During pregnancy, it is necessary to rely on a gynecologist to follow the patient throughout gestation. 

WHAT IS OBSTETRICAL EXAMINATION ? 

The obstetrical examination is a comprehensive investigation that is carried out monthly from the first weeks of pregnancy in order to follow the clinical course of the future mother's pregnancy and at the same time monitor the well-being of the unborn child. All information about the health status of the mother, the family history of the woman and her partner and their respective families is collected in order to rule out any hereditary diseases, present in the genetic heritage inherited by the unborn child, and the presence of any risks to the pregnant woman and the unborn child.It is advisable to perform the first visit after finding out that she is pregnant, certainly within the first trimester of pregnancy.

WHAT IS THE OBSTETRICAL EXAMINATION FOR ?

During the first visit, in particular, the obstetric chart is filled out with the collection of family and personal history. The gynecologist, in particular, asks questions regarding personal history and diseases in the family (both of the patient and her partner). The examination assesses the condition of the cervix and the morphology and size of the uterus. The visit is completed with an ultrasound to confirm the state of pregnancy. Obstetric ultrasound allows visualization of the gestational chamber in the uterus, ruling out the presence of an extrauterine pregnancy. It identifies the number of embryos present and the type of twin pregnancies. It highlights the cardiac activity of the embryo and its viability, allowing the exact dating of the pregnancy.Finally, it assesses the possible presence of myomas or uterine pathologies. Subsequent visits are performed monthly, during which all necessary examinations and ultrasounds are performed to assess the physical well-being of the mother and fetus.

HOW IS THE OBSTETRICAL EXAMINATION CONDUCTED ?

During the obstetrical examination, the most relevant anamnestic data are collected: information on family diseases, hereditary diseases, specific infectious diseases that may influence the evolution of a pregnancy (rubella, CMV, toxoplasmosis, parvovirus, etc.), any maternal diseases and previous surgeries, allergies, blood transfusions, and finally information on lifestyle (smoking, alcoholism, nutrition, etc.). Important is, also, knowledge of obstetrical history (previous pregnancies and mode of previous deliveries, any miscarriages) and gynecological (pap smear results, the possible presence of uterine malformations and myomas, knowledge of previous gynecological surgeries). The examination is completed by: measurement of blood pressure, height, and body weight; assessment of the developmental condition of the uterus with abdominal examination; and the condition of the cervix with vaginal exploration. In addition, ultrasound is performed to check the fetus and rule out any abnormalities, to check its position and listen to its heartbeat, and finally to measure its normal growth. Ultrasonography also allows the evaluation of the fetal adnexa (insertion and position of the placenta, amount of amniotic fluid) and the evaluation of the morphology of the uterus and ovaries to detect the possible existence of gynecological pathologies. Completing the visit: the viewing and evaluation of blood and urine tests that will be prescribed each month.