While these signs and symptoms of a healthy pregnancy are a bit uncomfortable, they are usually gone by the end of your 1st trimester. Try to keep your sense of humor and your sense of wonder as your body becomes the home for a totally unique creation – your baby.

What to expect:

❑ Need to urinate more often.

❑ Feeling very tired.

❑ Nauseated and even vomiting.

❑ Craving certain foods or loss of appetite.

❑ Heartburn or indigestion.

❑ Constipation.

❑ Feeling bloated or heavy.

❑ Gain or loss of a few pounds.

When to call:

❑ Heavy vaginal bleeding or clotting.

❑ Lighter bleeding that lasts for more than one day.

❑ The passage of grayish or pinkish tissue.

❑ Any amount of bleeding that is accompanied by cramps, fever, chills or dizziness

❑ Severe pain in abdomen.

❑ Dehydration.

❑ A fever of more than 101°F.

❑ Painful urination.

The baby growing inside of you takes vitamins, minerals and protein away from you so eating a balanced diet and not skipping meals is vital to staying healthy during pregnancy. Try your best to avoid fatty foods and empty calories. But now and then, treat yourself to your favorite dessert or fast food meal! Savor every bite.

One of the most thrilling moments in your second trimester occurs when you begin to feel your baby moving inside you. This usually happens between 18-20 weeks. At first you may notice just a faint fluttering. Enjoy the feeling of wonder during these early days because before too long this child will be kicking and wiggling with such force that you cannot miss it!

What you may experience:

❑ Increased appetite and easing of nausea and fatigue.

❑ Abdomen beginning to expand – by the end of this trimester, the top of your uterus will be near the rib cage.

❑ Abdomen aches on one side or the other as the ligaments that support the uterus are stretched.

❑ Swelling of feet and ankles.

❑ Hip and back pain.

When to call:

❑ Heavy vaginal bleeding or clotting.

❑ Any amount of bleeding that is accompanied by pain, fever, or chills.

❑ Severe abdominal or shoulder pain.

❑ A severe or persistent headache, particularly one that is accompanied by dizziness, faintness, or visual disturbances.

❑ Dehydration.

❑ A fever of more than 101°F.

❑ Painful urination.

❑ A watery discharge from the vagina.

❑ Sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet.

❑ A significant decrease in fetal movement after the 24th week of pregnancy.

❑ The signs of premature labor: regular uterine contractions, lower back pain, a feeling of heaviness in the lower pelvis or abdomen, diarrhea, slight spotting or bleeding or a watery fluid or mucus discharge.

Understanding the changes you’ll experience will hopefully ease your anxiety and prepare you for the exciting weeks ahead. Remember, we’re in this together and we’re here to answer your questions and help put your mind at ease.

What you may experience:

❑ BACKACHE: As the baby grows the pelvic bone relaxes which causes lower back pain. Comfortable shoes, exercise, massage and Tylenol may help. If you’ve tried and none of these seem to work, give us a call and we’ll work with you to make you more comfortable.

❑ HEARTBURN: Heartburn is common in pregnancy and contrary to the old wives tale of your baby having a head full of hair; the growing uterus pushes the stomach out of its normal position which may contribute to heartburn. Eating smaller meals, avoiding spicy or fried foods, citrus fruits or juices, and drinking plenty of fluids may help. Tums, Rolaids or any of the meds listed on the approved medications list may also be helpful.

❑ BRAXTON HICKS CONTRACTIONS: Like the song says, “Ain’t nothing like the real thing baby.” These are sometimes referred to as “false labor” pains. They can begin as early as 28 weeks. We normally recommend ensuring you are well hydrated by drinking at least 32 oz of water then lying down on your left side. These contractions go away. True contractions will get stronger and closer together, even with rest.

WHEN TO CALL:

❑ Leaking fluid without control.

❑ Severe pain.

❑ Heavy bleeding.

❑ Contractions 5-7 apart for greater than 1 hour; unless you’ve been instructed differently.

We are proud to collaborate with local well-respected Laborist teams to provide 24 hour physician coverage to our patients in the hospital. We are currently delivering at the beautiful, newly-renovated Women and Childrens Center at Summerville Medical Center on Midland Parkway. We are looking forward to delivering babies at the new Roper Saint Francis Berkeley Hospital, scheduled for obstetric admissions this Fall 2019. We look forward to experiencing this journey with you and your family and welcome your little one into the world!

Click here for more information on Prenatal Testing. 1st Visit Prenatal Testing

❑ Complete blood count

❑ Blood Type, Rh factor & Antibody screening

❑ Rubella Immunity Screening

❑ Hepatitis B testing

❑ Syphilis Testing

❑ HIV Testing

❑ Cystic Fibrosis (optional)

12-15 Weeks:

❑ Nuchal Translucency U/S

❑ NT Part I & Part II

❑ Quad Screening Click here for more information on these screenings.

18-20 Weeks:

❑ Anomaly Ultrasound

28-40 Weeks:

❑ Gestational Diabetes Testing

❑ Group B Strep

Date of your last menstrual period:

12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember 20232024