Prenatal Health Care
Fundal Height Fetal Heart Rate
Your health care provider will measure from the top of the pubic bone to the top of your uterus( fundus) to gauge whether baby is growing as expected. The measurement in centimeters should be about the same as the number of weeks of pregnancy( after the 12th week).
Your baby’ s heart rate is usually monitored at each appointment throughout your pregnancy using a portable device, called a Doppler. You may be able to hear your baby’ s heartbeat for the first time as early as eight weeks, though it may be later depending on factors like the position of the fetus or the size, shape and position of the uterus.
Preview
Pelvic / Vaginal Exams
Your health care provider will usually do a Blood Pressure pelvic exam at your first appointment and
may also do a Pap smear. This is a screening where a sample of cells and a swab of the vagina are taken and sent to a lab to be analyzed for any abnormalities. Pelvic exams are not a routine part of every prenatal appointment.
Vaginal exams in late pregnancy and during labor may be offered to evaluate changes in the cervix indicating labor is nearing or measuring the progress of labor.
At each visit, your blood pressure will be taken. A healthy blood pressure is between 90 / 60 and 120 / 80. Your blood pressure is considered high when the top number is 140 or greater, or when the bottom number is 90 or greater. Your blood pressure, along with the presence or absence of other symptoms, may indicate a health concern. A healthy diet, low-stress lifestyle and plenty of exercise can help you maintain a normal blood pressure during pregnancy.
Weight Gain
Your weight will be measured at each appointment to help identify concerns if you gain more or less than expected. The recommended total weight gain for pregnancy varies based on your starting weight and health status, but is generally somewhere between fifteen and forty pounds( seven to eighteen kg). Underweight women may be encouraged to gain more than average, while overweight women may safely gain less than average. Generally, focusing on regular physical activity and sound nutrition is best, rather than weight, which can fluctuate week by week and doesn’ t necessarily indicate health status.
Healthy Pregnancy 7