Prenatal Care Protocol
At our clinic, prenatal care is provided by highly trained obstetrician-gynecologists in a modern, aesthetically pleasing environment, supported by expert, compassionate staff and state-of-the-art technology throughout the entire pregnancy journey.
As part of the professional program at Versys Clinics – Obstetrics and Gynecology, patients who receive treatment for fertility issues may, upon successful conception, continue prenatal care with their treating physician. If requested, they may also give birth with the assistance of the same doctor.
We also warmly welcome patients who have conceived naturally to our Obstetrics and Gynecology department.
Main Steps of the Prenatal Care Protocol:
Initial Visit:
- Estimation of gestational age and expected due date.
- First ultrasound: evaluation of pregnancy location and condition (intrauterine/ectopic, yolk sac, embryo, heartbeat).
- Before 6 weeks: gestational sac and yolk sac visible.
- Between 6–8 weeks: embryo and heartbeat become detectable.
- Depending on results, the next scan is scheduled 7–10 days later to confirm the embryo's development, size, and heartbeat.
According to medical guidelines, the expectant mother is referred to a public health nurse ("védőnő"), who plays an essential role in safe prenatal care. The nurse will provide a prenatal care booklet ("várandósgondozási kiskönyv"), which should be brought to every appointment and used to document tests. Four medical stamps are required in the booklet to qualify for maternity support.
First Trimester (0–12 weeks):
- Transvaginal ultrasounds every 10–14 days.
- Weeks 10–14: First trimester lab tests + optional non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for chromosomal abnormalities.
- NIPT does not replace the first trimester ultrasound screening, which must be done between 11+6 and 13+6 weeks.
- The combination of NIPT and ultrasound offers the most reassuring results regarding fetal health.
Second Trimester (13–28 weeks):
Routine lab tests + abdominal ultrasound. Early glucose tolerance test if indicated.
Second trimester genetic ultrasound including growth assessment, spine integrity, and brain structure evaluation.
Comprehensive lab tests + OGTT (two-point oral glucose tolerance test):
- Fasting blood draw.
- Consumption of 75g glucose (pre-mixed, lemon-flavored).
- Second blood draw 2 hours later.
- Simultaneous ultrasound examination.
Follow-up if the patient is symptom-free.
Third Trimester (from week 28):
Routine lab tests + third trimester ultrasound + discussion of birth plan.
This is the time to register at our partner hospital, Maternity Clinic, and sign the birth agreement. In case of an elective C-section, the date will be scheduled here. Fetal neurosonography may also be performed if indicated or requested.
3 weeks later: Follow-up ultrasound.
- Final comprehensive lab test.
- Anesthesiology consultation at Maternity Clinic with lab results.
- Group B Streptococcus screening via vaginal swab.
- Assessment of fetal growth, position, and blood flow (Doppler flowmetry).
CTG Monitoring (from week 36 until delivery):
Cardiotocography (CTG) starts at week 36 to monitor fetal well-being. Initially weekly, then multiple times per week. From week 40: performed once or twice daily. Bring snacks unless on a special diet, as fetal movement during the test is necessary for accurate results.
Further examinations will depend on the birth plan, the mother's and baby's condition, and any maternal concerns.
At first glance, our protocol may seem to require frequent visits, but our priority is the maximum safety and well-being of both parents and their unborn child.
