Pregnancy Follow-up

Comprehensive Pregnancy Follow-up

Pregnancy is one of the most special and transformative experiences in a woman’s life. This nine-month miraculous journey can progress in the healthiest possible way for both the expectant mother and the developing baby through regular and informed medical monitoring. Pregnancy follow-up, or prenatal care, is the process, from the beginning of pregnancy to delivery, in which the health status of the mother and baby is regularly monitored, evaluated, and any necessary interventions are planned by a Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist. The main purpose of these follow-ups is to detect possible risks early, support healthy lifestyle habits, prepare the expectant mother for delivery, and ultimately achieve a healthy mother and a healthy baby. At our clinic in Ankara, Prof. Dr. Nuray Bozkurt, recognizing that every pregnancy is unique, provides a personalized, comprehensive, and attentive pregnancy follow-up service. Remember, the first step toward a healthy pregnancy is starting your follow-up visits as early as possible.

Why Should You Have Regular Pregnancy Follow-up? Importance and Benefits

Regular pregnancy follow-up is not just a series of checkups; it is a proactive approach that is vital for the health of both mother and baby. The main benefits are as follows:

For Maternal Health:

  • Early Detection of Risks: Early diagnosis and treatment are ensured for pregnancy-specific conditions such as high blood pressure (preeclampsia), gestational diabetes, anemia, and urinary tract infections.
  • Management of Existing Conditions: The effects of chronic health problems that existed before pregnancy, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and hypertension, are monitored throughout the pregnancy and their treatment is arranged accordingly.
  • Support for a Healthy Lifestyle: Guidance is provided on proper nutrition, safe exercise during pregnancy, and ideal weight gain. Giving up harmful habits such as smoking and alcohol is encouraged.
  • Emotional and Psychological Support: An opportunity is provided to talk about and receive support for the physical and emotional changes and concerns brought on by pregnancy.
  • Preparation for Delivery: Information is provided about the delivery process, delivery options, pain management, and the postpartum period.

For the Baby’s Health:

  • Monitoring Growth and Development: The baby’s growth and development in the womb are regularly monitored using ultrasonography and other methods.
  • Anomaly Screening: The necessary screening tests for chromosomal abnormalities (such as Down syndrome) and structural birth defects (dual screening test, detailed ultrasound, etc.) are performed at the appropriate weeks.
  • Assessment of Fetal Health: The baby’s heartbeat, movements, and general well-being are regularly checked.
  • Reducing the Risk of Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight: Preventive measures can be taken by identifying risk factors.
  • Timely Intervention: When a condition that threatens the baby’s health is detected (growth restriction, fetal distress, etc.), timely and appropriate intervention is planned.

What Does Comprehensive Pregnancy Follow-up Include? A Step-by-Step Process

Pregnancy follow-up is a dynamic process that includes checkups and tests that change at different stages of pregnancy:

1. First Examination and Assessment (Usually Between Weeks 6-10 of Pregnancy):

  • Confirmation of the pregnancy (usually seeing the gestational sac and heartbeat by ultrasound).
  • Detailed medical history (past illnesses, surgeries, previous pregnancies, family history, medication use, habits).
  • Calculation of the estimated due date based on the last menstrual period.
  • Comprehensive physical examination and gynecological assessment.
  • Initial laboratory tests:
    • Blood type and Rh factor (to determine the risk of blood incompatibility).
    • Complete blood count (anemia check).
    • Urinalysis and urine culture (infection screening).
    • Infectious disease screening: Rubella, Hepatitis B, HIV, Syphilis (VDRL/RPR).
    • Thyroid function tests (TSH).
    • Fasting blood glucose, or early diabetes screening if there is risk.
  • Initial counseling and guidance (healthy nutrition, folic acid supplementation, things to avoid, exercise, warning signs).

2. Regular Follow-up Visits:

  • Frequency: Visits are usually scheduled every 4 weeks during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy, every 2-3 weeks between weeks 28-36, and weekly from week 36 until delivery. However, this frequency is personalized according to the expectant mother’s health status and the pregnancy’s risk level (high-risk pregnancies may require more frequent follow-up).
  • Routine Procedures at Each Visit:
    • Measurement of the expectant mother’s weight and blood pressure.
    • Checking for the presence of protein and sugar in the urine.
    • Listening to the baby’s heartbeat (with a Doppler device).
    • Assessment of uterine size (in later weeks, measuring the fundal height with a tape measure).
    • Assessment of the expectant mother’s general condition, complaints, and questions.
    • Checking for edema (swelling) in the legs and hands.
    • In later weeks, asking about the mother’s tracking of the baby’s movements.

3. Specific Tests and Assessments (by Gestational Week):

  • Weeks 11-14: Dual Screening Test: The baby’s nuchal translucency (NT) is measured by ultrasound, and certain hormones (PAPP-A, free β-hCG) are checked in a blood sample taken from the mother. This test is used to determine the risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and Trisomy 18. A fetal DNA test may also be performed optionally.
  • Weeks 18-23: Detailed (Second-Level) Ultrasonography (Anomaly Screening): All of the baby’s organ systems (brain, heart, kidneys, stomach, intestines, face, limbs, etc.) are examined in detail to check for any structural abnormality. Cervical length may also be assessed.
  • Weeks 24-28: Gestational Diabetes Screening (Glucose Tolerance Test – OGTT): The expectant mother drinks a certain amount of sugary liquid, and her blood glucose levels are measured to assess the risk of gestational diabetes. A complete blood count is also usually repeated. Expectant mothers with Rh(-) blood type are given a protective Anti-D immunoglobulin (RhoGAM) injection to prevent blood incompatibility.
  • Weeks 35-37: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Screening: A swab sample taken from the vagina and rectum is used to check for GBS bacterial carriage. If the result is positive, antibiotic treatment is planned during delivery. Detailed discussions are held about the mode of delivery, signs of labor, and the hospital process.

4. Use of Ultrasonography: In pregnancy follow-up, ultrasound is an indispensable tool for monitoring the baby’s development and health. It is usually performed at least 3-4 times (first trimester, detailed ultrasound, and, if needed, a growth and position assessment in the third trimester). 3D/4D ultrasounds are generally performed optionally.

5. Ongoing Education and Counseling: Every visit is an opportunity for the expectant mother to ask questions, share her concerns, and receive information on topics such as pregnancy, delivery, breastfeeding, and infant care.

Warning Signs to Watch for During Pregnancy Follow-up

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should contact your doctor or the nearest healthcare facility immediately:

  • Heavy or continuous vaginal bleeding.
  • Abdominal pain or contractions that differ from menstrual cramps, are severe, or do not go away.
  • Sudden gush of fluid (leaking of amniotic fluid).
  • Severe or persistent headache.
  • Vision problems such as blurred vision, double vision, or seeing flashes of light.
  • Sudden and noticeable swelling (edema) in the face, hands, or legs.
  • High fever (above 38°C) and/or chills.
  • Burning, pain, or frequent urination.
  • A marked decrease in the baby’s movements or not feeling them at all, especially after week 28.
  • Unstoppable severe nausea and vomiting, weight loss.
  • Feeling faint or dizzy.
  • Any trauma, such as a fall or a blow.

Reliable and Attentive Pregnancy Follow-up with Prof. Dr. Nuray Bozkurt in Ankara

Having a healthy and peaceful pregnancy is the right of every expectant mother. Prof. Dr. Nuray Bozkurt is here at her clinic in Ankara to accompany you through this important process:

  • Extensive Experience: She offers you the most accurate guidance with her up-to-date knowledge and experience in pregnancy follow-up and management.
  • Personalized Approach: Recognizing that every pregnancy is different, she creates a follow-up plan tailored to your health status, risk factors, and needs.
  • Modern Technology: Reliable assessments are made using the advanced ultrasound devices and other diagnostic capabilities available at our clinic.
  • Communication and Support: She listens patiently to all your questions, understands your concerns, and provides you with both medical and emotional support. She maintains open and sincere communication.
  • Holistic Care: She cares not only about your physical health but also about your mental and emotional well-being.
  • Preparation for Delivery: She discusses your delivery preferences and prepares you in the best way for delivery and the period afterward.
  • Environment of Trust: She offers an environment where you will feel safe and comfortable during a sensitive process such as pregnancy.

To go through a healthy pregnancy, confidently follow your baby’s development, and move forward on this special journey with an experienced guide, you can start or continue your pregnancy follow-up with Prof. Dr. Nuray Bozkurt at our clinic in Ankara. To make an appointment, simply reach us at (0538 983 18 78) and easily schedule your visit. We are here to provide the best care for you and your baby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ideally, it is recommended that you have your first examination after your missed period and a positive pregnancy test, or between weeks 6-8 of pregnancy. This examination confirms that the pregnancy is located within the uterus, checks for a heartbeat, and calculates the estimated due date. Starting early is important.

For low-risk pregnancies, checkups are usually performed every 4 weeks during the first 28 weeks, every 2-3 weeks between weeks 28-36, and weekly from week 36 until delivery. At each visit, the mother’s weight, blood pressure, and urine are checked, the baby’s heartbeat is listened to, and her general condition is assessed. In later weeks, uterine size and the baby’s movements are also monitored.

Basic tests such as blood type, complete blood count, infection screening (Rubella, Hepatitis B, HIV, etc.), and thyroid tests are generally recommended for every pregnant woman. Screenings for chromosomal abnormalities (dual/triple/quadruple test, fetal DNA) and detailed ultrasound are generally optional but strongly recommended by your doctor. The glucose tolerance test is also generally recommended. Your doctor will inform you about the tests that are necessary and recommended for you.

These are screening tests that determine the probability (risk) of the baby having certain chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome. They do not provide a definitive diagnosis, only a risk level. If the risk is found to be high, your doctor may recommend further tests to evaluate the situation, such as a fetal DNA test or definitive diagnostic methods like CVS (chorionic villus sampling) or amniocentesis.

This ultrasound, usually performed between weeks 18-23, involves a detailed structural examination of the baby’s organs (brain, heart, kidneys, stomach, face, arms, legs, etc.). It helps detect the majority of structural congenital abnormalities and is an important part of pregnancy follow-up.

This is a test usually performed between weeks 24-28 to determine the risk of gestational diabetes. After the mother drinks a certain amount of sugary liquid, her blood glucose levels are measured. Since gestational diabetes carries risks for both mother and baby, this screening test is generally recommended for all pregnant women.

Ultrasound is a widely used and reliable tool for monitoring the baby’s growth, development, and health during pregnancy follow-up. It is generally used at least 3-4 times, but it can be performed more frequently if medically necessary. Ultrasound used for diagnostic purposes has no known harmful effects and does not involve radiation.

Symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, leaking of fluid, high fever, severe headache/vision disturbances, and decreased baby movements may require urgent medical attention. You can find a more detailed list in the “Warning Signs” section above. In any suspicious situation, you should always consult your doctor.

Yes, it is different. If there are additional risk factors related to the mother or baby (chronic illness, multiple pregnancy, previous pregnancy complications, etc.), follow-up visits are more frequent, additional tests (NST, biophysical profile, etc.) may be requested, and joint follow-up with a Perinatology (High-Risk Pregnancy) Specialist may sometimes be necessary.

During your pregnancy follow-up process with Prof. Dr. Nuray Bozkurt, you can expect a personalized, evidence-based, attentive, and supportive approach. Using modern diagnostic capabilities, both your health and your baby’s health are closely monitored, all your questions are answered, and you are prepared for delivery in an environment where you will feel safe.

You can contact us for information about diagnosis and treatment processes.

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