At Mid-Valley Community Clinic, we believe that all our patients deserve the very best medical care; even those that are yet to be born. However, prenatal care is just as important for the expectant mother as it is for her unborn child.
What is pregnancy care?
Good quality pregnancy care involves looking after the health of both mother and child and doing everything possible to ensure a safe pregnancy and simple delivery. However, each woman’s needs will vary depending on her general health and previous pregnancy experiences. In general, pregnancy care will involve:
- Regular check-ups to ensure that the baby is growing as expected and is not in any distress.
- Advice on diet, exercise, and potential risks to both mother and her baby.
- Medication reviews and advice on supplements.
- Advice related to bodily changes and discomforts related to pregnancy.
- Advice related to warning signs for potential complications
What tests are involved?
Pregnancy can often leave women feeling like a cross between a pin cushion and a laboratory specimen. However, it is important for pregnant women to undergo a range of tests to ensure the continued good health of themselves and their unborn child.
At Mid-Valley, we aim to keep uncomfortable and invasive tests to a minimum. By working with moms-to-be from the outset, we believe we can help prevent many potential problems. However, some testing is necessary and may include:
- Being weighed, measured, and having your blood pressure taken.
- Initial pelvic examination.
- Pap smear (checks for abnormalities in the cervix).
- Urine tests (for high sugar levels and protein levels).
- Blood tests (for iron levels, infectious diseases and blood cell count).
- Ultrasound (to determine due date).
When things don’t go according to plan…
The majority of pregnancies are nine months long and uneventful. However, in a small number of cases you might experience unwanted physical symptoms such as severe morning sickness, swollen ankles, and uncontrollable mood swings. These usually settle down and all that is required is reassurance.
However, in a small number of pregnancies there are complications that require medical intervention or additional medical support. We are dedicated to being there for our patients and if your pregnancy does not go according to plan, we are there to provide you with the best possible care and support. We will ensure that everything is explained to you and that you are fully aware of all your choices and treatment options at every stage. Our team is there to listen to your concerns and give you the support you need at every step of the way.
If you are expecting and haven’t yet chosen your pregnancy care provider, give us a call today and our dedicated team of doctors, nurses and health care workers will help you through every stage of your pregnancy. If you are planning a pregnancy in the near future, come and talk to one of our team members and get a head start on your pregnancy care.
