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 twelfth 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 .
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Pelvic / Vaginal Exams
Your health care provider will usually do a 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 .
Blood Pressure
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