In France, prenatal medical exams are essential for pregnancy monitoring. The current healthcare system offers optimal medical supervision, which is not available in all countries. All mandatory medical exams are covered by social security, which is a valuable opportunity for your health and that of your baby. It's important to take advantage of this.
First Consultation
This consultation takes place in the first month or early in the second month of pregnancy. During this initial visit, it's advisable to schedule an appointment with your general practitioner or gynecologist. This healthcare professional will prescribe the necessary tests to confirm and date the pregnancy, as well as various biological tests such as blood type determination, blood count, and screening for certain infectious diseases like HIV, rubella, toxoplasmosis, and hepatitis. These tests are essential to assess your health and that of your baby. If you are not immune to toxoplasmosis and rubella, monthly serologies will be necessary to verify that you have not been infected during pregnancy, as these diseases can be dangerous for the fetus.
During this first consultation, you will also complete a medical file containing important information such as your weight, medical history, blood pressure, and any medications you may be taking. Your doctor will also prescribe the first ultrasound, usually performed between the 10th and 12th weeks of pregnancy. Unless otherwise indicated, your next appointment will be at the fourth month, after this first ultrasound.
Second Consultation
This visit is crucial, as it allows, following the first ultrasound, to make an initial assessment of your pregnancy. Your doctor will examine several parameters such as your weight, blood pressure, the height of your uterus, the presence of sugar and albumin in your urine, and toxoplasmosis serology if applicable. They will also check the condition of your cervical opening and the heartbeat of your baby. This is the ideal time to ask all your questions and express your concerns about pregnancy, especially regarding bleeding, pain, contractions, and other symptoms you may be experiencing.
During this second consultation, usually in the fourth month, your doctor will suggest having the triple test done. This is a blood test that evaluates the risk of having a child with Down syndrome. If you are considered at risk, your doctor may recommend having an amniocentesis, the only test that can diagnose Down syndrome with certainty. It's worth noting that the triple test only detects 70% of Down syndrome cases, but it can also reveal other chromosomal abnormalities.
Third Consultation
During this visit, your doctor will review all the data collected during the previous consultation. They will carefully examine your weight curve and look for any signs indicating potential gestational diabetes. If necessary, they will prescribe a blood sugar test to assess your blood sugar level. This consultation is also an opportunity to discuss any potential fatigue, and your doctor may prescribe an iron serology test to detect any anemia.
Fourth and Fifth Consultations
These visits take place respectively in the sixth and seventh months of pregnancy. The same parameters are examined as in the previous consultations: weight, blood pressure, height of the uterus, fetal heart rate, cervical condition, and biological analyses. Your doctor will be attentive to your needs and will accompany you in relieving any pregnancy discomfort.
Sixth Consultation
This visit, usually in the eighth month, follows the same pattern as the previous ones. Your doctor will carefully examine all the key indicators and check your baby's growth during the third ultrasound, which will also verify your baby's position (head down). They will assess your baby's health by examining their movements, heart rate, and the amount of amniotic fluid. All this information will be meticulously documented in your medical file and will be essential for preparing for childbirth.
Last Consultation
This consultation usually takes place at the maternity hospital where you will give birth. During this visit, in addition to the usual examinations, you can discuss your birth plan with your doctor. If your baby is not in the optimal position for a vaginal delivery, or if your pelvis is deemed too narrow, a cesarean section may be scheduled. If everything is progressing normally, all you have to do is wait for your baby's arrival.
During the ninth month, it is also recommended to consult an anesthesiologist. This examination is mandatory for safety reasons, as it allows you to discuss anesthesia options for childbirth. The anesthesiologist will check the compatibility of your biological tests and collect information about your medical history. They will answer all your questions and help you feel prepared for childbirth.