The male is also a participant in the pregnancy!

If someone had told a man a few months ago that when a woman is pregnant, a man is in the same situation, he would probably have laughed. However, a man understands the meaning of these words better when his wife is pregnant.

Providing support to the expectant mother by accompanying her to various prenatal procedures and visiting the clinic with her may seem like a task that does not require much time, but in reality it is not. A woman wants to share the admiration of the fetus she is carrying with her husband. She wants his help when it is difficult for her to go out and she needs his support. Male solidarity is very valuable.

A Deep Look at Prenatal Procedures

Procedures and tests are an important part of a woman's prenatal care; each test provides the doctor with information that allows him to plan the best course of care for the woman and the baby she is carrying. The procedures performed allow both spouses to be sure that the baby is doing well and that everything that needs to be done is being done.

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Early prenatal procedures

At the first or second prenatal visit, the doctor will likely refer the woman for a variety of procedures. These procedures and their purposes may include:

Complete blood count - checks for iron sufficiency and infections.

Urine analysis - to check for infections and to determine the sugar and protein content in the urine.

Syphilis test - if a woman has syphilis, treatment is started (this test is required by law).

Cervical cultures are a test for sexually transmitted diseases, after testing for cervical cancer a sample may also be taken to check for chlamydia, gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Rubella test - checks immunity to the rubella pathogen.

Blood group determination - to determine a woman's blood group (A, B, AB or O).

Determination of the Rh factor - to determine whether a woman has a negative Rh factor.

Hepatitis B antibody test - to find out whether a woman has had hepatitis B.

Cervical Cancer Screening is an early screening test to detect cervical cancer.

HIV/AIDS test - to find out if a woman is HIV-positive or has AIDS. This test is not done without the woman's knowledge and consent.

Alpha-fetoprotein, triple or quadruple test - tests of a woman's blood that are needed to detect neural tube defects in the fetus, such as spina bifida.

Test results help the doctor determine what treatment is needed during pregnancy or before the next pregnancy. For example, if tests show that a woman has never had rubella or been vaccinated against it, she should avoid the source of infection during this pregnancy and get vaccinated before the next one.

If a woman does not tolerate the procedure of taking blood for testing well or feels dizzy and may faint after it, a man should be present during these procedures. Perhaps she just needs moral support or she needs a man to drive her to these tests and then take her home.

PELVIC DIAGNOSIS. Pelvic diagnostics are usually done at the first or second prenatal visit and later in pregnancy. Early in pregnancy, it is necessary to determine the size of the uterus, to determine if there is cervical cancer, and to give the doctor an approximate date of pregnancy. Repeat diagnostics are necessary because they let the doctor know about many things, such as the stretching and thinning of the cervix.

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Routine procedures performed at each consultation

If a man goes to prenatal appointments with his wife, he may notice that at each appointment she is weighed, her blood pressure is taken, and she brings a urine sample to each appointment. These three simple tests provide very important information. Gaining too much or too little weight can be a sign that problems are beginning. High blood pressure can be very significant during pregnancy, especially near the expected due date. By measuring the expectant mother's blood pressure throughout her pregnancy, the doctor can determine what is normal for her. Fluctuations in blood pressure let the doctor know that there may be a problem. The urine sample is checked for protein and bacteria, and if found, these can indicate problems.

As the fetus grows, the woman is checked to see how much the uterus has grown since the last consultation. The doctor also listens to the fetal heartbeat using a special hearing device called a "DopplSR" or "Doptone." It amplifies the sound of the baby's heartbeat so much that it becomes easy to hear. The ability to hear the baby's heartbeat appears around the 12th week of pregnancy, which is when the consultation is scheduled. The couple will probably want to determine when this will happen so that they can be sure of when to attend the consultation.

Why should a man know about the procedures that his wife needs?

In this chapter, we provide detailed, easy-to-understand information about the procedures a woman will undergo to help a man be informed about situations that may arise during pregnancy. It is not necessary to know everything about each of them, but it is a good idea to have information about them on hand in case some questions need to be answered. We believe that having the information will allow a man to discuss the situation with his wife and will help formulate questions that the couple may want to ask the doctor during prenatal visits.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is one of the most exciting and interesting procedures for spouses during pregnancy! Everyone is recommended to do it. Spouses will be happy to see their growing baby inside the mother's womb. The opportunity to see the baby's movements will make it more real for the man.

Most doctors routinely offer an ultrasound to their pregnant patients, but not every doctor offers it to every woman. This procedure allows the doctor to see many details about the growth and development of the fetus (ultrasound, sonogram, and sonography are all the same procedure). Some doctors offer this procedure only if there is a problem.

In some cases, the doctor will suggest that the procedure be done at a clinic if the appropriate equipment is available. If it is not, the couple will be asked to take the test to a lab that does. Once the procedure is done, the results are usually discussed with the couple right away, especially if there are any problems. If everything looks normal, the results are discussed at the next prenatal consultation. An ultrasound can be done at almost any stage of pregnancy. It is usually done at specific times to get specific information. For example, when a doctor wants to determine the size of the baby or the approximate gestational age, an ultrasound gives the most accurate information if it is done in the middle of pregnancy.

An ultrasound produces a two-dimensional image of your developing baby when the data is converted by a device called a transducer (some areas are testing for three-dimensional imaging). The transducer produces sound waves and then listens for echoes of those waves as they bounce off your baby. It can be compared to the radar used on planes or ships to image an area at night or to determine the topography of the ocean floor.

Before this procedure, the woman may be asked to drink about 1 liter of water; this amount of water allows the uterus to be seen better. The bladder is located opposite the uterus; a full bladder moves the uterus up and out of the pelvic area, allowing for the best possible image during the ultrasound examination. It is best to ask about this, as it is not necessary for every ultrasound examination.

REASONS FOR ULTRASOUND. An ultrasound can help your doctor determine many things, such as determining or confirming your due date, determining how many fetuses are in your uterus, and whether your fetus's basic physical characteristics are normal. An ultrasound can help determine vital information about your fetus's brain, spinal cord, appearance, major organs, and limbs. It can also determine the location of the placenta, which is used in other procedures, such as amniosenthesis. It can provide information about the growth of your fetus, the condition of the umbilical cord, and the amount of amniotic fluid in your uterus.

If the ultrasound is performed after the 18th week of pregnancy, it may be possible to determine the baby's sex. But don't count on it. It is not always possible to determine the baby's sex, especially if the baby's legs are crossed or if the baby is in a breech presentation. Even if the technician or doctor makes a guess about the baby's sex, it should be remembered that ultrasound determination of the baby's sex can be wrong.

OTHER ULTRASOUND FACTS: After the ultrasound, the couple may be asked to purchase a videotape; they should inquire about this when the procedure is scheduled so that they can bring a blank tape if needed. In most cases, black-and-white photographs of the ultrasound can be kept.

Amniosenthesis

During amniosenthesis, a sample of amniotic fluid is taken from the amniotic sac to test for, among other things, certain genetic defects. This procedure is usually performed in a hospital setting by a specialist doctor. The man may want to accompany his wife to the procedure to provide emotional support and to drive her home when the procedure is complete.

Amniosenthesis can detect about 40 abnormalities in fetal development. The procedure can detect chromosomal defects such as Down syndrome and some gene defects such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia. Amniosenthesis may be necessary if the woman is Rh negative to determine if there are any problems with the baby's development. Towards the end of pregnancy, it can determine the condition of the baby's lungs. Amniosenthesis can also determine the sex of the baby, but the procedure is not usually used for this purpose unless the inherited disorder is sex-linked, such as hemophilia.

Amniosenthesis is usually performed around the 16th week of pregnancy. Some doctors recommend performing the procedure at 11 or 12 weeks of pregnancy, but performing the procedure so early is experimental.

HOW THE PROCEDURE WILL HAPPEN. An ultrasound is used to determine the position of the fetus and placenta. The skin on the mother's abdomen is cleaned and local anesthesia is administered. A needle is inserted through the abdomen into the uterus and a sample of fluid is taken using a syringe. Approximately 30 milliliters of fluid is required for all tests.

Risks associated with AMNIOSENTHESIS. Although the risk is very small, there is a possibility of damage to the fetus, placenta or umbilical cord, infection, miscarriage or premature birth during this procedure. The risk of fetal death can range from 0.3 to 3%. All of these risks should be discussed with the doctor before the couple decides whether to undergo this procedure.

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Some specific blood tests

The following tests are done on a blood sample taken from the pregnant woman. They are recommended because they provide additional information to the couple and the doctor; knowing that these tests are being done for a specific reason can cause stress to the couple. The man may want to accompany his wife to provide emotional support.

AFP TEST. The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test is a blood test taken from the mother-to-be that allows the doctor to detect problems in the baby's development, such as spina bifida and Down syndrome. Alpha-fetoprotein is produced in the baby's liver and passes into the mother's blood in small amounts, where it can be detected. This test is usually performed between the 16th and 20th weeks of pregnancy. The test result is correlated with the mother's age and weight and the age of the fetus. If this test indicates a problem, other tests will be suggested.

AFP can detect neural tube defects, kidney failure and liver disease, blockages in the esophagus, intestines or urinary tract, a pathology in the baby's bones called osteogenesis imperfecta, and Down syndrome (with a probability of 25%; if Down syndrome is detected by AFP, other tests will be offered). However, this test is not mandatory for all pregnant women. If a woman is not offered this test, she should discuss it with her doctor at one of her first prenatal consultations.

One of the problems with AFP is the high rate of false positives. That is, the results of the test may show a problem when there really isn't one. If 1,000 women have an AFP, about 40 of them will show "abnormalities." Of those 40, one or two women actually have problems.

If a woman has had an AFP test and the result is abnormal, she should not panic. She may need to have the test repeated and also have an ultrasound. The results of these additional procedures will give a definitive answer. It is important to know exactly what a "false positive" and "false negative" result for this test means, so ask your doctor for clarification.

THREE-WAY AND QUADRUPLE-WAY TESTS: Tests that follow the alpha-fetoprotein test allow the doctor to more accurately determine whether the fetus has Down syndrome or other problems. This is called multiplex testing.

The triple blood test uses three blood components (alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin, and unconjugated estriol, a form of estrogen produced by the placenta) to determine if there are problems with your pregnancy. Abnormal levels of these three blood components may indicate Down syndrome or neural tube defects.

The quadruple test includes the same components as the triple test, but adds a fourth component - the level of inhibin-A in the blood, ovarian product, and placenta. This fourth component increases the accuracy of the test in determining whether the fetus has Down syndrome. It also allows for the detection of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

Chorionic hair analysis

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is used to detect genetic abnormalities and is done early in pregnancy. It analyzes the cells of the chorionic villus, which later becomes the placenta.

The benefit of the AVS is that the doctor can detect a problem early in the pregnancy. This test is done between the 9th and 11th week of pregnancy, as opposed to the amniocentesis, which is done between the 16th and 18th week. Some couples choose to have the AVS so they can decide whether to continue the pregnancy as early as possible. The earlier the procedure is done, the less risk there is.

HOW THE PROCEDURE IS DONE: An instrument is inserted through the cervix or abdomen and a small piece of placental tissue is removed. This procedure carries a small risk of miscarriage and should only be performed by an experienced professional.

Since this procedure is usually performed in a hospital setting, a man may want to accompany his wife there to provide her with emotional support and to drive her home after the procedure is completed.

Other tests that can predict problems There are many other tests that can be used to determine if a baby has problems before it is born. We are providing information so that readers are aware of these in case they need to be discussed in a prenatal consultation.

Glucose TOLERANCE TEST. This test is done to detect pregnancy-related diabetes. The expectant mother drinks a special sugar solution, and an hour later a blood sample is taken to determine her sugar level. In some cases, blood is taken several times at certain intervals.

GROUP B STREPTOCOCCUS (GBS) TEST. Samples are taken from the vagina, perineum, and rectum of a pregnant woman to test for GBS. A urine test may also be done. If the result is positive, treatment is started and extra precautions are taken during labor. This test is usually done toward the end of pregnancy.

GENETIC TESTS. All sorts of tests designed to determine whether a growing fetus has certain congenital abnormalities. One of the newest tests is the cellular fibrosis test. If the couple has undergone genetic testing, the tests may be offered to both. In other cases, the doctor will offer the tests to one of the couple if he or she decides it is necessary.

SCANNING TESTS. The safe dose of X-rays for a fetus is unknown. A woman should avoid exposure to X-rays during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. The need for an X-ray should always be weighed against the harm it may cause to the fetus. This also applies to X-rays of the oral cavity.

The greatest risk to the fetus in this case is between the 8th and 15th weeks of pregnancy. Some doctors believe that the only safe amount of radiation for the fetus is no radiation.

A computed tomography scan, also called a CT scan, is an X-ray that uses a computer to analyze the results. Many researchers believe that the radiation from a CT scan is much lower than that from a regular X-ray. However, it is wise to avoid even that much radiation if possible.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning, also called MR, is widely used these days. It is not known whether there are any negative effects from having this scan during pregnancy, but it is not recommended to have it during the first trimester of pregnancy.

UTERUS MONITORING AT HOME. Some women undergo uterine monitoring at home during pregnancy. Uterine contractions are recorded and transmitted to the doctor by phone. This procedure is necessary to determine the risk of premature birth in a woman. Its cost varies from 2,000 to 2,500 rubles per day.

SPECIAL TESTS. With a detailed ultrasound examination, the doctor is able to measure the distance behind the baby's neck, the result is combined with a blood test, and the overall conclusions allow us to determine whether a woman is at risk of giving birth to a child with Down syndrome. The convenience of this test is that it can be done from the 10th to the 14th week of pregnancy, and the spouses will decide whether they will continue this pregnancy.

There are other tests available, some of which are described below.

Hereditary Mediterranean fever can affect people from Armenia, Arab countries and Turkey. Prenatal testing can identify carriers of the recessive gene, making it easier to diagnose a newborn, avoiding potentially fatal health problems.

Congenital deafness linked to the connexin-26 gene may occur if there is a family history of uninherited deafness; this test can detect the problem before the baby is born. Early diagnosis allows steps to be taken to resolve the problem immediately after the baby is born.

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Some less common procedures

FETOSCOPY. Festoscopy allows the doctor to see abnormalities in the development of the fetus through a fetoscope. Thanks to the development of optical fibers, it is now possible to see the fetus or placenta at the 10th week of development (ultrasound cannot provide such a number of details). This procedure is recommended only for women who have already given birth to a child with a pathology that was not determined by other methods. If the doctor suggests doing a fetoscopy, this should be discussed with him at a prenatal consultation. The risk of miscarriage is 3-4%. The procedure should only be performed by an experienced specialist.

The test is performed through a small incision in the mother's abdomen, where an instrument similar to that used in laparoscopy is inserted. The doctor uses a fetoscope to examine the fetus and placenta.

Since this procedure is usually performed in a hospital setting by an experienced physician, it is advisable for a man to accompany his wife there to provide her with moral support and to drive her home after the procedure is completed.

UMBILICAL CORD BLOOD TEST (CORDOSENTHESIS). Umbilical cord blood test is a test performed on the fetus while it is still in the uterus. This test allows us to determine the presence of Rh incompatibility, blood pathologies and infections. The advantage of this test is that its results become known within a few days; the disadvantage is that the risk of miscarriage is higher than with amniosentesis.

Using ultrasound guidance, the doctor inserts a needle through the woman's abdomen into a small vein in the fetus's umbilical cord. From there, a small sample of blood is taken for analysis.

If a problem occurs, a blood transfusion may be necessary. This avoids life-threatening anemia that can occur when the mother is isoimmunized if the fetus has Rh-positive blood.

Since this procedure is usually performed in a hospital setting by an experienced physician, it is advisable for a man to accompany his wife there to provide her with moral support and to drive her home after the procedure is completed.

FETAL FIBRONECTIN (FN) TEST. Fetal fibronectin (FN) is a protein that can be found in the amniotic sac and membranes of the fetus during the first 22 weeks of pregnancy. If the doctor thinks that a woman may be in preterm labor, he or she may suggest that the woman have a cervical-vaginal discharge test. If FN is present after 22 weeks of pregnancy, it means that she is at risk of preterm labor. If it is low, the risk is lower and the woman is unlikely to give birth within the next 2 weeks.

This test is done in the same way as the cervical cancer test. A sample of discharge is taken from the part of the vagina just behind the cervix. The results are available in the lab within 24 hours.

Tests on the fetus showing its condition

There are many different tests available to determine the condition of the fetus. Many of these are performed on the expectant mother, but they provide information about what is happening in the uterus. A man may wish to go to these procedures with his wife.

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Counting the shocks

Towards the end of pregnancy, a woman may be asked to count how often she feels the baby move. This test is done at home and is called kick counting. It provides information about the condition of the fetus; the information is identical to that obtained from passive testing.

The doctor may use one or two common methods.

The first is counting the baby's movements per hour. The second is how long it takes the baby to make 10 movements. Usually, the expectant mother can choose when exactly she will undergo this analysis. The best time for this is after eating, since the baby is usually more active at this time. Often, this analysis is done at home.

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Passive analysis

Passive testing is a simple, non-invasive procedure that is performed at or after 32 weeks of gestation in a clinic or maternity hospital. It measures how the fetal heart rate responds to fetal movements and assesses the fetus's condition in late pregnancy. It is typically used in post-term or high-risk pregnancies.

The monitor is attached to the woman's abdomen as she lies down. Every time she feels the baby move, she presses a button to make a mark on the monitor's paper. At the same time, the monitor records the baby's heartbeat on the same piece of paper.

If the baby does not move or the heart rate does not increase with movement, the test is called unresponsive. This does not necessarily mean there is a problem - the baby may be sleeping. In more than 75% of cases, if the baby does not respond, the baby is healthy. However, the unresponsiveness may mean that the baby is not getting enough oxygen or is experiencing some other problem. In this case, the test is usually repeated after 24 hours or other methods are used, including the contraction response test or biophysical profile (described below).

Analysis of the reaction to reductions

If the passive test shows no response (discussed above), a contraction response test may be indicated to determine the fetal heart rate response to gentle uterine contractions that simulate labor.

If a woman has had a difficult pregnancy in the past or has health problems, her doctor may suggest doing this test in the last few weeks of pregnancy.

If the expectant mother has diabetes and takes insulin, the baby has a slightly higher risk of developing problems. In this case, this procedure is carried out every week starting from the 32nd week of pregnancy.

In some cases, your doctor may suggest doing only a passive test or doing both a passive test and a contraction response test (the latter is considered more accurate than a passive test).

This procedure is usually done in a hospital setting because it takes an hour or more and could theoretically induce labor. A nurse will place a monitor on the mother's abdomen to record the fetal heart rate. The mother's uterus will contract using nipple stimulation or a small dose of oxytocin given intravenously. The results indicate how well the fetus will cope with labor and birth.

A slow heart rate after contractions may be a sign that the fetus is not doing well. It may not be getting enough oxygen or is experiencing other difficulties. The doctor may recommend inducing labor. In other cases, the test is repeated after a few days or a biophysical profile is ordered (described below). If the test does not show a slowing of the fetal heart rate, the result is checked.

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Biophysical profile

A biophysical profile is a precise test that can determine the health of the fetus. It is usually indicated in high-risk pregnancies, preterm labor, or if the baby is not very active. It is useful in assessing the health of a baby with intrauterine growth restriction.

In the biophysical profile, five components are measured, identified, and assessed: fetal breathing movements, body movements, fetal tones, fetal heart rate response, and amniotic fluid volume. Ultrasound, external monitoring, and direct observation are used to measure these components.

Each component is given a score from 0 to 2 points. A score of 1 point is average; the sum is determined by adding up all five scores. The higher the sum, the better the child's condition.

A baby with a low score for these parameters may need to be delivered immediately. The doctor will evaluate the score, the woman's condition, her history of previous pregnancies and deliveries, and make a decision. If confirmation of the score is required, the test may need to be repeated at intervals. Sometimes this procedure is repeated the next day.

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Fetal monitoring during labor

Many hospitals monitor the baby's heartbeat during labor using external fetal monitoring or internal fetal monitoring. Fetal monitoring allows the doctor to detect problems early.

External fetal monitoring can be performed before the rupture of the membranes. A belt is placed on the expectant mother's abdomen to record the fetal heartbeat. Internal fetal monitoring allows for more accurate monitoring of the baby. An electrode is inserted into the uterus through the vagina and attached to the fetal scalp to measure the heart rate. This procedure is performed only after the rupture of the membranes.

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Fetal blood test during labor

A fetal blood test is another way to assess how well the baby is coping with the stress of birth. Before this test can be done, the fetal membranes must have broken down and the cervix must already be at least 2 cm in diameter. An instrument is inserted into the vagina through the dilated cervix and brought to the top of the baby's head, where it makes a small cut. The baby's blood is collected in a small tube and the pH is measured.

Knowing the pH of the baby's blood allows the doctor to determine if there is a problem. This test helps doctors decide whether to continue labor or perform a cesarean section.

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Assessment of fetal lung maturity

The fetus's respiratory system is the last to mature. Premature babies often have difficulty breathing because their lungs are underdeveloped. Knowing how mature the fetus's lungs are can help the doctor decide whether to induce labor, if needed.

If labor needs to be induced, this test can determine when the baby will be able to breathe on its own. Two tests are most often used to assess the development of the baby's lungs before birth - the LS assessment and the phosphatidylglycerol test. Fluid for these tests is taken during a puncture.

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Determination of oxygen levels

These days, it is possible to monitor the oxygen consumption of a baby inside the womb before birth. Measuring the oxygen levels in the fetus's blood gives an accurate answer to whether the baby is getting enough. This non-invasive method is called OxiFirst fetal oxygen monitoring, and it is used during labor. The device is placed inside the womb on the baby's skin to measure the oxygen levels.

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Visits to the clinic can be a source of information for both spouses.

A man may wonder why he should go to all the doctor's appointments prescribed for his wife during the months of pregnancy. We suggest that men go with their wives to all the appointments they can attend. If work allows, it is worth doing. It will help his wife and will be interesting for both.

Attending prenatal consultations allows the man to feel more involved in the pregnancy and brings the couple closer together as a family. The man can change his work schedule or do it in his free time, but he should attend prenatal consultations as often as he can.

Women's feelings about their spouse's involvement in pregnancy vary, so it is best for a man to ask his wife how often she would like to go to the clinic with him. A man may be surprised that his wife only wants him to be present for important appointments, such as listening to the baby's heart or an ultrasound. There are many important reasons to attend these appointments, which are described below.

Be prepared to ask questions

Doctors and medical staff will answer questions and provide help and support during pregnancy. If a man or his wife forgets to ask about something during a visit to the doctor or if the situation changes in such a way that they need clarification, they should call the doctor. If the doctor's instructions are unclear, you can ask permission to talk to a nurse about it. If she cannot help right away, she will find the answer later.

The hospital staff and doctor are expecting the call. They would rather deal with the calls and find the right answers than let a situation that could become serious be ignored. Doctors should be called when either spouse needs information or help.

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Emotional support

Joint prenatal visits provide both spouses with emotional support from each other. This allows spouses to share joys and problems, which helps them become a family.

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Physical assistance

During pregnancy, a woman's increasing body size can cause her inconvenience in various ways, such as driving a car, going up and down stairs, or simply leaving the house. Helping her overcome these problems will require the cooperation of both spouses.

A man may also have questions

Pregnancy has its ups and downs. There will be joyful, exciting moments for the couple, as well as unpleasant or stressful times. A man may have questions about certain aspects of pregnancy that are important to him. A visit to the clinic can help a man find answers to his questions.

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A decision must be made

It will be easier for spouses to make decisions about childbirth, choosing a doctor, and other situations if they attend consultations together. It will also help to maintain the connection between them and will help to get rid of requests such as: "When you see the doctor, ask him about..." or "Why didn't you ask him about...?"

What if a man cannot attend every consultation?

We understand that men cannot always attend prenatal consultations, so we provide information here about consultations that are useful to attend. This will help men choose consultations that they do not want to miss.

You should attend consultations at different stages of pregnancy. At least one of them should be in the first trimester.

During the first consultation (usually 8 weeks), the doctor will usually explain what is to come. Family history may also be clarified at this time; it is useful to attend this consultation to provide information about the woman's health.

Another good appointment to attend is usually around 12 weeks of pregnancy, when the fetal heartbeat can be heard. The man may wish to do this!

Consultations during the second trimester provide an understanding of what is happening during this time. The doctor can also give the man advice on how to help the expectant mother during this time.

During the 20th week, many doctors will order an ultrasound. This test can be exciting for both partners.

Consultations should be attended if any problem arises.

Towards the end of pregnancy (usually in the last 6 weeks) you should attend as many appointments as possible. This time should be used to discuss childbirth education courses and to plan for the birth.

You should attend TC consultations with your spouse when she needs physical assistance to get to the clinic or when she feels unwell.

It is important to accompany your spouse to those consultations where more serious procedures than usual are involved. She may need moral support from her husband or perhaps she will need to be driven home after these procedures.

Patience is rewarded

Doctors from the clinic who know the schedule of the man and his wife are very useful. They will help the couple to get to the appointment as soon as possible. However, it is necessary to plan the consultation so that there is some time to spare, and you need to be patient. The obstetrician may have difficulties during the delivery, since he needs to determine whether the woman can give birth on her own or whether a cesarean section is required. When the couple has a baby, they need a doctor present! If the couple asks for their consultation to be the last on the doctor's schedule, they will have to wait quite a long time. As a rule, this is the busiest time in the clinic. The couple will definitely need to sit in the hallway!

When to Call a Doctor

Medical advice from friends or family members should not be relied upon. If medical advice is needed, a doctor should be called. If a woman has any of the following symptoms, a doctor should be called immediately. The main warning signs are:

• vaginal bleeding
• severe swelling of the face or fingers
• severe abdominal pain
• loss of fluid through the vagina (usually in a stream, but sometimes in drops or felt as constant wetness)
• strong changes in the child's movements or insufficient activity of the child
• high temperature (above 38.7 °C)
• chills
• severe vomiting or inability to swallow food or liquids
• blurred vision
• painful urination
• persistent headache or severe headache
• injuries resulting from an accident, such as a fall or a car accident.