Antenatal Schedule

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At subsequent visits, the following examinations will be performed:

1.Maternal weight gain; mother-to-be will gain an average of 0.5kg weekly between 15 to 38 weeks of pregnancy, and an average total weight gain 12kg for the whole pregnancy.

2.Blood pressure; to detect gestational hypertension.

3.Detect oedema (swelling caused by the body's tissue fluid); it is normally found at the ankle. If excessive, this may indicate other medical problems such as hypertension or renal disease. Elevate the legs on a pillow at night will improve the condition.

4.Urine test; to detect glucose and protein levels in the urine. The presence of elevated levels may indicate gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia (pregnancy-induced high blood pressure) respectively.

5.Ultrasound scan; to monitor fetal growth and can detect 80% of fetal structural defects. A detailed scan should be done between 18-20 weeks of pregnancy.

6.Blood test; done at 18 weeks of pregnancy, checking on:

(a) Haemoglobin; to detect anaemia and thalassemia minor

(b) Blood group and Rhesus factor

(c) Hepatitis B antigen and antibody; to detect hepatitis B carrier status

(d) Human Immunity Virus (HIV) antibody; to detect HIV carrier

(e) VDRL; to detect syphilis

7.Amniocentesis; recommended for mothers older than 35 years of age or those who had previous children with Down Syndrome or abnormality.  This is done at 16 of pregnancy and can detect Down, Patau and Edward Syndrome.

 

Older mother (those over 35 years of age) will have more frequent check-up with our obstetricians because they carry a higher risk of:

1.fetal chromosomal disorder

2.gestational hypertension

3.gestational diabetes

4.bleeding

5.intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) - baby is smaller than normal during pregnancy.