The Importance of Pregnancy Control

Performing controls during pregnancy is essential to educate parents and prevent and identify possible birth defects in the baby.

Necessary controls during pregnancy

The first control of a pregnancy should be done before the couple became pregnant, in the so-called preconceptional consultation. The purpose of this consultation, according to the experts in Gynecology and Obstetrics , is to evaluate the medical and social situation of both partners, establish educational actions and promote health, as well as recommend a supplementation with folic acid, to increase the chances of a favorable outcome.During the course of pregnancy prenatal consultations are primarily aimed at establishing a relationship of trust between the professional and the couple, which is a priority for:- to be able to know the physical, psychological and social situation of the pregnant woman- provide advice and information to women on diet, lifestyle, physical activity, warning signs ...Also, we must ask for complementary examinations, both analytical and imaging tests, for the correct control of maternal-fetal health status. The ultimate goal of these consultations is to educate, prevent, detect, and reduce potential risks to gestation.

Congenital pathologies that can be detected with pregnancy controls

Much of the anomalies of the fetal organs can be detected by ultrasound, performed at different times of gestation, since some anomalies can be detected from the beginning of gestation, while others only in the third trimester.The definitive diagnosis of fetal chromosomopathies requires the study of fetal cells by invasive tests (amniocentesis or chorionic biopsy). These tests should only be performed when first trimester screening, fetal DNA testing in maternal blood indicates a high risk or a significant fetal structural alteration is detected.

Relationship between mother's lifestyle and congenital pathologies

There is considerable evidence that the maternal environment in which the fetus develops conditions its intrauterine development, its long-term health, and the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood.

Possibility of planning the delivery, is it recommended?

Childbirth is a natural and unpredictable physiological process, so planning should take place in circumstances where it is thought that the outcome of pregnancy will be better if it is artificially disrupted rather than left to its natural evolution. In cases in which its planning is decided, it is recommended that it be produced from 39 weeks of gestation and performed by cervical maturation with prostaglandins, for maturation of the cervix, thus preparing for delivery.