Prenatal Care

The first trimester begins on the first day of your last normal menstrual period and lasts until the end of week 12.

The first trimester of pregnancy is marked by an invisible — yet amazing — transformation.

The second trimester of your pregnancy is from week 13 to week 28 – roughly months four, five and six. The second trimester of pregnancy often brings a renewed sense of well-being. The worst of the nausea has usually passed, and your baby isn’t big enough to make you too uncomfortable. The bump is now visible.

3rd Trimester

Initial prenatal visit: The first prenatal visit typically occurs early in pregnancy, ideally within the first trimester. During this visit, healthcare providers obtain a comprehensive medical history, perform a physical examination, and conduct initial laboratory tests. They also discuss the importance of prenatal care, screen for risk factors, and provide guidance on healthy behaviors during pregnancy.

Regular prenatal visits: Prenatal care involves regular check-ups throughout pregnancy to monitor the health of both the mother and the developing fetus. The frequency of prenatal visits may vary depending on individual circumstances, but they typically occur monthly during the first and second trimesters, biweekly during the third trimester, and weekly in the final weeks of pregnancy. During these visits, healthcare providers perform physical examinations, measure blood pressure, assess fetal growth and development, screen for complications, and provide guidance on nutrition, exercise, and childbirth preparation.

Screening tests and diagnostic procedures: Prenatal care includes a series of screening tests and diagnostic procedures to assess the health of the mother and the fetus, identify any potential complications, and provide appropriate interventions. These tests may include blood tests (e.g., blood type, Rh factor, complete blood count, screening for infections such as HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis), urine tests (e.g., screening for protein and glucose), ultrasounds, genetic screening tests (e.g., nuchal translucency screening, cell-free DNA testing), and prenatal diagnostic procedures (e.g., chorionic villus sampling, amniocentesis) if indicated.

Nutrition and lifestyle counseling: Prenatal care involves counseling on nutrition, healthy eating habits, and lifestyle behaviors that promote the health of both the mother and the baby. Healthcare providers offer guidance on maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, taking prenatal vitamins (including folic acid supplementation), avoiding harmful substances (such as tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs), and practicing safe behaviors (such as wearing seatbelts and avoiding certain medications).

Management of pregnancy-related discomforts and complications: Prenatal care includes addressing common discomforts and complications associated with pregnancy, such as nausea and vomiting, fatigue, back pain, heartburn, constipation, and swelling. Healthcare providers offer advice on managing these symptoms through lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, physical activity, and, if necessary, medications that are safe during pregnancy.

Childbirth education and preparation: Prenatal care involves providing information and education to prepare expectant parents for childbirth and parenthood. This may include childbirth classes such as Lamaze, discussions about labor and delivery options, pain management techniques, breastfeeding education, newborn care, and postpartum recovery.

Emotional support and counseling: Pregnancy can be an emotional time, and prenatal care includes providing emotional support and counseling to expectant mothers and their partners. Healthcare providers offer guidance on coping with stress, anxiety, mood changes, and concerns about pregnancy and childbirth. Referrals to mental health professionals or support groups may be provided if needed.

Monitoring high-risk pregnancies: For women with high-risk pregnancies due to factors such as advanced maternal age, medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension), multiple gestations, or previous pregnancy complications, prenatal care involves closer monitoring, specialized testing, and coordination of care with obstetric specialists to optimize outcomes for both the mother and the baby.

week period immediately after you have had your baby. It is a period coined by Dr. Harvey Karp as the first 3 months of a baby’s life after birth.