Pregnancy Information
You will find a wealth of helpful information about your pregnancy on our website. You can access any topic (arranged in alphabetic order) from the drop-down menu, or browse the groups of topics below.
Reviews
The Changes in your Body and the Growth of your Baby
Learn what will happen at your prenatal appointments and what tests will be run. Learn about the timetable of your baby’s growth and the accompanying changes in your body.
Typical Problems in Pregnancy
Learn what are normal problems encountered in pregnancy and how to deal with them. Learn when to contact your provider.
Proper Nutrition and Fitness During Pregnancy
Learn what foods are essential for your baby’s development and your good health. Learn the guidelines for fitness and safety during pregnancy.
Changes to your Activities during Pregnancy
Learn what is safe and what is not and how to modify your current activities, from travel to gardening to food handling, in order to ensure the best health for you and your baby.
Getting Ready for the New Arrival
Learn your options for labor and delivery. Learn how to track your baby’s movements in the final weeks of pregnancy.
Information at your Fingertips
Check out a brief list of the most common topics related to pregnancy and download PWHealth’s Pregnancy Booklet.
Obstetrics Appointment
Normal, healthy patients are usually seen every four to five weeks during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy. From 28 to 36 weeks, your appointments are scheduled every two or three weeks. After 36 weeks until delivery, you are seen weekly.
Patients with medical obstetric complications may need to be seen as often as every two weeks during early pregnancy and once or twice a week during the latter part of the pregnancy.
If you make an appointment before 10 weeks gestation, you meet with a nurse practitioner. She provides you with information regarding your pregnancy and answers your questions. For example, she discusses common symptoms of pregnancy and ways to minimize discomforts. You also receive a prescription for prenatal vitamins.
In addition, your prenatal laboratory work is done. This includes blood work, a urine culture, a pap smear and cultures for gonorrhea and chlamydia. The prenatal blood work includes:
- Blood type/Rh Factor
- Rubella
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Syphilis test (state required)
- Sickle cell screen (for African American clients)
- Antibody Screen
- Hepatitis B
- HIV
At this time, as well as during every visit, your care includes:
- Calculation of baby's gestational age.
- Uterine assessment and fundal height measurement.
- Weight check.
- Blood pressure screening.
- Urine screening for protein and ketones if medically necessary.
- Fetal Heart tones (May not be heard by Doppler until 10 to 12 weeks gestation).
At about 10 weeks gestation, you return to have your lab results reviewed, have a physical exam and pelvic ultrasound to confirm your due date.
Pregnancy FAQ
When should I take a pregnancy test?
The best time to take a pregnancy test is when you suspect you might be pregnant. Tests work best when taken after a missed period, providing more accurate results. They function by detecting pregnancy hormones in your urine.
Am I pregnant?
Early signs of pregnancy include missed periods, nausea, fatigue, and breast tenderness. If you notice these symptoms, consider taking a pregnancy test or consulting a healthcare provider for confirmation and guidance.
Am I having a boy or a girl?
Determining the baby's sex usually happens during the 20-week scan, although genetic testing options are available for finding out the sex earlier in pregnancy.
What are the key stages of fetal development during pregnancy?
The key stages of fetal development during pregnancy include the germinal stage, the embryonic stage, and the fetal stage. The germinal stage covers the first two weeks after conception, during which the zygote forms and implants in the uterine wall. The embryonic stage spans from the third to the eighth week, where major organs and structures begin to develop. The fetal stage starts at the ninth week and continues until birth, during which the fetus grows and matures, gaining the ability to survive outside the womb.
What is the importance of understanding the different trimesters in pregnancy?
Understanding the different trimesters of pregnancy is important as each trimester marks significant developmental milestones for the baby and changes for the mother. The first trimester (weeks 1-12) involves the initial development of the embryo, where vital organs and systems begin to form. The second trimester (weeks 13-26) is often considered the most comfortable period for many women, with noticeable fetal movements and continued growth. The third trimester (weeks 27-40) involves the final maturation of the baby and prepares both the mother and baby for labor and delivery. Being aware of these stages helps expectant mothers anticipate and prepare for the changes ahead.
What role does ultrasound play in prenatal care?
Ultrasound is a vital tool in prenatal care that uses sound waves to create images of the developing baby inside the womb. It allows healthcare providers to monitor the baby's growth, detect any structural abnormalities, and assess the condition of the placenta and amniotic fluid. Routine ultrasounds are typically performed at various stages of pregnancy, including a detailed anatomy scan around 20 weeks. Ultrasound provides a noninvasive way to check the baby's health and development, giving parents a visual connection to their unborn child.
