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Pregnancy, for most women, is a straightforward, happy and healthy time and American Mission Hospital (AMH) aims to keep it that way by providing pertinent antenatal check-ups.
Antenatal check-ups are important, even if you are feeling well, as risks to you and your baby can be identified before they cause any harm. Each visit will include weight, urine and blood pressure checks. The growth of the baby is also checked and you will have an opportunity to hear your baby's heartbeat or actually see your baby on the ultrasound machine.
Your visit, when you are about 12 weeks pregnant, may take longer than usual as a detailed health and family history will be taken. You will also be required to undergo some routine blood tests. The purpose is to establish any pre-existing conditions that may affect your pregnancy; although you should not worry as, if identified and managed properly, your pregnancy will not be compromised.
There will be other occasions during your pregnancy when you will be requested to undergo routine investigations, none of which will harm you or your baby in any way. One to look forward to is the detailed scan (ultrasound) around 21 weeks. You may even find out if you are having a boy or girl!
Antenatal visits can also give you the opportunity to ask questions about any issues you are concerned about. AMH doctors and the clinic nurses will be able to help you with your queries and arrange future appointments and are an excellent source of practical advice on pregnancy, birth and baby care as well as of more technical medical information.
Antenatal visits are usually arranged at four weekly intervals up to your 28th week, fortnightly until your 36th week, and then weekly up to the time of your delivery. The timing of your visits, at AMH, will be arranged with your convenience and wellbeing in mind.
It is a good idea to see a health professional as soon as you suspect you are pregnant so a plan of care can be established for your pregnancy. Women have the option to have their antenatal visit, with an obstetrician at Saar Medical and Dental Centre or at AMH in Manama
You can ask for advice about your options at any of your visits as you also have the opportunity to change your healthcare provider at any time. For information about AMH delivery packages, call 17248142 or 17248115.
