Joy in Birthing

Urine Tests

Each time you visit your health care provider, you will probably be asked to urinate in a cup. This sample will be used to check for your levels of protein, sugar, and other substances in your body. Too much protein can be a sign that your kidneys are working properly, or later in your pregnancy, a warning of developing preeclampsia. Too much sugar is an indicator of gestational diabetes. Monitoring these levels throughout your pregnancy, help ensure a healthy pregnancy for both you and baby!

Blood Pressure Checks

Blood Pressure is also usually measured at each visit. It’s taken by the use of a sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff) and a stethoscope. There are two numbers in your reading. The top number is the systolic pressure. This is the pressure of your arteries when your heart contracts to pump blood. The bottom number is your diastolic pressure. It measures the pressure when your heart is relaxed. A rise in blood pressure can be a sign of Preeclampsia. It’s normal to have a slight increase in your blood pressure during pregnancy. If you are a larger sized woman, be sure to request a large cuff instead of a regular sized cuff. If the cuff is too small for your arm, you can end up with falsely elevated blood pressure readings.

Fundal Height

As you grow in your pregnancy, you will be measured from your pelvic bone, to the top of your uterus. This helps your health care provider see just how your baby is growing. They make also feel around to see if they can determine how the baby is positioned in your uterus, particularly during the final weeks of your pregnancy.

Weight Gain

You will be monitored to see if you are gaining weight each month in small increments. If you find that you are gaining too rapidly, or not fast enough, you may be offered nutritional advice and counseling.

Baby’s Heart Rate

Once you are around 12 weeks, your baby’s heart rate can be heard with a Doppler device. A Doppler uses ultrasound waves to detect baby’s heart beat. You will be able to hear it over the speaker on the Doppler. Baby’s heart rate can vary from 120 – 170. It varies from baby to baby. Hearing your baby’s heart beat is always a wonderful, reassuring sound.