During your first visit, we will measure your blood pressure and weight and determine your body mass index. In early pregnancy, we will also take a urine sample to determine levels of any bacteria, protein and sugar.
After that, you can measure your blood pressure and weight in connection with each visit, either at home or at a self-measuring point at your clinic and check your urine sample at the clinic for sugar and protein levels.
We also take blood samples for testing from all pregnant people in early pregnancy. We will determine your blood group and the rhesus factor associated with your blood group. We will also determine your haemoglobin level and check for hepatitis, syphilis and HIV.
The nurse will listen to the foetal heartbeat from the second antenatal visit onwards and measure the growth of the uterus with a tape measure after mid-pregnancy.
Other tests that may be carried out on you include a blood sugar test and laboratory tests based on your health and the progress of your pregnancy.
We assess the need for tests in cooperation with the hospital. The ultrasound and screening tests carried out by the hospital are voluntary. We offer them twice during pregnancy to all pregnant people.
Ultrasound examinations and screening for chromosomal aberrations
You will receive a referral for the examinations on the first maternity and child health clinic appointment. The examinations are voluntary and free of charge.
Ultrasound examination in early pregnancy is carried out to determine foetal heart rate, the number of foetuses and the duration of the pregnancy.
Structural ultrasound examination is carried out to determine the structure and size of the foetus, the volume of amniotic fluid and the location of the placenta.
Chromosomal aberrations (Down syndrome and Edwards syndrome) are screened by way of a blood sample and ultrasound examination.
