FAMILY MEDICAL CARE: SIGNIFICANCE OF CHECKS
Every check is carried out for a
particular reason. This is to make certain mother and the developing infant will
remain safe throughout the pregnancy and will be well and healthy at the
termination of the confinement.
Tests are never carried out haphazardly
and just for something to do.
The weight measurements are important.
The mother-to-be should not gain more than
Similarly, blood pressure readings are
very important. Many doctors regard a reading of 140/90 as the upper limit of
normal. If pressure readings start to rise above these figures, it is a cause
for concern and action. Once more, a serious complication of pregnancy is
characterized by a sudden rise in blood pressure. The only way in which this can
be recognized is by the regular readings carried out accurately on a systematic
basis.
Urine tests seek out a substance in the
urine called albumen, which is a protein substance. If this appears, it
indicates that all is not well, and that immediate action is necessary. Once
more, it can be the warning signal that serious medical complications may be
starting, and action becomes imperative at once.
Blood checks are important. The
haemoglobin level gives a clear, accurate assessment of the mother's blood
quality. This is done at the start. If it shows a reduced level, special
treatment may be prescribed to bring it up to the normal level.
But a recheck later on is usually
recommended. So, reassessments may take place occasionally, depending on what
the doctor considers necessary.
From time to time, the doctor may
consider other tests are needed. Whatever occurs, he will make certain requests
depending on the situation at any given visit. Go along with these requests.
They are all given in your own interest, and the best interest of your baby
that's in the making.
When everything finally turns out the
way you had hoped, a lot of this will be due to your own efforts, as well as the
efforts and recommendations of your doctor. So stay with his suggestions at all
times.
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GENERAL HEALTH
