Health

During pregnancy, consultations and examinations are mandatory. Steps must be taken to prepare for the arrival of the baby.

WHAT IS THE LEGAL MATERNITY LEAVE?

The maternity leave covered is 16 weeks. This leave is spread over the periods before and after childbirth. Your doctor may decide to increase the period of pre-natal leave for "therapeutic" reasons necessary for your health and that of your child.

DURING THE FIRST TRIMESTER, WHAT EXAMINATIONS SHOULD BE PERFORMED?

The first prenatal examination is mandatory before the end of the first trimester. This is a general and obstetrical examination. It is based on laboratory tests: blood group, rhesus factor, syphilis, immunity to toxoplasmosis and rubella, urine test, diabetes screening, anemia and HIV screening. The first ultrasound scan must take place between 11 and 13 weeks + 6 days of amenorrhea (3 months without periods).

A second clinical examination must be carried out before the 15th week of amenorrhea. It is based on a clinical examination and allows the doctor to establish the pregnancy declaration.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO TAKE?

The pregnancy declaration, given by your doctor during your second consultation, must be sent as soon as possible to Social Security (the pink section) and the Family Allowance Fund (the two blue sections). It opens your rights to medical care for your pregnancy. You will then receive your maternity record. If you want to give birth in a particular maternity hospital, remember to register as soon as possible. You can also start thinking about how your baby will be looked after. If you want a place in a nursery, register now.

Complete your administrative procedures with the health insurance funds, Social Security and your employer.

WHAT SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS SHOULD I FOLLOW?

You should no longer take any medication without your doctor's advice, apart from paracetamol in case of pain or fever. You should also use household products with caution, as some can be toxic. If you colour your hair, opt for a natural colour.

WHEN SHOULD I LET MY EMPLOYER KNOW ABOUT MY PREGNANCY?

You are not obliged to tell your employer at the beginning of your pregnancy, unless you do heavy work. But you must do so before the end of the third month. It is not mandatory to do this in writing. You can notify him orally.

DURING THE SECOND TRIMESTER, WHAT TESTS SHOULD BE PERFORMED?

During the 2nd trimester, before the 15th week of pregnancy, a blood test will be offered to assess the risks of Down syndrome (Triple test). This test is decided by your doctor. It takes into account your age and possible risks. Depending on the results of this test, you may need to undergo an amniocentesis or a fetal red blood cell test in the mother's blood. This involves taking a sample of liquid (amniotic fluid) containing fragments of cells from the fetus. This sample does not pose any danger to the mother or the fetus. Amniocentesis is systematically offered to women over 38 years of age.

At 4 months, the third prenatal examination is mandatory, as are other examinations to receive benefits. At 5 and 6 months, the fourth and fifth mandatory prenatal examinations will take place. You must comply with these examinations, they allow you to monitor your baby's growth.

This diagram is currently being updated. It is not currently in line with the text of this document.

Medical examinations are mandatory. They allow you to monitor your baby's growth and your state of health.

The second ultrasound scan is scheduled during the 5th month of pregnancy.

WHAT STEPS SHOULD YOU TAKE?

You must remember to send the sheets from your maternity record book corresponding to your various prenatal examinations to Social Security and the duplicate to your Family Allowance Fund. You can find out about the different methods of preparing for childbirth.

WHAT EXAMINATIONS SHOULD YOU SCHEDULE IN THE THIRD AND LAST TRIMESTER?

At 7 months, you will have to have the sixth prenatal exam, then at 8 months, the seventh, and finally at 9 months, the eighth. These exams are essential. They allow us to assess the risks of premature delivery, to check the baby's position and to evaluate the width of your pelvis to best prepare for your delivery. You will also have your third ultrasound. You will need to schedule an appointment with the anesthesiologist at the facility where you will give birth, in order to prepare for a possible epidural anesthesia. This method aims to desensitize a part of the body by blocking the nerves of the spinal cord, which eliminates pain. This injection is painless, because it is performed before a local anesthetic. During the preoperative consultation, the anesthesiologist will ensure that you have no contraindications.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO TAKE?

The 8th month is the start of your maternity leave. You must send the Social Security the certificate of your leave at least 3 weeks before the expected date of delivery.

It is possible to contact the PMI (Protection maternelle et infantile) of your home, to choose a pediatrician or your general practitioner because rural general practitioners also act as pediatricians. The care and monitoring of your child will be ensured.
With your doctor or your gynecologist, remember to note in a diary the dates of the various examinations and the stages of your pregnancy. You can also inquire with the PMI of your home or failing that with the social service of your town hall in order to carry out the necessary administrative procedures for the arrival of your baby.