out anemia) leukocyte platelet count providing insight into overall health condition immune system function;
- Blood group Rh factor determination: crucial identify possible Rh incompatibility between prospective mother fetus potentially causing complications in normal pregnancy course. If mother's Rh negative fetus's Rh positive mother's body can start produce antibodies attacking fetal red blood cells causing health problems for fetus especially in subsequent pregnancies. If pregnant woman Rh negative fetus Rh positive tailored specific prophylaxis;
- Infection screening: mandatory performed HIV syphilis B hepatitis tests. Depending on risk factors other infection checks recommended e.g., C hepatitis toxoplasmosis cytomegalovirus rubella (if vaccination status disease history unknown). Early infection diagnostics critically important timely start treatment reduce risk to fetus.
- Blood glucose level: helps early identify gestational diabetes risk.
- Urine analyses: performed determine protein glucose leukocytes bacteria presence potentially indicating kidney function disorders urinary tract infections other health complications. Urinary tract infections during pregnancy common if not treated can cause serious complications therefore their early diagnostics very important.
Ultrasonography in First Trimester Other Specific Examinations
First trimester ultrasound for pregnant women one of most important diagnostic examinations. Usually first ultrasonography performed between 6th 9th pregnancy week main goals:
- rule out ectopic pregnancy;
- determine number of fetuses (one several);
- assess fetal heart rate;
- specify pregnancy time performing fetal measurements;
- assess uterus ovaries condition.
Second important ultrasonography for pregnant women in first trimester performed between 11th 13th (+6 days) pregnancy week. During this examination performed so-called first trimester combined genetic screening. Includes ultrasonographic fetal nuchal translucency nasal bone measurement also other fetal structures assessment in combination with specific biochemical markers (PAPP-A free ß-HCG) determination in mother's blood.
- determine approximate delivery date;
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This comprehensive examination helps assess Down syndrome other chromosomal anomalies risk. Based on 1st screening results can be recommended additional examinations e.g., non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) from mother's blood invasive diagnostics methods (chorionic villus sampling amniocentesis) if risk elevated. These decisions always made individually consulting with specialist.
Important remember regular checks specialist consultations necessary throughout pregnancy not only in first weeks. Each trimester has its specific examinations monitoring plan tailored to individual needs ensuring comprehensive pregnancy care.
- Get general recommendations for healthy diet during pregnancy – from recommended products to general tips for healthier menu – reading article: "Pregnant Women Diet: What Eat What Avoid?".
Gynecology in Riga Health and Beauty Center Adoria
Planning pregnancy crucial choose reliable medical institution receive professional quality pregnant women care. Health and Beauty Center Adoria gynecology in Riga A. Čaka street 70-3 offers state-funded pregnant women care – latest generation diagnostic equipment experienced specialists individual approach both during pregnancy postpartum period. Book visit now!