Each time you visit your health care provider, you will probably
be asked to urinate in a cup. This sample will be used to check
for your levels of protein, sugar, and other substances in your
body. Too much protein can be a sign that your kidneys are
working properly, or later in your pregnancy, a warning of
developing preeclampsia. Too much sugar is an indicator of
gestational diabetes. Monitoring these levels throughout your
pregnancy, help ensure a healthy pregnancy for both you and
baby!
Blood Pressure Checks
Blood Pressure is also usually measured at each visit. It's
taken by the use of a sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff) and
a stethoscope. There are two numbers in your reading. The top
number is the systolic pressure. This is the pressure of your
arteries when your heart contracts to pump blood. The bottom
number is your diastolic pressure. It measures the pressure when
your heart is relaxed. A rise in blood pressure can be a sign
of preeclampsia. It's normal to have a slight increase in your
blood pressure during pregnancy. If you are a larger sized woman, be sure to request a large cuff instead of a regular sized cuff. If the cuff is too small for your arm, you can end up with falsely elevated blood pressure readings.
Fundal Height
As you grow in your pregnancy, you will be measured from your
pelvic bone, to the top of your uterus. This helps your
health care provider see just how your baby is growing. They make
also feel around to see if they can determining how the baby is
positioned in your uterus, particularly during the final weeks of
your pregnancy.
Weight Gain
You will be monitored to see if you are gaining weight each month
in small increments. If you find that you are gaining too rapidly,
or not fast enough, you may be offered nutritional advice and
counseling.
Baby's Heartrate
Once you are around 12 weeks, your baby's heartrate can be heard with
a Doppler device. A Doppler uses ultrasound waves to detect baby's
heart beat. You will be able to hear it over the speaker on the Doppler.
Baby's heartrate can vary from 120 - 170. It varies from baby to baby.
Hearing your baby's heart beat is always a wonderful, reassuring sound.
if you have any questions or comments!