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august 4 2022 Jordmorklinikken

Follow-ups of pregnant women in Norway

Who can receive pregnancy follow-ups in Norway?

Pregnant women, women giving birth and women on maternity leave who are residents in Norway or who are refugees, asylum seekers or family reunified shall receive both municipal health care and care services as well as specialist health services, cf. the Health and Care Services Act §§ 3-1 and 3-2 no. 2 (lovdata.no). This also applies to pregnant women and women giving birth without legal residence in the country. If the pregnant woman is not able to pay, the expenses must be covered by the health authorities.

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Questions from our patients

We have both Norwegian and foreign patients who come to Oslo midwife – and ultrasound clinic early in their pregnancy. Many have questions about how the pregnancy follow-up is assessed in Norway. Where and how they should be followed up, how many pregnancy checks-ups they should have and how often it is common to have an ultrasound of the fetus, among other things.

The public sector offer check-ups for free, and will ensure that the woman receives advice and guidance throughout the pregnancy.

It is recommended to contact a doctor or midwife to arrange the first pregnancy check-up as early as possible. The woman chooses whether she wants the controls with the midwife at the health station, a GP or at a private clinic, such as the Oslo midwife and ultrasound clinic.

Our goal and what we offer

The goal for Oslo Midwifery and Ultrasound Clinic is to offer pregnancy follow-ups of the best quality. We want to ensure that the woman receives advice and guidance so that she and the baby have the best possible experience during pregnancy and at childbirth. The pregnant woman must receive knowledge-based information and she will also influence the follow-up appointments.

The Norwegian Directorate of Health recommends a basic program with nine check-ups until pregnancy week 40, included an ultrasound in pregnancy week 12-13+6 and an ultrasound in pregnancy week 17-19. The actual content of the pregnancy follow-ups is standardized, but various topics such as diet, physical activity, breastfeeding and childbirth will also be central. Continuity with one or as few professionals as possible during pregnancy is important for the quality of the follow-ups.

Oslo Midwifery and Ultrasound Clinic can offer a first-time check up for filling out the health card that the pregnant woman must keep with herself throughout the pregnancy. Blood samples are ordered to be taken between pregnancy weeks 6-12. We will apply for you at your desired hospital where you will both give birth and do the ultrasounds. In addition to the check-up itself, there will be plenty of time for conversation and information, and a full hour has been set aside for this first check-up. We are happy to follow up the pregnancy further. 30 minutes will then be set aside for each pregnancy check-up. We also offer several controls beyond the recommended basic program if there is a desire or need for it.

It is also possible to order follow-ups of the pregnancy, later in your pregnancy. It will then be appropriate to order a “first-time consultation” which is 60 minutes so that the pregnant woman can both provide and receive the necessary information and so that we can get a correct picture of the pregnancy so far.

 

Pregnancy check-ups

In this blog we have gathered all the information regarding the various check-ups, when they are performed and what is performed.

The content for all the check-ups throughout your pregnancy has been prepared by the Norwegian Directorate of Health and Social Affairs.

 

First check: pregnancy week 6-12

  • You will be informed about topics related to daily habits, information about maternity care, social security rights and information about samples taken during pregnancy, so that you can make informed decisions.
  • Decide if you need extended follow-ups beyond the normal maternity care and possibly plan this follow-up.
  • You will be informed about genetic fetal diagnostics and genetic guidance on indication.
  • Be informed about blood type and antibodies, screening for anemia (Hb), rubella (rubella), HIV and syphilis, hepatitis B and C if necessary.
  • Be informed about urine sampling as screening for asymptomatic bacteria in the urine, this is especially true for those who have previously undergone several urinary tract infections.
  • Be informed about ultrasound screening in pregnancy week 17-19.
  • Calculate BMI, measure blood pressure and test for protein and glucosuria.
  • Be evaluated for sickle cell anemia or thalassemia in ethnic groups where appropriate.
  • Take a chlamydia test in women under 25 years of age or on indication.
  • You will receive the user version of maternity care and information about ultrasound.

Second check: pregnancy week 12-13+6 – first trimester ultrasound

  • This ultrasound examination is offered to you at the hospital where you are going to give birth. The examination can also be done with us at Oslo Midwifery and Ultrasound Clinic. At this ultrasound. At this axamination we will assess markers for chromosomal abnormalities, the fetus's body and organ development. This is done in addition to looking at the location of the pregnancy, the number of foetuses, heartbeats and estimating the length of the pregnancy.

 

Third check: pregnancy week 17-19 – routine ultrasound

  • This ultrasound examination is offered to you at the hospital where you are going to give birth. The examination can also be done with us at Oslo Midwifery and Ultrasound Clinic.
  • Gestational age is assessed here, ie measuring the size of the fetus to find the exact due date.
  • Identify those who are pregnant with twins.
  • The location of the placenta in the uterus is examined.
  • The fetal anatomy is examined.

 

Fourth check: pregnancy week 24

  • Review, discuss and note the results of tests taken at the first check-up. Furthermore, consider whether you need additional follow-ups or to be referred to a specialist.
  • Be informed about birth preparation and maternity leave/breastfeeding courses.
  • Measure uterine size, blood pressure, weight and test for protein and glucosuria.
  • Listen to the heartbeats of the fetus and inform you that you should be able to feel life/movement.

 

Fifth check: pregnancy week 28

  • Measure uterine size, blood pressure, weight and test for protein and glucosuria.
  • Listen to the heartbeats of the fetus and address the topic of feeling life/movement
  • Information about breastfeeding.
  • Discuss your health during pregnancy.

 

Sixth check: pregnancy week 32

  • Measure uterine size, blood pressure, weight and testing for protein and glucosuria.
  • Rh negative women are tested for antibodies.
  • Listen to the heartbeats of the fetus and address the topic of feeling life/movement
  • Discuss and be prepared for breastfeeding.
  • Discuss your health during pregnancy.

 

Seventh check: pregnancy week 36

  • Measure uterine size, blood pressure, weight and test for protein and glucosuria.
  • Listen to the heartbeat of the fetus and address the topic of feeling life/movement
  • Determine the baby’s position and in case of suspicion of breech position, this will be confirmed with ultrasound.
  • Rh-negative: New antibody test.
  • Discuss your health during pregnancy.

 

Eighth check: pregnancy week 38

  • Measure uterine size, blood pressure, weight and test for protein and glucosuria.
  • Listen to the heartbeat of the fetus and address the topic of feeling life/movement
  • Assess the baby’s position and in case of suspicion of breech position, this will be confirmed with ultrasound.
  • Discuss your health during pregnancy.

 

Ninth check-up: pregnancy week 40

  • Measure uterine size, blood pressure, weight and test for protein and glucosuria.
  • Listen to the heartbeat of the fetus and address the topic of feeling life/movement.
  • Assess the baby’s position and in case of suspicion of breech position,  this will be confirmed with ultrasound.
  • Discuss your health during pregnancy.
  • Refer you to an overtime assessment.

 

 

 

 

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