women s health issues
Medical Care During Pregnancy
First examination
After pregnancy is confirmed, the woman should have a physical examination, preferably between 6 and 8 weeks of pregnancy. At this time, the length of the pregnancy can be estimated and the date of delivery can be predicted as accurately as possible. Doctors ask about disorders the woman has and has had, drugs she taken, and details about previous pregnancies, including problems that occurred such as Diabetes During Pregnancy , The first physical examination during pregnancy is very thorough. It includes the following: Measurement of weight, height, and blood pressure Examination of the ankles for swelling Pelvic Examination : During this examination, the doctor notes the size and position of the uterus. Blood tests: A sample of blood is taken and analyzed. Analysis includes a complete blood cell count, tests for infectious diseases (such as syphilis, hepatitis, and human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]), and tests for evidence of immunity to rubella and chickenpox (varicella). Blood type, including Rh factor status (positive or negative), is determined. Urine tests: A sample of urine is taken and analyzed. Screening for Cervical Cancer or a variation of it: Samples of tissue from the cervix are taken to check for cancer of the cervix. Screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections : Immediately after the Pap test, another sample of tissue from the cervix is taken to test for sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea and chlamydial infection. Other tests may be done, depending on the woman’s situation. Thyroid hormone levels may be measured in some women (such as those with who have had a thyroid disorder, diabetes, infertility, or miscarriage). If the woman has Rh-negative blood, it is tested for antibodies to the Rh factor (see Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn ). The woman's immune system produces these antibodies when her Rh-negative blood comes in contact with Rh-positive blood—for example, in a previous pregnancy with a fetus who has Rh-positive blood. The antibodies (called Rh antibodies) may destroy blood cells in a fetus with Rh-positive blood, causing severe problems (even death) for the fetus. If antibodies in a pregnant woman’s blood are detected early, the doctor can take measures to protect the fetus. All women with Rh-negative blood are given Rh(D) immune globulin, injected into a muscle, at 28 weeks of pregnancy. They are also given an injection after any possible contact between their blood and the fetus's blood—for example, after an episode of vaginal bleeding or amniocentesis and after delivery. Rh(D) immune globulin reduces the risk that the fetus's blood cells will be destroyed. Things to avoid during pregnancy include tobacco, second-hand smoke, drugs, alcohol, cat litter and feces, and contact with people who may have chickenpox or shingles. During the flu season, all pregnant women should get a flu shot. Women of African descent are tested for Sickle Cell Disease if they have not been tested previously. Skin 