Prenatal: The importance of medical follow-up during pregnancy

The arrival of a baby is an event full of emotions and expectations. It is a period in which future parents have the opportunity to prepare everything for the arrival of the new family member. Prenatal care emerges, then, as a key element in this scenario, a window into the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby.

Prenatal care is a journey that begins with the confirmation of the pregnancy and continues until the moment of delivery. During this phase, exams, medical consultations and guidelines are carried out to help prevent risks and complications, contributing to a healthy pregnancy and a safe birth.

However, there is still much ignorance about the importance and benefits that prenatal care offers. In this text, we invite you to delve deeper into this subject, in order to understand the importance of prenatal care and discover how it can favor conscious and safe motherhood.

What is Prenatal?

Prenatal care is the period of medical follow-up that extends from confirmation of pregnancy to delivery. During this phase, the pregnant woman undergoes regular consultations with obstetricians, undergoes clinical and laboratory tests and receives guidance on healthy habits, nutrition, physical exercise and baby care.

The purpose of prenatal care is to ensure the health of the mother and baby, prevent possible complications during pregnancy and childbirth and prepare the pregnant woman for motherhood. Through it, it is possible to monitor the development of the fetus, detect diseases that may affect the mother or the baby, plan the delivery and provide important information for the care of the newborn.

Therefore, prenatal care is an essential period in the life of every pregnant woman, as it offers integrated care that goes beyond the physical aspect, also encompassing emotional and social aspects, contributing to a safe and peaceful pregnancy.

When to start prenatal care

Prenatal care should begin as soon as pregnancy is confirmed, preferably before the tenth week of pregnancy. Readiness at the beginning of prenatal care is essential to ensure that both mother and baby can fully benefit from the care and preventive interventions that will be carried out during this period.

The first prenatal consultations are particularly important because they allow identifying any risk factors that may be present. In addition, they provide the opportunity for health professionals to advise on basic care, proper nutrition, tests to be performed, among other relevant aspects of pregnancy.

Therefore, when confirming the pregnancy, the woman should immediately seek a health service to start prenatal care. Regularity and compliance with consultations and examinations are essential to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery.

What is done in the first prenatal?

The first prenatal visit is a crucial step in the pregnancy journey. It is the time when the health professional performs a series of procedures to check the health of the mother and baby and plan care during pregnancy. Here’s what typically happens in that initial encounter:

• Medical and family history: The doctor will ask about the mother’s general health, pre-existing illnesses, family health history, as well as details about menstruation and contraception;
• Pregnancy confirmation: Even if a home test has already indicated pregnancy, the doctor will perform a blood or urine test to confirm the pregnancy;
• Expected due date calculator: Based on the date of the last menstrual period or an ultrasound examination, the doctor will estimate the due date;
• Physical examination: The mother will undergo a complete physical examination, including measurement of blood pressure, weight and height;
• Laboratory tests: The mother will be asked to undergo a series of blood and urine tests to assess her general health, as well as to detect any condition that may affect the pregnancy, such as anemia, diabetes, infections, HIV, among others;
• Guidance and clarification of doubts: The doctor will explain the importance of prenatal care, the necessary care during pregnancy, proper nutrition, tests to be performed during pregnancy, among other aspects. It is an important moment for the mother to clarify all her doubts;
• Prescription vitamins: Often, the doctor prescribes vitamin supplements such as folic acid and iron to ensure the health of the mother and baby.

Can you have intercourse in the first 3 months of pregnancy?

It is possible to have sexual intercourse in the first three months of pregnancy, as long as the pregnancy is developing normally and without complications. Pregnancy does not prevent or limit the couple’s sex life, and the practice can be maintained during almost the entire gestational period, as long as there is comfort and well-being for the pregnant woman.

During pregnancy, the woman’s body undergoes several changes, and some of them can influence the couple’s sex life, such as mood swings, tiredness and nausea, common in the first trimester. In addition, it is normal for women to feel more sensitive and sexual intercourse requires more care and delicacy.

However, it is fundamental that the woman talk openly with her doctor about her doubts and concerns, including about her sex life. In cases of high-risk pregnancies, with the possibility of miscarriage or premature birth, the doctor may recommend sexual abstinence. Therefore, it is always important to follow the specific medical guidelines for each case.

What is the ideal time to do the first ultrasound?

The ideal time to perform the first ultrasound, also known as an ultrasound, varies, but is generally recommended between the 7th and 12th week of pregnancy. This exam is essential to confirm the pregnancy, verify that the embryo is properly implanted in the uterus, identify multiple pregnancies (such as twins) and estimate the probable date of delivery based on the size of the embryo.

Ultrasonography performed between 11 and 14 weeks, known as nuchal translucency ultrasound, is particularly important as it allows the identification of some alterations that may suggest the presence of syndromes, such as Down syndrome.

What is the highest risk period in pregnancy?

Pregnancy can be divided into three trimesters, each with its own specific risks:

1. First trimester (until the 13th week): This is the period when most of the baby’s development takes place, with the formation of the main organs and systems. During this phase, the risk of miscarriage is greatest, particularly in the first 8 weeks. Fetal malformation can also occur due to toxic exposures or maternal infections.
2. Second trimester (14th to 26th week): The risk of miscarriage decreases significantly in this trimester. However, there are still risks such as premature birth and conditions such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, which may arise or worsen during this period.
3. Third trimester (27th week until delivery): At this stage, the concern is about premature birth and complications such as pre-eclampsia and inadequate fetal growth. The baby’s position is also monitored to see if the baby is face down, the ideal position for a vaginal birth.

What is the value of a private prenatal?

The cost of prenatal care at a private clinic can vary greatly depending on many factors, such as the region of the country, the reputation and experience of the obstetrician, the number of consultations, the types of tests required and any complications or special conditions that may arise. During the pregnancy.

As a reference, the costs of individual consultations with obstetricians in private clinics could range from R$200 to R$500 per consultation, depending on the location and the doctor. In addition, blood tests, ultrasounds and other special tests also have additional costs.