Posts Tagged ‘Prenatal Workup’
Prenatal Workup
Getting To Know You
Your official relationship with your doctor begins with the three-part prenatal workup. First, a medical history reveals any past or current health problems for you or in your immediate family that may affect your pregnancy. The questions are very standard, so don’t get excited when you’re asked if you mainline heroin or have syphilis. If you have any unusual (or what the “moral majority” might consider) unspeakable diseases or habits, don’t be embarrassed or withhold information. With few exceptions, health care providers are nonjudgmental or at least desensitized. The goal is to give you the best care possible and work with whatever problems exist, no matter what they are.
Next is a physical exam. Besides the usual poking, prodding, and stick out your tongue routine, your pelvis is evaluated for its potential as a gateway for your baby’s journey into the new world. Adequate and borderline are two terms commonly used. “Adequate” means that the baby should slip through without problems; “borderline” means wait and see: It might be a tight squeeze. If your doctor describes your pelvis as big as the Grand Canyon, consider it a compliment. But don’t get ugly and hateful if your doctor says “She has a pelvis I could deliver through” and you end up with a cesarean birth. It happens. Nothing is 100 percent guaranteed.