Doctor Visits & Trimesters
Anita is now in her second trimester. She visits the gynaecologist regularly for check-ups and an ultrasound scan.
Key words and phrases
Useful sentences
- Ask Is the baby's heartbeat normal?
- Answer Yes, the heartbeat is strong and regular.
- Ask How much weight should I gain in this trimester?
- Answer Around four to five kilograms is healthy for this stage.
- Ask When should I schedule the next ultrasound?
- Answer Let's schedule it for four weeks from now.
- Ask Is it normal that I haven't felt the baby kick yet?
- Answer At this stage, that's still normal — you should feel it soon.
- Ask Can you check my blood pressure today?
- Answer Of course, please sit here for a minute.
- Ask Do I need to keep taking folic acid this trimester?
- Answer Yes, along with your prenatal vitamins daily.
- Ask Is my due date still the same as before?
- Answer Yes, it's still expected in early March.
- Ask Does my blood test show any signs of anaemia?
- Answer It's mild, so we'll increase your iron tablets slightly.
- Ask Is the amniotic fluid level normal in this scan?
- Answer Yes, the sonographer confirmed it's perfectly normal.
- Ask When should we schedule the follow-up appointment?
- Answer Let's book it for four weeks from today.
Dialogue
NursePlease sit here, I'll check your blood pressure and weight first.
AnitaSure. I've also been feeling the baby kick a lot lately.
NurseThat's a great sign. The doctor will do an ultrasound today as well.
DoctorEverything looks good, Anita. The heartbeat is strong and the baby is growing well.
VikramCan we get a copy of the scan report, doctor?
DoctorYes, collect it from the front desk before you leave.
AnitaThank you, doctor. Should I keep taking my folic acid and prenatal vitamins?
DoctorYes, please continue. Your blood test also showed mild anaemia, so I'll increase your iron tablets.
VikramIs the amniotic fluid level fine, doctor?
DoctorYes, the sonographer confirmed it's normal. Let's schedule a follow-up appointment in four weeks.
Common mistakes
- Saying "I am on my second trimester" instead of "I am in my second trimester."
- Confusing "scan" (the procedure) with "scan report" (the document with results).
- Saying "the baby is kicking me" when describing a first light movement — usually described as "I felt a kick" or "I felt the baby move."
- Saying "I have anaemia problem" instead of "I have anaemia" (don't add "problem" after a medical condition).
- Saying "My delivery date" instead of "My due date" when referring to the expected date of birth.
- Saying "Doctor gave me vitamins" instead of "Doctor prescribed vitamins for me" (use "prescribe" for medical recommendations).
Quick quiz
1. Pregnancy is usually divided into three periods called ___.
2. An ultrasound scan is mainly used to ___.
3. Complete: "The doctor ___ iron tablets for her."
4. A doctor who specialises in women's reproductive health is called a ___.
5. What is the expected date of delivery called?
6. What condition is caused by low iron levels in the blood?
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