Pregnancy follow-up is very important for a healthy pregnancy process and a comfortable delivery. Pregnancy follow-up begins when the pregnancy is diagnosed. If the pregnancy is singleton, check-ups should be done every two weeks during the first 3 months.

In the later stages, if the doctor has no special requests, monthly follow-ups are conducted. During this process, the risks of pregnancy and the mother's health status are analyzed. If there are risk factors for the mother such as advanced or young maternal age, obesity or being underweight, hypertension, diabetes, anemia, or uterine abnormalities, follow-ups may be more frequent.

When Can the Baby Be Seen on Ultrasound?

The gestational sac can be seen at the 5th week via ultrasound (USG). This sac is filled with fluid. By the 6th or 7th week, the baby’s heartbeat can be heard.

What Tests Are Performed During the First Examination?

In case of Rh incompatibility, the indirect Coombs test is requested. Then, blood type, complete blood count, liver and kidney functions, urine culture, urine analysis, thyroid function, hepatitis, and TORCH (rubella, toxoplasmosis, etc.) serological tests are conducted.

Check-Up Intervals During Pregnancy

• Between weeks 6 and 8, the gestational sac, the location of the embryo, whether the pregnancy is single or multiple, and routine blood and urine tests are done.

• Between weeks 10 and 14, the baby's nuchal thickness is measured via ultrasound. A double screening test is performed. If the test result is high risk, amniocentesis is performed to confirm the diagnosis. Amniocentesis is a procedure in which a sample is taken from the fluid surrounding the baby using a needle.

This test allows early diagnosis of diseases such as Down syndrome. Also in this week, the NIPT DNA test can determine if the baby has genetic disorders, particularly Down syndrome.

• Between weeks 16 and 18, the quadruple screening test is requested. The baby is examined via ultrasound. If the result is high risk, amniocentesis is performed for a definitive diagnosis.

• Between weeks 20 and 24, the baby's organ development is mostly complete. A detailed ultrasound is done to examine for anomalies. This is conducted by a perinatologist, and approximately 80% of anomalies can be detected.

• Between weeks 24 and 28, a glucose loading test is done to screen for gestational diabetes.

• At week 28, an anti-D injection is given to mothers with Rh incompatibility.

• Between weeks 28 and 36, routine ultrasound checks are conducted. Urinary tract infections are screened. The mother's weight and blood pressure are monitored.

• After the 36th week, the obstetrician recommends the delivery method. If any condition prevents vaginal birth, a cesarean section is planned. The NST test is used to assess the baby's well-being. After the 36th week, NST is done weekly and every 2–3 days after the 40th week.

• After the 40th week, the pregnant woman is monitored every 2–3 days. If labor does not start, intervention may be required.