Many newly expectant moms have questions. While inquiries like “What should I eat?” or “Can I drink coffee?” are common, one we hear often is “What can I do to have a healthy pregnancy?”
While there are lots of factors that help you achieve a healthy pregnancy, one of the best things you can do is receive prenatal care. Our team at OBGYN Westside, PLLC, on the Upper West Side of New York City, is here to support you every step of the way from your first trimester through postpartum care.
Read on to learn how comprehensive prenatal care can help you achieve a healthy pregnancy.
Your first trimester (weeks 1-12) is all about your baby's development. During these weeks, your body undergoes significant changes as it supports the rapid growth of your baby.
Your baby's major organs, including their heart, brain, and lungs, begin to form, and by the end of the first trimester, tiny fingers and toes start to take shape.
You may experience symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and heightened emotions as your hormones fluctuate.
As soon as you receive a positive pregnancy result, it’s time to schedule your first prenatal visit. At your initial appointment, we confirm your pregnancy, estimate your due date, and review your medical history.
You’ll have routine blood tests, a physical exam, and possibly an early ultrasound. This is also when we discuss lifestyle adjustments, dietary modifications, prenatal vitamins, and managing common symptoms like nausea and fatigue.
Throughout your first 12 weeks, continue to focus on eating nutrient-dense foods, staying hydrated, and participating in at least 150 minutes of pregnancy-safe exercise like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga each week.
The second trimester (weeks 13-26) often brings relief from early pregnancy symptoms. Many moms start to feel more energy. Your baby’s bones begin to harden, red blood cells form, and their sense of hearing develops.
You may start to see your baby bump growing, and you might start to feel your baby kick.
You’ll have regular checkups to monitor your baby’s growth, fetal heartbeat, and your overall health. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, we may recommend additional appointments.
At 16 and 20 weeks, you will have an anatomy ultrasound to check for any developmental concerns. Many moms-to-be look forward to this appointment as an opportunity to see if their baby is a boy or a girl.
We may also screen for gestational diabetes and discuss birth planning as you approach your third trimester. Diabetes screenings are even more important if you’re over 40. Nearly 16% of expectant mothers over the age of 40 have gestational diabetes, and routine screening can help detect it as early as possible.
During your second trimester, continue to focus on eating a balanced diet — only now your calories bump up to 2200.
With your energy level increasing, take advantage of this time to build healthy habits that will support you throughout your pregnancy.
During your third trimester (weeks 27-40), your baby’s organs continue to mature, they put on weight, and their lungs continue to develop. You may notice that your baby drops into your pelvic area as you get closer to your due date.
Your second-trimester energy is likely replaced with fatigue, headaches, round ligament pain, and nesting.
During your third trimester, we focus on preparing you for labor and delivery. Your visits to our office become more frequent, and we monitor your baby’s position, movement, and growth.
We screen for complications like preeclampsia and Group B strep and discuss your birth plan, including pain management options. We also provide guidance on recognizing labor signs and when to head to the hospital.
Just as with your previous trimesters, continue to nourish your body with healthy foods (now 2400 calories daily), drink plenty of water, and get enough rest.
Your activity levels may be lower now, and that’s okay. Continue to walk, swim, or do prenatal yoga — as long as you’re cleared to do so.
Here at OBGYN Westside, your care doesn’t stop once your baby is born. At your six-week postpartum checkup, we check to see that you’re recovering well physically and emotionally.
We check your healing, discuss breastfeeding or formula feeding, and address your postpartum concerns, including mood changes and contraception options.
Our team is here to guide you from your first appointment through postpartum. Contact us today by calling our office or booking an appointment online to schedule your next prenatal appointment.
