Weight and height are recorded and if you are either very under or overweight, this is the opportunity to discuss your diet. A specimen of your urine will be tested. This will be done at each and every visit because there are several problems which are specific to pregnancy which can be identified from abnormalities in urine content: Glucose (sugar) in the urine is common in pregnancy. If your urine consistently contains glucose, You may be asked to have a blood test (either glucose tolerance test or random blood glucose) and if the glucose level is high then this be diabetes of pregnancy, known as ''gestational diabetes'' and you and your baby will need closer monitoring throughout the pregnancy Protein found in the urine of pregnant women is common because the normal vaginal discharge all women experience is increased and may contaminate the urine sample, showing as protein. On a more serious level it may be indicative of a bacterial infection of the kidneys or bladder or an underlying problem with high blood pressure of pregnancy. Ketones are found in urine after prolonged vomiting, dehydration or occasionally missing too many meals. It suggests an alteration in the body''s metabolic (energy generating) system. Very rarely it can be associated with poorly controlled diabetes. Blood pressure is recorded regularly. Usually this is done with you sitting upright or at 45 degrees. It is normal for your blood pressure to drop slightly in the middle 13 weeks of pregnancy (13 to 26 weeks), and to rise slightly in the last 13 (27-40 weeks). If you are told that your blood pressure is low then this is usually nothing to worry about; blood pressure that consistently rises throughout pregnancy may not be (depending of course on what level it started at, and how high it rises) and may need close monitoring. Blood tests will be carried out to (with your consent) to check that you are in good health and that you are not at risk from certain conditions which are harmful in pregnancy. Blood group and rhesus status: Everyone belongs to a blood group and it is important to know which one in case you need blood during the pregnancy or labour. The commonest is O; A, B and AB are much less common and therefore it is useful to know if you belong to a rare blood group in advance should you ever need a blood transfusion. Rhesus status is either positive or negative, so that you may be ''O negative'', ''A positive'' etc. Rhesus positive simply means that there is a special identifying label on your blood cells that isn''t present if you are Rhesus negative; if you are Rhesus negative then sometimes you need further blood tests in pregnancy to check for the production of antibodies, and injections of ''anti D'' if you have bleeding in pregnancy or at delivery. -Haemoglobin (red blood cell level). Red blood cells contain iron and carry oxygen; if their level is low, then you are said to be anaemic, and advised to eat foods with high iron content. It may also be suggested that you take iron supplementation, in the form of tablets. It is normal for a woman''s iron levels to fall slightly in pregnancy with the extra demands of the growing baby. Severe anaemia may make you very tired and affect the baby''s growth; if you bleed heavily in pregnancy or at delivery you don''t have much in reserve and may need a blood transfusion. Blood will also be taken to see whether or not you have had syphilis. This sexually transmitted disease is nowadays rare to find (as it is so easily cured) but if untreated, or not known about, could cause development problems and abnormalities of the baby in the womb. Hepatitis B (a liver disease) is often tested for and can be passed from you to the baby in pregnancy. If you have had the disease then the newborn baby will need blood tests and vaccination in the first year of life. Many hospitals are now offering ''opt out'' HIV tests. Knowledge of HIV status is especially relevant in pregnancy as certain measures can dramatically reduce the chances of the baby getting HIV infected from about 20% to less than 5%. Also, it allows you to have specifically directed treatment that hopefully will improve your health too. Immunity to rubella (German measles) is checked. If you catch it in early pregnancy, it will often lead on to blindness, heart defects and mental retardation in babies. As it is so preventable, and the consequences of catching it in pregnancy so severe, most schoolgirls are automatically vaccinated for it. Sickle cell disease (affects people of African and West Indian origin) and thalassaemia (those of Indian, Oriental, Mediterranean and African origin) are blood disorders which affect the way the haemoglobin contained in red blood cells is produced. You can carry these disorders without actually suffering from them, but there is a risk you might pass them on and cause the disease in your baby if your partner is also a carrier, so it will often be necessary to test him.
| Urine Tests | You will be asked to provide a urine specimen, which is tested by a nurse or midwife to check for possible irregularities. Glucose (sugar) More than a trace of glucose may be a sign of diabetes. You may need a blood test.
Protein When this is found in quantity in the urine, it may signal a bladder or kidney infection, or preeclampsia.
Ketones These are substances, that if present, mean that the body''s metabolic system is upset, probably because you haven''t eaten enough or have vomited. |
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 - My mother said that she nearly died of toxaemia when she had me. Does this mean that I am going to get it?
- What is 'pre-conception care' and isn''t it just some people who need it?
- What can I improve on before I get pregnant?
- Will smoking affect my pregnancy?
- Where can I get maternity clothes?
- Do I need special underwear?
- I am five weeks pregnant and initially had very sore breasts but now they aren't sore at all...is this OK?
- What''s a natural birth?
- Do the hospital provide TENS machines?
- I''m worried about having a Down''s baby...there are so many tests available. What is the difference between a screening and a diagnostic test?
- What happens if I get so exhausted in labour that I can''t push the baby out?
- Is it safe for me to eat out in restaurants when pregnant?
- Should I overdose on vitamins to be really healthy?
- What is cytomegalovirus (CMV)?
- I have a regular menstrual cycle. How do I know when I am at the most fertile part of my cycle?
- What is LH (luteinizing hormone)?
- Can I still have sex?
- How can I prepare for an active birth?
- My partner has a low sperm count. What does this mean for my chances of getting pregnant?
- What sort of medical check-up do I need before getting pregnant?
- Where can we go to get Pre-Conception Care?
- I recently had an abnormal cervical smear test. How will pregnancy affect this?
- Can a cone biopsy of the cervix interfere with my pregnancy?
- Is there anything special I should be eating when trying to get pregnant?
- Do I need to take extra vitamins in supplement form?
- Why do I need to take folic acid?
- What the Professionals say: Preconception care: is it worth it?
- What's the best age for me to try for a baby?
- At my scan at the hospital, the doctor said my placenta was ''low''. Is this going to cause a problem in my pregnancy?
- What do they look for at the booking or anomaly scan?
- Is a breech delivery at term (37+ weeks) dangerous for me or the baby?
- Can I find out what sex the baby is at my booking scan?
- What is a Doppler scan?
- What the Professionals say: Is ultrasound screening useful?
- What is the difference between chromosomal, genetic and congenital abnormalities?
- When are invasive tests offered?
- Is prenatal diagnosis safe?
- In my culture, it is very common for us to marry first cousins, and most of my Uncles and Aunts did. Can this cause birth defects?
- What sort of things will be covered in antenatal classes?
- Is it normal to have backache in pregnancy?
- What can I do to alleviate the backache?
- Why is folic acid important to take at around conception?
- Can you give examples of natural pain relief I can use?
- My sister had a baby with spina bifida. What is it and how can I prevent it happening to my baby?
- What is a ''congenital'' abnormality
- I am trying to conceive and we are using KY jelly as a lubricant. Is it true that it kills sperm?
- I'm 30 years old and had one cone biopsy and two LLETZ biopsies. Do I have a chance of having a healthy pregnancy?
- I had laser treatment on my cervix six months ago to remove lesions caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and my next pap smear revealed that the same thing had recurred. My Gynae tells wants to do a cone biopsy now, but says that if I want children, we should do it now, as the cone biposy can have detrimental effects on a pregnancy. Is it safe to leave during a pregancy?
- I am taking folic acid 400mcg. I forgot to take one yesterday, should I double today''s intake?
- How long should you wait after having a baby to get pregnant again? Are there any negative effects of having one baby after another?
- The doctor said that I had a lesion on my cervix. Does it have more of a chance of turning into cancer now that I''m pregnant?
- I want to have a baby but have had pre-cancer of the cervix-is this dangerous?
- I have very long irregular periods, but all the blood test and scans have been OK. What could be the cause for this?
- My husband takes a great deal of pills for headaches. Would that affect my chances of getting pregnant?
- My wife just had an abnormal smear showing abnormal cells that could lead to cancer. The doctors would like to remove 1-2cm of the cervix. Is this going to interfere with her chance of getting pregnant again?
- Is it OK to take antibiotics while trying to get pregnant?
- I had cramping but no bleeding on the day I was supposed to start my period, but nothing happened. Could I be pregnant?
- I stopped taking birth control and got my first non-pill period 33 days later. Should my cycles be normal now?
- I have mild CP (cerebral palsy) and was wondering if this could complicate the artificial insemination process?
- A few years ago I was told by my doctor that I had a tilted womb. What does this mean?
- I suffered heavy periods and as a result had the lining of my womb removed. Is it true that I cannot get pregnant, even by IVF?
- I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, does this mean I can't get pregnant?
- How long does sperm live in the uterus and fallopian tubes?
- Will having sex at a certain time in my cycle give me a baby boy?
- I am 34 years old and trying to conceive.Is it true that I shouldn't walk much, climb stairs or be involved in physical activities until I conceive?
- I've been taking erythromycin for my acne and want to become pregnant. When should I stop taking the tablets?
- Both my fallopian tubes are completey blocked. Is there any way for me to become pregnant naturally, or is IVF my only option?
- How soon is too soon to become pregnant after delivering a baby?
- I use KY as a lubricant; will this affect my chances of getting pregnant?
- I have irregular periods every 3-4 months, can I get pregnant?
- I have a body mass index (BMI) of 14.5; what risks could I face during pregnancy?
- Is it common to have light cramps if you have recently become pregnant?
- I got pre-eclampsia with my first and second children. What is the chance of it happening again?
- Is it safe to have an ECG done during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy?
- What should I do if baby is moving less than usual 27 weeks pregnant?
- I was prescribed ferrous sulphate recently as I had a slightly low iron levels. We are trying for a baby-can I continue taking ferrous sulphate if I am pregnant?
- What are the possible birth defects the baby can have if I smoke marijuana?
- Can I use a heating pad for my back aches during my pregnancy?
- I am 44 years old and have very regular periods-is there anyway to tell if an egg has actually been released? We've been trying to get pregnant again for about 6 months but nothing yet.
- My parents were told when I was born that when I wanted to have kids one day, that I would have to get a shot of a certain medicine and if I didn't, then my baby could come out with major disabilities. What could this be?
- We have two cats and my husband won't clean their litter. What should I do to protect myself during pregnancy, short of giving away our cats?
- What home remedies work to help to get a woman pregnant...I am taking flaxseed, prenatal vitamins....anything else I can do?
- Does the woman have to have an orgasm to get pregnant?
- I'm 20 weeks pregnant and my blood group is B rhesus negative (-). Is this going to be a problem?
- Can you still get pregnant if you have used a lubricant?
- I have had three operations to remove fibroids (myomectomies) with the last one being last year. Can I still have a baby and when can I try?
- My husband and I are ready to have our first baby but I was on birth control pills from the age of 18 to 32. Will being on it that long affect me getting pregnant?
- I have recently had my coil removed after 14 months. How soon can I become pregnant?
- Does having a pap smear test done two weeks after my last period date affect my chances of getting pregnant?
- My husband had dental X rays recently and I was sitting in the next room with the wall between us. I may be in the very early stages of pregnancy-should I be worried?
- How long should I wait to start trying to conceive after taking acne medications? How can I be certain that the drugs is gone from my system to prevent any harm to the fetus?
- What can I do to increase my chance of having a baby girl?
- I have had my tubes tied and diathermised (burned). Is there any way to reverse this?
- How long should I wait to get pregnant after having loop diathermy treatment to the cervix?
- Can the sex of a 12 week fetus be determined from a picture of a scan?
- I've been a heavy drinker for a long time and now want to get pregnant. Will this affect my chances of getting pregnant?
- How will I know if the clomiphene works?
- I've just had an ovarian cyst removed and my period came last week. How long can I wait until I try for a pregnancy?
- Following a 7 week scan my new EDD means that I ovulated 10 days after having intercourse. Is this possible?
- I am trying to get pregnant. Should I be taking any vitamins before pregnancy to help get my body ready?
- I have been told that when having a third baby there is more risk of abnormalities. Is this true?
- Ccan a female still in her thirties that smokes cigars on a daily basis have a chance at getting pregnant?
- How long should I wait to try to get pregnant after taking oxytrecycline for acne?
- I'm planning to have a baby and have just come off the pill. I am a beauty therapist in a busy salon, and perform treatments such as full body massages whilst burning aromatherapy oils, and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal. Will performing treatments such as these be harmful to my unborn child, as I get hot whilst doing massage and inhale lots of oil smells?
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