Pregnancy management and prenatal diagnosis – Warsaw

Pregnancy is a special time in every woman’s life, full of joy but also challenges. Pregnancy management is a process that requires appropriate medical care, regular tests and support from specialists. In this article, you will learn what professional pregnancy management is, what tests are necessary and how to take care of yourself and your child during this special time.

What is pregnancy management?

It is comprehensive medical care for the mother-to-be and the developing fetus. It includes regular visits to the gynecologist, performing check-ups, monitoring the health of the mother and child, as well as providing advice on lifestyle, diet and preparation for childbirth. The aim of guiding pregnant women is to ensure the safety of both the woman and her child, as well as early detection of possible health problems.

When to start pregnancy management?

The first visit to a gynecologist should take place as soon as possible after pregnancy is confirmed, preferably between weeks 6 and 8. During the first visit, the gynecologist will conduct a medical interview, perform an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy and assess its development, and order basic laboratory tests.

Key elements of the first visit:

• Medical history: the doctor will ask about your medical history, previous pregnancies, medications you are taking, and your lifestyle.
• Ultrasound examination: allows you to confirm pregnancy, assess gestational age and check whether the embryo is developing properly.
• Laboratory tests: blood count, blood type, urine test, glucose level, tests for infectious diseases (e.g. HIV, HCV, toxoplasmosis).

Pregnancy visit schedule

Pregnancy care includes regular visits to a gynecologist, the frequency of which depends on the stage of pregnancy and possible risk factors. The standard schedule of visits is as follows:

• Until 28 weeks of pregnancy: visits every 4 weeks.
• From weeks 28 to 36 of pregnancy: visits every 2-3 weeks.
• From 36 weeks of pregnancy: weekly visits.

What do regular visits include?

• Ultrasound examination: At least three ultrasound examinations are performed during pregnancy (in the first, second and third trimester) to monitor fetal development.
• Blood pressure check: Checking your blood pressure is important to detect any problems such as gestational hypertension early.
• Urine test: allows you to detect urinary tract infections, which may be dangerous for the mother and baby.
• Weight monitoring: Regular weighing helps monitor weight gain, which should be in line with your doctor’s recommendations.
• Fetal heart rate monitoring: From the second trimester, your doctor will regularly check your baby’s heart rate to make sure it is developing normally.

Necessary tests during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a number of tests are performed to monitor the health of the mother and child. Here are the most important ones:

First trimester tests:

• Ultrasound scan: between the 11th and 14th week of pregnancy, so-called genetic ultrasound, which assesses the risk of chromosomal defects.
• PAPP-A test: a blood test that, together with genetic ultrasound, can assess the risk of Down syndrome and other genetic defects.
• Blood group and Rh factor testing: important in case of serological conflict.
• Testing for infectious diseases: HIV, HCV, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, rubella.

Second trimester tests:

• Mid-term ultrasound: between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy, which assesses the anatomy of the fetus and detects any malformations.
• Glucose tolerance test: between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy to rule out gestational diabetes.

Third trimester tests:

• CTG test: from the 38th week of pregnancy, which monitors the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions.
• GBS test: between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy, which detects the presence of Group B Streptococcus, which may pose a risk to the newborn.

Diet and lifestyle during pregnancy

Pregnancy management is not only about regular visits to the doctor, but also taking care of yourself through a healthy diet and a proper lifestyle. Here are some tips:

Diet during pregnancy:

• Protein: important for fetal development. Include lean meat, fish, eggs, and legumes in your diet.
• Calcium: essential for baby’s bone development. Eat dairy products, nuts, seeds.
• Iron: prevents anemia. Eat red meat, spinach, beans.
• Folic acid: important for the development of a child’s nervous system. You can find it in green vegetables, citrus fruits, whole grains.

What to avoid during pregnancy:

• Alcohol and cigarettes: absolutely forbidden, can cause serious developmental defects in the child.
• Raw meat and fish: may contain bacteria or parasites that are dangerous to the fetus.
• Excess caffeine: Limit coffee and other caffeinated drinks.

Preparing for childbirth

Pregnancy care also includes preparing for labor. It is worth taking part in a childbirth class, where you will learn how labor progresses, how to cope with pain, and how to care for a newborn. The doctor who manages your pregnancy can also give you advice on choosing a hospital and a birth plan.

What to take to the hospital?

• Documents: pregnancy booklet, test results, ID card.
• Clothes for mother and baby: comfortable clothes, diapers, cosmetics.
• Baby accessories: blanket, bodysuit, romper.

Summary

Pregnancy management is a key element of caring for the health of the mother-to-be and her child. Regular visits to the gynecologist, check-ups and a healthy lifestyle are essential for a healthy pregnancy. Remember that every pregnancy is different, so it is important to stay in constant contact with your doctor and listen to your body. With proper medical care and support from specialists, you can enjoy this special time, preparing for the birth of your child.

If you are pregnant or planning to become a mother, consult a gynecologist to start professional pregnancy management. Your health and the health of your child are the most important!

At Kierach Medical Clinic in Warsaw, pregnant patients are cared for by a specialist in gynecology and obstetrics, Dr. Michał Boroń, MD. He is a graduate of the Silesian Medical University in Katowice. He completed specialist training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Department of Perinatology, Gynecology and Obstetrics at the Municipal Hospital in Ruda Slaska. He was distinguished by His Magnificence the Rector, and was an active member of student scientific groups. He has received numerous awards at scientific conferences and is the author of numerous publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals. He is constantly expanding his knowledge and skills at national and international conferences.

, is the winner of the award granted by the Silesian Medical Chamber for the best results in the Final Medical Examination in the autumn session of 2018. We are all the more pleased that he has joined the medical team at Kierach Medical Clinic.

Do you need a consultation with a specialist gynecologist and obstetrician? Call +48579645819 or make an appointment online. You can find more interesting articles about gynecology on our blog.

Why is care during pregnancy so important?

Pregnancy is a special time in a woman’s life, full of hope, joy and anticipation. However, it also involves certain risks that can affect the health of both the mother and the child. Being aware of possible complications allows for their early detection and appropriate action, which is why regular monitoring of health during pregnancy is so important.

• One of the most serious threats is complications related to hypertension. High blood pressure can lead to preeclampsia, which manifests itself with swelling, proteinuria and headaches. If left untreated, it can progress to eclampsia, which is life-threatening for the mother and child. Therefore, blood pressure control and a healthy lifestyle are crucial in preventing this condition. Preeclampsia is a disorder occurring during pregnancy, which manifests itself with high blood pressure (gestational hypertension) and the presence of protein in the urine (proteinuria). It can also lead to damage to other organs, such as the liver or kidneys. Preeclampsia occurs in about 5-8% of pregnant women and is one of the main causes of complications for both the mother and the fetus.

Key features of preeclampsia:

• High blood pressure: systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg.
• Proteinuria: presence of protein in the urine above 300 mg per day.
• Swelling: Swelling of the hands, feet and face is common, although it is not a specific symptom.

Causes of preeclampsia

The exact causes of preeclampsia are not fully understood, but it is believed that placental dysfunction plays a key role. Some possible causes include:

1. Abnormal placental blood supply: Abnormal development of placental blood vessels can lead to inadequate blood flow to the fetus, causing an inflammatory response in the mother.
2. Immune factors: An abnormal response of the mother’s immune system to the placenta may contribute to the development of preeclampsia.
3. Genetic factors: A family history of preeclampsia increases the risk of its development.
4. Environmental factors: obesity, diabetes, kidney disease and first pregnancy may increase the risk.

Symptoms of preeclampsia

Preeclampsia can develop gradually or come on suddenly. Here are the most common symptoms to look out for:

1. High blood pressure: systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg.
2. Proteinuria: The presence of protein in the urine that can be detected during routine testing.
3. Swelling: swelling of the hands, feet, face, especially if it appears suddenly and is severe.
4. Headaches: Persistent, severe headaches that do not improve with pain medication.
5. Visual disturbances: blurred vision, spots before the eyes, sensitivity to light.
6. Abdominal pain: pain in the upper abdomen, often on the right side, may indicate liver damage.
7. Nausea and vomiting: especially in advanced pregnancy, may be a symptom of preeclampsia.
8. Decreased urine output: may indicate kidney problems.

When should you see a doctor?

If you notice any of the above symptoms, especially high blood pressure, headaches, or vision problems, contact your doctor immediately. Preeclampsia can progress rapidly and requires urgent medical attention.

Diagnosis of preeclampsia

The diagnosis of preeclampsia is based on several key tests:

1. Blood pressure measurement: Regular blood pressure measurements are essential to detect hypertension.
2. Urine test: the presence of protein in the urine is one of the main diagnostic criteria.
3. Blood tests: assessment of liver function, kidney function and platelet levels.
4. Fetal ultrasound: monitoring fetal growth and condition, assessing placental blood flow.
5. CTG study: monitoring fetal heart rate and uterine contractions.

• Another risk is gestational diabetes, which occurs when a woman’s body is unable to effectively regulate blood sugar levels. This can lead to complications such as fetal macrosomia, or excessive growth of the baby, which increases the risk of complications during delivery. A proper diet, physical activity and regular glucose testing help minimize the negative effects of this disease.

We cannot forget about infections, which can be particularly dangerous during pregnancy. Viruses, bacteria and parasites can pass through the placenta, threatening the health of the child. Infections such as toxoplasmosis, rubella or cytomegalovirus can lead to birth defects or miscarriages. It is therefore important to avoid potential sources of infection, such as raw meat, unpasteurized milk or contact with sick people.

An improper diet and nutrient deficiencies are also a threat. A lack of folic acid can lead to neural tube defects in the fetus, and iron deficiency increases the risk of anemia in the mother and child. A healthy diet, rich in vegetables, fruit, protein and healthy fats, is essential for the proper development of pregnancy.

Some women also struggle with the problem of premature birth, which can be caused by infections, cervical insufficiency, stress or other health factors. Birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy can result in the baby’s organs being immature, requiring specialist medical care. It is therefore important to pay attention to the body’s signals, such as contractions or disturbing vaginal discharge, and to react quickly to disturbing symptoms.

The mental health of a pregnant woman cannot be ignored either. Stress, depression or anxiety can affect not only the well-being of the expectant mother, but also the development of the child. High levels of cortisol – the stress hormone – can have a negative impact on the development of the fetus’s nervous system. Support from loved ones, rest and taking care of emotional balance are key to a healthy pregnancy.

Pregnancy management: Risks during pregnancy can have many causes, but early diagnosis, a healthy lifestyle, and proper medical care significantly reduce the risk of complications. Regular visits to the doctor, prenatal tests, and self-care are the best way to ensure the safety of yourself and your baby.