Routine Pregnancy (Prenatal) Care

What Is Routine Pregnancy Care?

Routine pregnancy care refers to the standard programme of monitoring offered during pregnancies that are not expected to involve complications. Its purpose is to track how both mother and baby are developing, catch potential issues early, and guide the mother through each stage of pregnancy.

In Prof. Dr. Melahat Atasever’s Ankara practice, attending regular check-ups allows the mother’s health and the baby’s growth to be assessed step by step. Identifying a finding early opens the door to timely intervention.

How Does the Monitoring Programme Work by Trimester?

Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters, each roughly three months long, and the focus of monitoring shifts across these periods.

First Trimester (Weeks 0–12)

• Confirming the pregnancy and calculating the estimated due date
• Initial blood tests: blood group, complete blood count, rubella, hepatitis B, HIV, toxoplasmosis
• Addressing pregnancy-related nausea and other early symptoms
• The week 11–14 NT (nuchal translucency) ultrasound and biochemical screening (dual test)

Second Trimester (Weeks 13–27)

• The detailed anomaly screening ultrasound (recommended between weeks 18–22)
• The glucose loading test to screen for gestational diabetes (weeks 24–28)
• Triple or quadruple screening testing (when considered necessary)
• Checking the baby’s movements, heartbeat, and growth

Third Trimester (Weeks 28–40)

• Tracking the baby’s position, growth, and amniotic fluid level
• Group B streptococcus (GBS) screening (weeks 35–37)
• Working out the birth plan and mode of delivery
• Non-stress testing and biophysical profile assessment (when indicated)

What Is Done During Routine Check-ups?

At each pregnancy visit, your physician typically reviews:

• The mother’s blood pressure, weight, and overall health
• The baby’s heartbeat and fundal (uterine) height
• Any complaints, along with guidance on how to manage them
• The plan for the next visit and any tests that need to be ordered

Ultrasound scans are scheduled at specific weeks, separate from these routine visits.

Nutrition and Lifestyle Recommendations During Pregnancy

General guidance for supporting a healthy pregnancy includes:

• Following a balanced, varied diet that includes iron-, calcium-, and folic acid-rich foods
• Taking the vitamin and mineral supplements your physician recommends
• Avoiding alcohol and tobacco entirely
• Keeping caffeine intake limited
• Maintaining consistent sleep habits and avoiding excessive fatigue
• Reaching out to your physician if support with stress management is needed

When Should a Physician Be Consulted?

Beyond the scheduled check-up appointments, certain situations call for urgent evaluation:

• Vaginal bleeding or a sudden gush of fluid
• A noticeable drop in the baby’s movements
• Severe abdominal pain or contractions
• High fever
• Severe headache, visual changes, or sudden swelling

If any of these occur, going to a healthcare facility promptly is recommended.

Preparing for Birth

As pregnancy nears its end, preparation for birth becomes the focus. The birth plan is developed together with your physician; learning in advance about the mode of delivery, choice of hospital, options for managing labor pain, and breastfeeding can make the process feel more manageable. Antenatal classes and lactation counseling can also be valuable during this stage.