What is Pregnancy Follow-up Turkey?
Pregnancy follow-up Turkey is the process of monitoring the health status of both the mother and the fetus by examining the expectant mother at regular intervals from the moment of conception to the birth process. This follow-up package consists of clinical evaluations, laboratory tests, ultrasound imaging and additional examinations when necessary. The aim is to ensure that the pregnancy progresses smoothly, to intervene rapidly in complications that can be detected in the early period and to raise awareness of the mother and father before birth. Pregnancy follow-up also includes the expectant mother receiving guidance on nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle. This process, carried out with the joint work of both obstetricians and family physicians, brings together all the multidisciplinary support the expectant mother needs.
Why is Pregnancy Monitoring Important?
With regular pregnancy follow-up, conditions that threaten maternal health, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes or thyroid dysfunction, are recognized early and a monitoring or treatment plan is quickly put into action. Problems that pose a risk to the baby, such as fetal growth retardation, oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios, are monitored with ultrasound and biometric measurements to determine the appropriate timing of birth. At the same time, the mother’s levels of essential nutrients, such as iron, calcium and folic acid, are monitored; if there is a deficiency, supplement recommendations are made. Psychological support and birth preparation training are also an integral part of pregnancy follow-up; thus, mothers and fathers take more conscious steps towards the birth and parenting process. The follow-up program aims to optimize the health of both mother and baby and to minimize postpartum complications.
When to Start Pregnancy Monitoring?
Pregnancy follow-up usually begins when a positive pregnancy test result is obtained after a missed period; the first prenatal appointment is ideally planned between the 6th and 8th weeks. In this first meeting, a detailed history is taken, a physical examination and basic laboratory tests (complete blood count, blood group, urine analysis) are performed. At the same time, the mother’s medical and obstetric history is reviewed and risk classification is made. After the first examination, a follow-up schedule is determined and dates are set for subsequent check-ups. Early start is of great importance in terms of hearing the fetal heartbeat, excluding the risk of ectopic pregnancy and implementing the necessary protective measures (folic acid, lifestyle recommendations) in a timely manner.
What Tests and Screenings Are Performed During Pregnancy?
Depending on the course of pregnancy, blood and urine tests performed at certain intervals include complete blood count, iron and ferritin levels, blood group-Rh, hepatitis B and C, HIV, and rubella antibody levels. In the first trimester, aneuploidy risk is assessed with a combined screening test (NT measurement and PAPP-A + free β-hCG) or non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). In the second trimester, both chromosomal anomalies and neural tube defect risks are monitored with a quadruple screening test. In the third trimester, glucose tolerance test (24–28 weeks), proteinuria screening, and fetal well-being monitoring with NST/cardiotocography come to the fore. In addition to all these, ultrasound examinations include biometry, structural anomaly screening, and Doppler examinations, structured according to weeks.
How Does Pregnancy Follow-up Proceed Week by Week?
Check-ups are performed every 4 weeks from the beginning of pregnancy and continue until the 28th week in low-risk pregnancies. Check-ups are performed every three weeks between the 28th and 36th weeks, and every two weeks after the 36th week. Weekly visits are performed near delivery (weeks 38–40). Nuchal translucency (NT) measurement and heartbeat confirmation are performed with ultrasound at 11–14 weeks, detailed anatomy scan at 18–22 weeks, growth control, amniotic fluid examination and doppler evaluations at 24–32 weeks. Fetal position monitoring, NST and, if necessary, biophysical profile method are added after the 32nd week. Balanced timing of laboratory and ultrasound provides comprehensive monitoring focused on both maternal and fetal health.
First Trimester (Weeks 0–13) Follow-up
The most critical processes begin in the first trimester of pregnancy: embryo implantation, placental development, and organogenesis. Transvaginal ultrasound is used to confirm the intrauterine gestational sac between weeks 6 and 8, CRL measurement is used to determine the estimated date of birth, and fetal heart activity is monitored. Complete blood count, blood type, hepatitis serology, and infection markers are studied as part of the first visit, and folic acid supplementation is administered. Nuchal translucency (NT) measurement and first trimester combined screening test are performed between weeks 11 and 14. The patient is educated on nutrition, lifestyle, and medication use. Cases with a risk of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy detected early require more frequent monitoring.
Second Trimester (Weeks 14–26) Follow-up
During this period of pregnancy, the fetus grows rapidly, structural features become apparent and organ functions mature. AFP, hCG, uE3 and inhibin-A measurements are performed with the quadruple screening test between weeks 16-18. A detailed fetal anatomy ultrasound scan is performed between weeks 18-22 to examine the brain, heart, spine, abdominal organs and extremities. A 50-g glucose screening test is performed between weeks 24-28 to assess the risk of gestational diabetes. Height-weight measurements, blood pressure control and fundus height monitoring are also performed during these weeks. If risky conditions arise, a fetal doppler examination, NST or biophysical profile is added. The psychological state of expectant mothers, childbirth preparation training and nutritional monitoring are also actively continued during this period.
Third Trimester (Weeks 27–40) Follow-up
In the last three months of pregnancy, the frequency and scope of follow-up increases in order to protect the health of the mother and the fetus. Ultrasound biometry (head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length) is repeated in the 27th–30th weeks for growth retardation and amniotic fluid monitoring. In the 31st–34th weeks, the fetal position (head down, breech, transverse) is determined and the fetal heart rate pattern is examined with NST (Non-Stress Test). Streptococcus B screening (GBS culture) is performed in the 35th–37th weeks to detect chorionic bacterial colonization. In the 37th–40th weeks, weekly NST and biophysical profile applications, fundus height measurement and maternal vital signs (blood pressure, weight, edema evaluation) are monitored. As delivery approaches, cervical dilatation and cervical examination are evaluated with gynecological examination and induction planning is made if necessary.
What is done during routine check-ups? (Ultrasound, Blood Test, NST, etc.)
Each follow-up visit begins with a physical examination and questioning of the mother’s complaints; blood pressure, weight and urine protein are checked. Fetal biometry is updated during ultrasound sessions, amniotic fluid index (AFI) is measured and placental position is reviewed. If the glucose tolerance test is completed between weeks 28–32, fetal movement-ground relationship and heart rate variability are evaluated weekly with NST. Complete blood count and urine analysis are repeated in each trimester, and GBS screening is performed at week 36. When fetal Doppler studies (umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery) are added when necessary, the status of the placenta and fetal circulation is examined in detail.
What is the Follow-up Process Like in High-Risk Pregnancies?
In mothers who fall into the risky pregnancy category (gestational diabetes, hypertension, history of preeclampsia, multiple pregnancy, advanced maternal age, previous cesarean section, heart disease, etc.), follow-up becomes more frequent regardless of the order. First, NST and biophysical profile are applied once a week; fetal movement, tone, respiratory movements and amniotic fluid are evaluated. Detailed ultrasonography is used every 2–4 weeks to monitor fetal growth, doppler flow and placental structure. Liver and kidney function tests and platelet levels of the mother are studied at regular intervals. If necessary, bed rest, antihypertensive or insulin treatment is arranged; birth planning is individualized with early induction or cesarean options.
Pregnancy Tracking Prices 2026
In 2026, pregnancy follow-up packages in private clinics and hospitals will range from ₺6,000 to ₺12,000. This price range includes all routine examinations, trimester-based ultrasounds (NT, detailed anatomy, growth ultrasound), glucose screening tests, NST/Biophysical Profile, laboratory tests (complete blood count, urinalysis, serology, GBS screening) and consultancy services. Additional Doppler examinations and more frequent check-ups in risky pregnancies may increase the cost by ₺2,000–4,000. Follow-ups in state hospitals are largely free of charge for expectant mothers covered by SGK; copayments may be charged for additional tests and ultrasounds.
How Many Times a Month Should Pregnancy Monitoring Be Done?
In low-risk pregnancies, a monthly check-up is recommended until the 28th week, every three weeks between the 28th and 36th weeks, and every two weeks after the 36th week. The approach to delivery is monitored with appointments increasing to once a week towards the end of the third trimester. In cases of high-risk pregnancies and complaints, this frequency increases and check-ups are performed every week or more frequently if necessary.
Is Follow-up Sufficient in State Hospitals?
Within the scope of SGK, state hospitals offer standard pregnancy follow-up free of charge or at low cost; basic 2D ultrasound, laboratory tests and examination procedures are usually free of charge. Advanced Doppler ultrasound and NST are also offered in centers for risky pregnancies. Additional services such as 4D or detailed anatomy in special ultrasound may be charged if needed; however, perinatology and obstetric care are carried out in state hospitals with trained staff and sufficient equipment.
Are There Any Paid Tests Performed During Follow-up?
For patients with SGK, basic laboratory and ultrasound tests are free of charge within the scope of prenatal follow-up. When additional tests are requested (non-invasive prenatal test NIPT, 4D ultrasound, genetic tests), tests outside the package are subject to an additional fee. In private insurance or cash payment follow-ups, a price difference is applied to the package prices; packages can be expanded with additional tests specific to the person.
Is Ultrasound Performed at Every Check-up?
2D ultrasound is not mandatory at every check-up; according to the follow-up schedule, additional Doppler/NST-guided ultrasound is planned at 11–14 weeks (NT), 18–22 weeks (detailed anatomy), 24–32 weeks (growth) and in risky pregnancies. In other check-ups, listening and physical examination are sufficient. However, the frequency of ultrasound can be increased according to the mother and physician’s wishes.
How to Monitor Baby’s Development During Follow-up?
Fetal growth is monitored with serial biometric measurements; head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL) and femur/head ratio are examined. Amniotic fluid index (AFI) measurement shows circulation and placental function, umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery and ductus venosus flows are evaluated with Doppler ultrasound. NST and biophysical profile monitor well-being through fetal heart rate variability and movement level. Thus, baby development is monitored in detail with both static and dynamic parameters at each appointment.