Prenatal care
One of the most amazing journeys of human life takes place between conception and birth, when the parents prepare to receive the newborn. We at villa medicina strive to accompany you on this journey and to support you while providing the utmost care for the health of the mother and the baby in a secure and organised manner.
Our gynecologists
PRENATAL CARE PROCESS:
The first step is to establish the pregnancy. It is advised to take a pregnancy test earliest 10-12 days after conception, while the ultrasound examination should be done from the 5th week after the last menstruation.
Between the 7th and 8th week, the ultrasound examination shows if the implantation took place outside or inside the uterus and if the embryo is alive. At this stage, one can already hear the heartbeat and the exact stage of the pregnancy can be determined.
During the 9th week, the ultrasound result will be discussed. The pace of the embryo‘s growth will be controlled.
At this stage, it is also possible to detect in the ovum, if a twin pregnancy is at hand. The embryo is already actively moving and floating in the amniotic fluid, but the mother cannot feel any movement yet.
- Measuring blood pressure and weight
- Uterus ultrasound
- Cancer screening
Blood tests, blood sugar level. Syphilis, (RPR, VDRL), blood type (antibodies for Rh mothers), urine test, HbsAg (marker test), control of kidney and liver function, TSH (thyroid gland functioning)
TORCH: Toxoplasma gondii, „Others” (other microbes), Rubella, human cytomegalovirus, Hepatitis During this period it is also advised to visit your general medical practitioner, to pay an introductory visit to the midwife/nurse, and to visit the dentist.
We meet again during the 12th week for the first genetic consultation. By this time, all essential organs have already developed. In addition to establishing the fetus measurements, we concentrate on early recognition of developmental disabilities, as well as divergences pointing to chromosomal abnormalities. Down syndrome can be detected by the measurement of nuchal translucency and examination of the nasal bone.
2nd trimester
16th week: If this is not the first pregnancy of the mother, it is possible that she can feel the fetus moving.
By the 22nd week, most women can identify certain kinds of small movements and little kicks. As the weight the mother has to carry is increasing, her back and waist must be supported.
The second genetic ultrasound is done between the 18th and 20th week, and the results of this examination will be analysed together. This is followed by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), which serves to detect gestational diabetes. This condition can occur in a woman without diabetes during pregnancy and it can pose a danger both to the mother and the fetus.
The bone structure of the fetus is developing rapidly; the alveoli are developing in the lungs. The small body of the fetus starts to develop body fat. The fetus now weighs approximately 160-170 grams.
The 24th week: At the end of the second trimester, we do a consultation followed by laboratory tests: blood tests, urine test, kidney and liver function testing, TORCH and OGTT. We also check the antibodies of mothers with „Rh“ negative blood type.
3rd trimester
In the course of the 28th week, the results of the laboratory tests will be discussed and if necessary, we also consult the opinion of a dietician.
Forming part of our prenatal care, we check the blood pressure and the fetus’ heartbeat. With the help of the ultrasound examination, the baby’s measurements and the pace of its growth will be monitored. At this point, the fetus already amounts to or exceeds one kilogram and is approximately 36 cm long.
30th – 32nd week: The third and last genetic ultrasound examination. The blood circulation and the blood supply of the baby will be examined, ensuring that the conditions inside the uterus are still appropriate (flow). In this period, it is also advised to monitor the baby’s movements at least one to two times per day.
Weekly ultrasound flow examinations and CTG (monitoring the fetal heartbeat) between the 36th and 40th week.
The BSH screening takes places during this week, which serves to detect the streptococcus bacteria. These bacteria usually do not endanger the mother‘s health, but if it comes into contact with the baby at birth, it can cause a serious disease.
Laboratory tests and INR: Assessment of the risk of deep vein thrombosis
After the due date, we do a CTG control and an ultrasound examination every two days until the birth of the baby.
Baby life care is a new innovative service, which allows mothers-to-be to observe the fetus’ heartbeat comfortably from home.
Genetic advice
There are three genetic examinations during the prenatal care period. The first genetic examination takes place during the 12th week, the second one between the 30th and the 32nd week, however, in certain cases it is recommended to provide further genetic consultation.
Genetic consultation is definitely recommended if the ultrasound shows abnormal results, or in case the mother is older than 35 years, and/or the father is older than 45 years.
We also recommend a genetic consultation to couples who already have children suffering from birth defects or genetic illnesses, or if there are such cases in the family. Another risk factor is if one of the parents suffers from a hereditary or contracted illness. This is called genetic medical history.
You can read more on the genetic screening tests and on the genetic consultation under „Fetal Medicine“!