What does the obstetric visit consist of?
The obstetrical examination is a fundamental appointment in the care and monitoring of a woman’s health during pregnancy. It stands out for its specificity in accompanying the future mother throughout the entire gestational journey, offering essential medical and informational support for the well-being of mother and child. This type of visit is not limited to just checking the physical health of the pregnant woman, but embraces a holistic approach that also considers psychological and emotional aspects, crucial in this delicate phase of a woman’s life. Through an accurate medical evaluation, the midwife or obstetric gynecologist are able to identify any conditions that could affect the normal development of the pregnancy, providing targeted and personalized advice for each specific need.
Obstetrical examination in Milan: what is it for?
The obstetric visit plays a key role in ensuring the correct progress of the pregnancy and the health of the unborn child. It serves first of all to monitor fetal development, through the evaluation of critical parameters such as growth, position and heart rate of the fetus. Equally important is the ability of this visit to identify early any gestational complications, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, allowing the timely adoption of targeted interventions to safeguard the health of mother and child. The obstetric visit also represents a fundamental moment for the creation of a relationship of trust between the woman and the professional who accompanies her on this journey, offering space to discuss doubts, fears and expectations regarding pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. Furthermore, it provides the pregnant woman with valuable advice on nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle to adopt to promote a positive outcome of the pregnancy.
How is it done?
The obstetric visit is divided into several phases, each time adopting specific procedures to evaluate the health of the pregnant woman and the fetus. Initially, the professional collects detailed information about the woman’s medical history, including any previous pregnancies, existing medical conditions, lifestyle habits and medication intake. A physical examination follows, including measuring blood pressure, weight and height to calculate the body mass index, essential for monitoring weight gain during pregnancy. An abdominal examination is also performed to evaluate uterine growth and the position of the fetus, accompanied, when necessary, by a pelvic examination to check the condition of the cervix. Ultrasounds may be scheduled at specific times during the pregnancy to obtain detailed images of the fetus, evaluate its development, health and position, and to identify the sex if desired. Finally, laboratory tests may be requested to check for the presence of specific conditions or deficiencies. At each obstetric visit, blood pressure and weight are measured to monitor the risk of serious conditions such as preeclampsia.
At each obstetric visit, the gynecologist reviews routine laboratory tests, such as blood and urine tests, to detect any abnormalities and the normal progression of the pregnancy. Also during this outpatient setting, an obstetric ultrasound is performed to assess fetal well-being and the growth of the future newborn.
Difference between obstetric visit and gynecological visit
Although obstetric visits and gynecological visits are often associated due to their common focus on women’s health, they have distinct purposes and areas of intervention. The gynecological visit is a preventive medical check-up aimed at assessing the general health of the female reproductive system, regardless of pregnancy. This includes tests such as the Pap test, aimed at preventing cervical cancer, and the evaluation of the ovaries and uterus to identify any anomalies. On the contrary, the obstetric visit is specifically dedicated to monitoring and supporting women during pregnancy, with a particular focus on fetal development and the prevention of gestational complications. Although both are essential for women’s health, the obstetric visit follows women in one of the most significant moments of their lives, ensuring targeted and specialized assistance in the maternity journey, while the gynecological visit is crucial for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of conditions that can affect reproductive health regardless of pregnancy.
Other useful information
The context of the obstetric visit is also the time for discussion regarding lifestyle, nutrition, physical activity, and to answer any questions or concerns of the patient. The gynecologist, in fact, listens invaluably to the fears and concerns of the woman.
Obstetric visits are recommended regularly throughout the course of pregnancy on a monthly basis. The frequency of these appointments can vary based on individual needs and the development of the pregnancy, thus ensuring personalized and careful monitoring of the well-being of the mother and child.
The attention and care provided during obstetric visits represent a fundamental aspect for a healthy pregnancy and a safe birth, underlining the importance of qualified and attentive medical support at this very significant moment in a woman’s life.
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