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Obstetric and gynecological examination
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Obstetric and gynecological examination is a series of blood tests that are done to check the health of a woman before and at the beginning of pregnancy. The results of the tests indicate the presence of certain pathologies during pregnancy and are the basis for prescribing a course of treatment for a pregnant woman or child immediately after birth.
These include blood group analysis, serological testing and a complete blood count. The doctor also checks the Rh factor. If you have a negative, and a child - a positive - this is called Rh-incompatibility. Although the blood group of a child can not be accurately determined, it is still necessary to take measures to avoid this incompatibility. Other blood tests are aimed at identifying infection - syphilis or hepatitis B, the presence of immunity to measles rubella, as well as HIV.
Obstetric and gynecological examination should be carried out as soon as possible, both before pregnancy and throughout its term. Earlier the examination will help to avoid unwanted complications and in time to identify possible problems in the state of health of the future mother. Ideally, the obstetric-gynecological examination should be completed long before the moment of conception, it is called planning all over the world. Parents who monitor their health, as a rule, absolutely healthy babies are born, this is not a commonplace, but a statistically confirmed fact. When to undergo an obstetric-gynecological examination? Standard first check with a gynecologist should take place in the first three months of pregnancy.
Nevertheless, almost all doctors are convinced that the examination is necessary from the first day, that is, from the moment the woman discovered that she would soon become a mother. Even better, if a woman takes care of herself until the moment of conception of the child, only then she can really rightly say about herself - a happy mother. Then all the examinations go according to the plan planned by the doctor. They may be few, and perhaps they will be complex, it all depends on the state of health and the absence or presence of disturbing clinical manifestations.
Obstetric and gynecological examination, what is included in the procedure?
At the earliest possible date, an ultrasound examination will be performed - ultrasound. The need for it does not require additional arguments: the confirmation of the fact of pregnancy or its absence, the specification of its terms, the determination of the rhythm of the heart baby. Throughout the entire period of bearing a baby such a woman is examined two to three times. In the future, ultrasound helps to clarify the age and position of the baby, its gender and compliance with the norms of development. It is also very important to study the condition of the placenta and pelvic organs of a pregnant woman.
In addition to ultrasound, obstetric-gynecological examination according to approved standards includes complex diagnostics with the help of laboratory blood tests. Among the not necessarily the following:
- The analysis determining the Rh factor, as well as the blood group - is usually done immediately on the first visit to the doctor;
- Hematological analysis to clarify the blood composition, especially to assess the level of hemoglobin, identify possible ailments that can pose a threat not only to mother, but also to the fetus - is carried out at least four times during the entire period;
- Determining the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood - once, but if the indicator does not fit into the norm, then a repeat is possible;
- An analysis showing PTI - a prothrombin index to evaluate the blood coagulation system - once, but if a deviation is detected, a repeat is possible;
- An analysis that detects antibodies to HIV - is given at the beginning and during the period from the thirtieth to the thirty-sixth week;
- Blood on RW - syphilis, is carried out at registration of the pregnant woman and registration and after the thirtieth week of pregnancy;
- Analysis for HBs-antigen or hepatitis B, as well as for AHCV-antigen or hepatitis C - once;
- Biochemical blood test in order to assess the condition of internal organs and eliminate pathology in them, as well as to determine the shortage of important trace elements, such as calcium, iron, sodium. It is carried out at the beginning and after the thirtieth week of pregnancy.
Obstetric and gynecological examination also suggests an examination for the TORCH infection, but to date, these analyzes are not mandatory. In the standard scheme of obstetric monitoring, there are no such requirements, however, in the presence of clinical manifestations of TORCH infection without additional research, a woman can not do. In these cases, the obstetric-gynecological examination includes a full range of analytical information and techniques, because almost 99% of all VUI (intrauterine fetal infections) are associated with missed TORCH - "enemies" in the mother's body. Often a woman, without knowing it herself, for years carries an enemy agent who is hiding and does not manifest herself clinically. Only analysis on the TORCH infection (rubella, herpes, toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus and others) can promptly identify the threat and will enable the doctor to prevent serious consequences.
A general urine test to check the functioning of the kidney system, a smear for STDs (diseases that are only sexually transmitted), constant weight control, and blood pressure - all these activities are also included in the complex of monitoring a pregnant woman. Possible and additional procedures that will help to transfer the future mother of this difficult period easier and without unnecessary anxiety. In a word, obstetric-gynecological examination is not just a trip from one cabinet to another, it is a really important action for preventing the health of mom and the future baby.