Your pregnancy is an exciting time of your life. Whether this is your first or fifth pregnancy, our nurse practitioner and board certified physicians are happy to educate and answer your questions. Please read through the information below before your visit in order to help us make your pregnancy a happy, stress-free experience. We deliver at Royal Oak Beaumont hospital which includes the Karmanos Natural Birth Center.
Your Pregnancy
First Trimester
What you need to do:
- Start prenatal vitamins as soon as possible if you have not started already.
- Make an appointment with Michigan Women’s Health to confirm your pregnancy after your positive pregnancy test at home.
- Your second appointment will be with our nurse practitioner or your physician. You may have a physical exam and have blood drawn. We will take a very thorough history about you, the baby’s father, and your families. You should bring your questions to this appointment.
- Get your flu shot if it is flu season.
- Research carrier screening.
- Research genetic testing on the baby.
What is happening to the baby?
- 4-8 Weeks: implantation is occurring
- Around Week 8: All major organs are beginning to form; umbilical cord is visible; fingers and toes are beginning to form
- Around Weeks 10-12: Nerves and muscles are beginning to form; closed eyelids protect the eyes; we can hear baby’s heartbeat with a doppler
What is happening in my body?
- Breasts may be tender
- Nausea and occasional vomiting may occur
- Mild cramping is normal like you’re going to start your period
- Food aversion are common
- Heartburn and constipation may occur
What size is your baby currently?
Week 7 – Your baby is the size of a blueberry!
Week 12 – Your baby is the size of a lemon!
Second Trimester
What you need to do:
- Keep your appointments.
- Get your TDAP vaccine (26-28 weeks).
- Anatomy ultrasound around 18-20 weeks.
- One hour glucola visit around 28 weeks which is a screen for diabetes of pregnancy.
- Make an appointment for a 3D/4D ultrasound if you desire (extra fee).
- We will be checking your blood pressure and urine at every visit to watch for any developing problems.
- Your visits will be monthly unless you have — or develop — any pregnancy issues.
What is happening to the baby?
- Around Week 16: baby has developed a complete skeleton with muscles and bones
- Around Weeks 18-25: Movement is increasing. You may feel movement around week 20, but between 18-25 weeks is normal.
- Around Week 24: baby has developed taste buds and fingerprints
What is happening in my body?
- Around week 25 you should begin feeling movement daily
- Your belly will continue to grow
- Nausea is usually gone
- You may have more energy this trimester
- Some aches and pains are normal, especially towards the third trimester
- You may start to see stretch marks
What size is your baby currently?
Week 19 – Your baby is the size of a tomato!
Week 24 – Your baby is the size of corn!
Third Trimester
What you need to do:
- Keep your appointments which will be every other week until week 36, and then they will be weekly.
- GBS screen at 35 weeks.
- Take a prenatal class.
- Familiarize yourself with when to call our office.
What is happening to the baby?
- Baby continues to grow weekly
- Around Week 36: Movements may slow down, but you should still feel movement throughout the day
- Baby is learning how to breathe and preparing for the outside world
What is happening in my body?
- Contractions may start and they may feel like menstrual cramps or pelvic pressure. This is normal. They should be random until about 36 weeks.
- Heartburn and constipation are common.
- Stretch marks, aches and pain are normal.
- It may become difficult to sleep.
- You may start to notice some swelling of the legs and feet.
What size is your baby currently?
Week 30 – Your baby is the size of a cabbage!
Week 39 – Your baby is the size of a watermelon and almost ready to arrive!
