Family Health

Getting care early and often during pregnancy helps keep moms and babies healthy. You can even start before pregnancy with a health exam.

At prenatal visits, your doctor will:

• Check your weight, blood pressure, and urine
• Ask about your health record
• Suggest folic acid to help prevent birth defects and anemia

Tests by trimester

First trimester (weeks 1 to 13)

• Physical exam and health record
• Hear baby's heartbeat with ultrasound (10 to 12 weeks)

Second trimester (weeks 14 to 27)

• Blood tests for anemia
• Quad screening: a blood test for birth defects
• Glucose test for gestational diabetes
• Amniocentesis for genetic problems

Third trimester (weeks 28 to birth)

• Group B strep test for bacteria
• Hepatitis B screening (if positive, baby is treated after birth)

All trimesters

• Depression screening
• Tests for birth defects and other health issues

After birth

Your doctor or midwife will check your healing.

Source: Healthwise

Sandra Barajas-Avalos, BA, Health Education Specialist

Categories: Health Education Corner