Internal Check Up Process during pregnancy

Internal checkup during pregnancy as call as investigations during pregnancy- Home investigations are advisable during pregnancy, to ensure the well being of both, the mother and the foetus. However, they need to be done with extreme care so that no harm comes to the mother to be and her child. Only very few and necessary tests should be conducted during pregnancy. They are listed here with some information about each.

1. Blood tests :

A) Haemoglobin: The pregnant woman is susceptible to low haemoglobin since she nourishes both herself and the baby within her. If there are signs of haemoglobin deficiency  (anaemia), it is better to focus on correcting her diet, and on the intake of Ayurvedic medicines to normalise the haemoglobin levels, rather than repeating blood tests unnecessarily.

B) Blood sugar: There may be some fluctuations in the blood sugar levels during pregnancy, due to changes in carbohydrate metabolism. It is vital that the blood sugar levels be monitored on a regular basis if there is a sudden increase in weight, and an existing family history of either diabetes or idiopathic abortions (miscarriages due to unknown cause). An increase in blood sugar levels at this time may not necessarily mean diabetes. To begin insulin treatment or other medication in such circumstances may harm the foetus. It is better, instead, to control sugar levels by controlling the diet and relying on natural Ayurvedic remedies.

C) HIV and Hepatitis B: Tests for these conditions are now mandatory, prior to delivery.

D) Determination of blood group: It is vital for the pregnant woman to know her blood group in case of an emergency. In the event that her blood group is Rh negative, appropriate measures can be taken early in order to safeguard her health and that of the foetus.

It is advisable that all blood tests be carried out in one sitting to avoid drawing blood from the pregnant woman again and again. If absolutely necessary, only the haemoglobin tests may be repeated.

2. Blood pressure :

In some cases, blood pressure tends to increase towards the end of pregnancy, so this should be checked regularly, particularly during the last trimester. This is all the more necessary if there is swelling in the feet or body, or bouts of giddiness. In most cases, blood pressure returns to normal after delivery.

3. Urine check :

The kidneys (urinary system) of the expectant mother, are under pressure, as they have the dual responsibility of excreting wastes from her body as well as from the foetus. For this reason, it is normal to find traces of albumin or sugar in the urine. If this is the case, no treatment is required. But if these levels, especially albumin, are found to be abnormally high, it could affect the nutrition oft he foetus. The following symptoms require that an urgent urine test be carried out – swelling around the eyes, burning urination, itchiness, frequent urge to urinate or white discharge (of watery or yoghurt-like consistency). Please seek expert medical advice if the levels of albumin are very high or present consistently in urine.

4. Sonography :

Sonography, where sound waves are used as an investigative method, when discovered, was propagated as harmless to mother and child. It is a common practice these days to regularly have sonography tests conducted during pregnancy. But modern science has now discovered that repeating sonography tests could harm the baby’s brain. The investigation may be performed once, during the 4th or 5th month of pregnancy, to check for any physical abnormalities or genetic defects. It should be repeated only if any specific irregularities have been found. Unnecessary repetitions for any other reasons, like checking the growth of the baby, should be avoided.

5. X- Rays :

These are usually avoided during pregnancy. If unavoidable, they should not be taken during the first trimester. Exposure to these harmful rays can cause severe side effects to the foetus, such as genetic mutations, cancer, or growth defects (teratogenesis), to name a few.

General rules for Internal Checkup and tests

1. 0nly those tests which are absolutely necessary for certain diagnostic purposes, should be conducted.

2.Repetition of tests should be kept to a bare minimum.

3.This also applies to blood tests, as the experience of a needle piercing and drawing of blood is not advisable during pregnancy