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What is Pregnancy Monitoring?

Pregnancy duration is a very important process for expectant mothers. While eagerly waiting for their babies, they also make great efforts to pay attention to themselves during their pregnancy. Throughout their pregnancy, expectant mothers are monitored by expert doctors, and the monitoring stages are determined. During this monitoring process, the age of pregnancy, the health status of the mother and fetus, preventing problems that may occur during pregnancy, and informing the parents are the main goals. An expectant mother must be monitored by a healthcare institution during her pregnancy, and this helps prevent possible complications. Pregnancy monitoring is divided into specific time periods, and during these periods, mothers undergo certain tests. The time periods for pregnancy monitoring are the first trimester (first 14 weeks), second trimester (18-24 weeks), and third trimester (28-32 weeks).

In this article, we will thoroughly answer the questions such as: what is pregnancy monitoring, when should pregnancy monitoring start, how is pregnancy monitoring done, and what is checked during pregnancy monitoring?

When Should Pregnancy Monitoring Begin?

Pregnancy monitoring should be done by a specialist doctor in a healthcare institution every 2-3 weeks within the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. After the first 3 months, pregnant women are expected to come for monthly checkups. The factor that affects the frequency of pregnancy monitoring is the health status of the mother and baby. If both the mother and baby are in good health, it may mean that the pregnancy follow-ups do not need to be done frequently.

How is Pregnancy Monitoring Done?

Pregnancy monitoring is followed in three main phases: first 14 weeks, 18-24 weeks, and 28-32 weeks. During these weeks, some tests and examinations are performed. Weekly check-ups during pregnancy include:

• Between weeks 10-14, the baby’s nuchal translucency is checked, and the dual screening test is applied. Down syndrome can be detected if present.
• Between weeks 16-28, the triple screening test is performed. An ultrasound is done to monitor the baby.
• Between weeks 20-24, a detailed ultrasound is requested as the baby’s organs have largely developed.
• Between weeks 24-28, a glucose tolerance test is conducted to determine if the mother has gestational diabetes. Pregnant women with abnormal results are given appropriate diet plans, as high blood sugar levels can harm the baby.
• Between weeks 36, an ultrasound continues to monitor the baby, and the mother’s weight and height ratios are also checked.
• After this week, as the baby’s birth approaches, the obstetrician determines the birth plan. If there are no obstacles, a normal delivery is planned; if there are complications, a cesarean section is scheduled, and the birth date is set. Starting from the 36th week, expectant mothers undergo non-stress tests (NST) once a week, and after the 40th week, the tests are performed every 2-3 days.

What is Checked During Pregnancy Monitoring?

During pregnancy monitoring, regular tests and examinations are done to check both the mother and the baby’s health. These tests are aimed at keeping the health of the mother and baby under control. During the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, expectant mothers undergo urine tests, blood tests (hemoglobin, ferritin, TSH), fasting blood sugar tests, and chromosomal aneuploidy screening tests. Based on these results, supplements such as iron, vitamin D, tetanus, Hepatitis B immunization, flu vaccination, and necessary treatments for infections are administered. During weeks 18-24, after the first follow-up, the doctor asks the mother if she has any complaints and conducts a physical examination. Urine tests, glucose tolerance tests, and blood count tests should be repeated. If needed, the doctor prescribes medications, and any iron or vitamin D supplements are continued. Finally, in weeks 28-32, if the tetanus vaccination has not been given, it will be administered, and the mother will be informed about the birth process, the importance of breastfeeding, and baby movements. Between weeks 36-38, a pelvic assessment is performed to determine whether the pelvic anatomy is suitable for delivery and to create a birth plan.

Pregnancy Monitoring Overview

Pregnancy monitoring is the general name for the medical examinations performed by a doctor from the beginning of pregnancy to delivery. Being closely monitored by a doctor during this special period is crucial for the health of both the baby and the mother.

Pregnancy monitoring aims to closely monitor the mother’s health and ensure the baby’s development progresses healthily. This process includes regular doctor visits, prenatal tests, ultrasounds, and other medical assessments.

When Should the First Doctor Visit Be?

The first doctor visit in pregnancy monitoring should begin as soon as the person learns they are pregnant. In the beginning, women may have frequent doctor visits to get used to the pregnancy routine. However, later on, these visits may be scheduled less frequently, depending on the mother’s health and the baby’s development.

The first doctor visit also provides advice on managing the pregnancy, including important topics like vitamins and diet.

When Is the First Ultrasound Performed?

The first ultrasound can be done during the initial doctor visit after a woman confirms her pregnancy. Some women may not hear the baby’s heartbeat in the first ultrasound if they found out about the pregnancy early. This is completely normal. However, during the following ultrasounds, the heartbeat will be heard, and it will be shown to the mother. The first ultrasound can also help determine whether there is a single or multiple pregnancy, and the baby’s development will be monitored.

What to Do After a Positive Pregnancy Test?

If someone quickly learns they are pregnant using a home pregnancy test, they should confirm it by having a blood test. The blood test checks the hCG hormone, confirming the pregnancy. After this step, the person should definitely consult a doctor to discuss how to plan the pregnancy process. This period marks the time of the first doctor visit.

How Is Pregnancy Monitoring Done Week by Week?

Pregnancy periods are divided into trimesters. The first trimester is between weeks 1 and 12 (first three months). During this period, the doctor calls for a weekly check-up to monitor the baby’s condition. The second trimester is between weeks 13 and 27 (second three months), during which the baby’s gender can be determined through ultrasound. The third trimester begins at week 28 (third three months), and doctor visits become more frequent, usually every week or two.

How Long Does Pregnancy Monitoring Last?

Pregnancy monitoring starts as soon as pregnancy is confirmed and continues without interruption until delivery.

When Are Risky Conditions During Pregnancy Detected?

Risky conditions during pregnancy are generally detected during the first trimester. However, problems that were not observed during the early period may become more apparent later.

Which Specialists Should I Consult During Pregnancy Monitoring?

During pregnancy monitoring, the priority is to visit an obstetrician. Obstetricians, who specialize in managing pregnancy, can guide you, conduct necessary checks, and ensure you have a healthy pregnancy.

If the pregnancy involves a high-risk situation, a perinatologist may provide specialized expertise. Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or multiple pregnancies are examples of high-risk pregnancies.

Gynecologists can also help with pre-pregnancy health checks, pregnancy monitoring, and postpartum care.

How Should Twin Pregnancies Be Monitored?

Twin pregnancies are quite complex, so monitoring should be done more frequently and carefully. In the first trimester, an ultrasound is performed to check the baby’s heartbeat and determine how many pregnancies are present.

During the second trimester, attention is given to the babies’ development, and the fluid levels between the babies are monitored. Doctor visits are generally made every 2-3 weeks.

In the third trimester, the risks of twin pregnancies increase, and problems like gestational diabetes, premature birth, and preeclampsia are more carefully monitored. As birth approaches, doctor visits become more frequent and may occur weekly.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements During Pregnancy Monitoring

During pregnancy monitoring, your doctor will prescribe the medications you need. The most important of these is folic acid. Folic acid is recommended from before pregnancy and during the first 12 weeks to support the baby’s neural tube development. The neural tube is crucial for the brain and physical development of the baby.

Iron intake is also very important. Iron is transferred from the mother to the baby and is essential for the baby’s brain development. Therefore, the mother needs to keep her iron stores full.

Calcium is important for the baby’s bone and dental development. The need for calcium increases during pregnancy, and your doctor may recommend calcium supplements if necessary. Additionally, Vitamin D and Omega-3 can also be taken.

How Much Weight Should I Gain During Pregnancy?

The amount of weight you should gain during pregnancy depends on your starting body weight and the stages of pregnancy. If your weight is within the normal range, gaining between 11-16 kilograms is normal. If you are underweight, gaining 12-18 kilograms is recommended, and if you are overweight, gaining 7-11 kilograms is considered normal.

What Should Be Considered During Pregnancy Monitoring?

Regular doctor visits during pregnancy monitoring are essential. Smoking and drug use can seriously harm the baby’s health. These substances should be avoided.

Nutrition Recommendations During Pregnancy Monitoring

A balanced and healthy diet is essential to meet the needs of both the baby and the expectant mother. Try to consume a balanced diet that includes proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.