Why Prenatal Checkups Matter: Essential Pregnancy Care for Moms
Pregnancy is one of the most joyful, exciting, and life-altering journeys in a woman’s life. For today’s Filipino women, balancing family, work, and daily responsibilities while preparing for a baby can be challenging. Even so, one thing should never be overlooked: regular prenatal checkups.
Why is Prenatal Care Important?
Prenatal care is crucial during pregnancy because it provides the guidance and support women need for a safe and healthy pregnancy. It is a combination of checkups and routine tests that helps increase the chances of a healthy birth and reduce the risk of complications.
At the Care Center Clinic, we understand that every pregnancy is important. That’s why we encourage regular prenatal visits to help monitor the health of both mother and baby. Our prenatal care services in the Philippines include obstetric consultation, clinical laboratory tests, and OB ultrasound.
What To Expect During the First Prenatal Visit?
Finding out you’re pregnant can be a wonderful thing, but it can also be overwhelming, especially for a first-time mom-to-be. Set your first prenatal appointment with a trusted Obstetrician (OB-GYN) in the Philippines to discuss your medical history, due date, nutrition, prenatal vitamins, and possible risk factors. The first prenatal visit is usually the longest.
Medical history
Your OB-GYN might ask you about the following information:
- Gynecological history: Menstrual cycle, contraceptives, past pregnancies (if any)
- Medical history: Personal and family
Vaccinations - Current medications: Including maintenance drugs, vitamins or supplements
- Physical activities
- Lifestyle: Use of caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, recreational drugs
- Travel to areas where infectious diseases are common: Malaria, Zika virus, Mpox
- Health conditions and risk factors that could affect you or your baby
It’s important to be honest with your OB-GYN by sharing vital information. This will help your doctor give you and your baby the best care possible.
Physical Exam
- Your doctor will perform a thorough check of your physical health, including your height, weight, and blood pressure. Your BMI will be calculated to know how much you need to gain for a healthy pregnancy.
- You will be given a physical exam, including a breast and pelvic exam.
- If it’s been a while since your last Pap test, your doctor can recommend one.
- Depending on your condition, your doctor can recommend diagnostic tests to evaluate your heart, lungs, and thyroid health.
Due Date
Your doctor will estimate your due date based on the first day of your last menstrual period. The estimated due date is around 40 weeks from the first day of your last period.
Laboratory Tests
Your doctor might request the following:
- Urine test
- Blood test: Blood type test, check hemoglobin, and check immunity and exposure to certain infections
What to Expect During the Next Prenatal Visits?
In general, succeeding prenatal visits are every four weeks until the 28th week. They are shorter compared to the first one. Your doctor will:
- Check your blood pressure
- Track your weight
- Measure your belly to check fetal growth
- Listen to your baby’s heartbeat (starting about 12 to 14 weeks)
- Do routine prenatal tests
- Examine your hands and feet for swelling
Your OB-GYN may recommend a first trimester ultrasound. As your pregnancy progresses, your doctor may request additional tests to monitor your health and your baby’s development.
Your doctor may ask you to visit the clinic every two weeks until the 36th week. Then every week until delivery.
When Can You Find Out the Sex of Your Baby?
Are you having a boy or a girl? It’s possible to find out the sex of your baby during a routine ultrasound at 18-20 weeks. If your baby is in an awkward position during the ultrasound, it may be difficult to see the genitals clearly.
Bottomline
Prenatal care plays a huge role in a healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery. Regular prenatal checkups allow your OB-GYN to monitor your health and your baby’s growth, identify potential pregnancy risks, and guide you at every stage of pregnancy.
Visit the Care Center Clinic, the best one-stop clinic in the Philippines, and schedule your prenatal checkup. Our dedicated OB-GYNs are ready to guide and support you throughout your pregnancy.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. When should I schedule my first prenatal checkup?
It’s recommended that you schedule your first prenatal visit as soon as you find out you’re pregnant.
2. How often should I have prenatal checkups?
In most pregnancies, prenatal visits are scheduled every four weeks until the 28th week; every two weeks until the 36th week, then every week until delivery. Your OB-GYN can adjust this schedule depending on your pregnancy and overall health.
3. What laboratory tests are done during pregnancy?
Your doctor can recommend blood tests for blood type screening, hemoglobin testing, and screening for certain infections. Additional tests may be requested depending on your medical history and condition.
4. When can I know my baby’s sex?
The baby’s sex can usually be identified during the routine ultrasound performed between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.
5. Where can I get prenatal care in the Philippines?
At the Care Center Clinic, our experienced OB-GYNs provide prenatal care, including obstetric consultation, clinical laboratory tests, and OB ultrasound.