If you're pregnant, you need to start your antenatal care as soon as possible. Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines recommend that you have your first antenatal visit during the first 10 weeks of your pregnancy. There are many reasons why you should begin your antenatal care as early as possible. If you plan to postpone your antenatal care, read the information provided below. You'll find four important reasons to schedule an appointment with your obstetrician as soon as you can.
Monitor Maternal Health
If you haven't scheduled an appointment with your obstetrician, now's the time to do that. You might not realise this, but your obstetrician needs to monitor your health throughout your pregnancy. This includes your blood pressure and weight gain. But, it also includes things like sugar and protein levels. That's why your obstetrician will take a urine sample from you during each antenatal visit. Monitoring your health can help ensure a healthy outcome for you, and for your baby.
Track Fetal Development
If you're pregnant, your obstetrician will need to track fetal development. That can be done during your antenatal appointments. During each appointment, your obstetrician will listen to the baby's heartbeat. They'll also measure growth and development. When you see your obstetrician on a regular basis, changes in fetal development can get identified early.
Perform Antenatal Testing
During pregnancy, you'll need to undergo antenatal testing. Some of these tests involve blood work. But, some testing involves procedures such as ultrasounds and genetic testing. Your obstetrician will determine what types of antenatal testing you'll need for your pregnancy. Some of the antenatal tests are performed on a routine basis. But, some testing will be performed if you have specific issues that could affect your pregnancy. For instance, if you're over the age of 40, your doctor might recommend an amniocentesis. This test helps to identify defects such as spina bifida, or down syndrome.
Offer Support and Training
If you're expecting your first child, you may need additional support and training. If that's the case, your obstetrician can help with that. One of the benefits of early antenatal care is that you have access to things like antenatal education classes, and nutritional training. This training can help you prepare for your first child.
Give your baby the head start it needs for a healthy life.
If you have found out that you are pregnant, contact an obstetrician near you to learn more.
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