First Trimester

From 1-12 weeks.

Pregnancy is 40 weeks. Start counting on the first day of your last menstrual period. For example, when you are one week late for your missed period, you are five weeks pregnant.

Your body

You may experience all sorts of emotions–

Energized, elated, perhaps you’re overjoyed with the news and it’s all you can think about. You may have dreamed about this and now that it’s real, you can’t help smiling to yourself.

Ambivalent: “How did this happen?”, “I’m not ready,” it is normal to have mixed feelings, that’s why you get 9 months to prepare.

Fear: It’s normal to have concerns about all of the upcoming changes in your body and in your life.

Fatigue: you may be sleeping and waking at odd hours.

Try to rest whenever you can.

Bloated: Your tummy pops out, your clothes are tight. This is from water weight gain, not the baby.

Constipation and indigestion: Your intestines slow down to absorb more nutrients and water. Increase flulds, fresh fruits, and veggies. For indigestion or gas, try 3 chewable papaya  slices after meals.

Cramping and pelvic pressure: It’s a scary feeling. Your uterus is expanding slowly and may cause menstrual-like cramps. If you are doubled over in pain, call your health care provider.

Tender and swollen breasts: You may wonder where you got these new breasts, seemingly overnight? The nipples can be very tender. A good support bra helps.

No appetite, food aversions, enhanced sense of smell-Some foods are appealing, others may make you feel sick.

Frequent urination This is normal; it’s your growing uterus pressing on the bladder. If you have burning, call your provider.

Your baby

Incredible growth and development-A single microscopic cell will become a baby.

6 weeks: The baby has a beating heart, eyes, limb buds, and is 1/2 inch long.

8 weeks: Webbed fingers and toes have formed. All major organ systems are developing.

12 weeks: The fingers and toes have separated and the genitals have appeared. The baby is 3 1/2 inches long.Your baby’s muscles and bones start to grow

Nutrition

Remember to take your prenatal vitamins or your Pregnancy milk daily.

Eat small, healthy snacks or 1/2-sized meals more frequently: Your baby is tiny and needs very little now. Try to eat a balanced diet.

Graze on: fruits, nutritional bars, crackers, small pieces of cheese, sips of milk, or drinkable yogurt.

Even when you’re not hungry, try to feed the baby every few hours.

increase your fluid intake: Drink at least 6 glasses of water per day.

Suggested lists:

• Try to rest as much as possible: Your body is creating a baby. That requires a lot of energy! Don’t be surprised if you are tired when you wake up and crave a nap by 3 p.м.
• Complete your prenatal laboratory tests. (see us at Soljan-Modern Laboratory)
• Try to exercise If you have the energy, try walking at a relaxed pace to help with fatigue and your overall sense of well being.
• Keep a journal: Write letters to your baby with your hopes and dreams for your future together.
• Discuss prenatal genetic testing options -There are many tests available that help detect genetic and inherited conditions in your child. Find out what options are available, what is covered by your insurance, the benefits, risks, and limitations.
• Discuss your risk of preterm birth-About 1 in 10 babies are born too early. I’s best to know whether you’re at risk, the signs of premature labor and what the plan is if this occurs.
• Discuss your risk of developing high blood pressure-This can lead to serious consequences for mom and baby, including pre-eclampsia and it’s important to develop a plan for how to manage this.
• Have a good sense of humor: This helps with all the body changes that are completely out of your control.
• Prepare for a birth plan by deciding where too give birth, updating your Philhealth and registering your YAKAP with us for prenatal benefits

Call your provider if you:

• Are bleeding and soaking up pads.
• Have a severe headache.
• Have severe abdominal pain.
• Have vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 12 hours.
• Have a fever over 38 C

Second Trimester

13-28 weeks

There have been changes in your body that surprise you for those in their first pregnancy. You are now  feeling better from nausea . You  are adapting better from morning sickness, looking great, glowing and weight is increasing as well.

Your body

Better sleep, more energy, increased appetite and abdominal showing changes to show. You appreciate baby’s movement which slowly starts at 18 weeks

Some difficulty with breathing and walking is expected now. We suggest to take your walking and climbing stairs .

Bleeding gums- continue to see your dentist regularly.

Varicose veins– wear support stockings, avoid crossing legs.

Stretch marks-try to massage slowly with mild lotion and oil– ask your OB.

Skin changes- acne on your face or at the back or chest. Remember that these are from hormonal changes. These are normal and you may see darker pigmentation in some parts of your body such as your armpit, groin and neck. Mild body wash and proper  hygiene is recommended

Round Ligament pain– the side stomach aches that you may feel. Most commonly when you get up, walking, and going up the stairs.

Anemia-you need to take iron if diagnosed. An iron supplement can be taken with vitamin c before meal for better absorption by stomach then increase your fluid, fruit, veggies intake to avoid constipation. Eat more meat, green leafy vegetables and beans.

Contractions-it is normal to  feel a few mild contractions 2-4 times each day now. These are called  Braxtons Hicks contractions and are not dangerous. If you are experiencing more than 3-4 contractions in an hour, call your health provider.

Your Baby

13 weeks – your baby is growing 

16 weeks -ears,eyelashes and fingernails begin to develop. His legs get longer and his fingers open and close.

20 weeks– your baby is covered with fine hair, lanugo and practices suckling. His weight increases and is now 7 inches longer.

24 weeks : lungs continue to develop  and surfactant is produced gradually which is essential for breathing air. Eye movements begins.

28 weeks-skin start to be wrinkled, and practices breathing movements.His  eyes open and close.  A healthy infant who is born now has a good survival. He is now 10 inches long.

Nutrition

Remember to eat balanced diet and your baby is growing rapidly. Continue taking prenatal vitamins daily. Eat 5-6 times a day including snacks. Avoid carbonated , caffeinated, alcohol and stay away from smoking areas. Make sure you eat 3 servings of protein and calcium daily. The good sources of protein are: hard boiled eggs,beans,mongo,peas,sunflower seeds,peanuts, cashew nuts , almonds etc. Good sources of calcium are-yogurt, cheese, milk, sardines, green leafy vegetables like malunggay.

Recommendations:

• Dental check up
• Have AFP,/ Quad screen to be performed at 15-20 weeks
• Oral glucose tolerance  test at 28-32 weeks age of gestation
• Get Rho Gam injection at 28 weeks if you are RH negative
• Start sleeping on your side at 24 weeks as long as you are off your back with a baby  pillow
• Start kick counts/ fetal movement’s counting at 8 months when resting . Get a diary or chart  for fetal kick  . There are  more than 2 kicks per hour or 20 kicks per day.
• Ask about kegel exercise – this helps prevent leaking urine later on which unfortunately may occur
• Sign up for mother’s class – preparing childbirth , breastfeeding, newborn care,
• Ask about saving your baby’s stem cells- your baby’s umbilical cord contains unique and potentially lifesaving newborn stem cells . Preserving your newborn’s stem cells can help you prepare child’s future.

Third Trimester

28-40 weeks

Your journey may seem harder now. Your tummy is stretched as far as it can go, and yet every day it grows bigger. Just remember, in a few weeks you’ll be meeting your baby.

Your body

For some of these symptoms, rest and regular exercise are the best remedies. For others, delivery brings relief. Some of your symptoms may be explained in the 2nd trimester section.

More clear vaginal discharge is normal.

Milk from the breast is normal.

Frequent urination is normal, unless it burns. It’s from the baby pressing on your bladder.

Tired and irritable from interrupted sleep. You may have less patience for family and friends. If you are feeling overwhelmed, are crying, feeling worried, or anxious, you may be depressed. t’s best to talk with your health care provider about treatment options and also how to prevent postpartum depression.

Leaking urine-no one tells you about this, but it can happen.- Kegel exercises, 50 to 100x per day may help.

Heartburn– try antacids and eating smaller meals more frequently. Sit up for a 1/2 hour after a meal. When you lie down, try your right side. (Your stomach empties to the right).

Constipation-Increase fresh fruits, veggies, and water. Ask your provider about a stool softener.

Hemorrhoids-this is common to multigravida pregnant  women as it appeared  during labor and normal vaginal delivery, sadly it is painful . Eat fiber food and stool softener may help. Ask your provider about over-the-counter remedies. Prevent constipation  by drinking more water.

Skin changes-Darker nipples, hyperpigmentation of armpits, a line on your tummy and acne may show during pregnancy.

Leg cramps– may occur at night when you’re trying to sleep. Point your toes toward your tummy and try an ice pack. Increase your magnesium intake.

Lower back pain and sciatica- bend at your knees. Don’t twist and bend at the same time. Try abdominal strengthening exercise for your core. Consider seeing a physical therapist or getting a mild massage.

Swelling feet and ankles– elevate your legs, increase your water and protein intake. If severe, discuss with your provider.

Tingling or numbness in your hands– may indicate carpal tunnel syndrome. Try wrist splints to keep your wrists straight and discuss with your provider.

Your baby

Babies gain 1/4 to 1/2 pound every week!

At 28 weeks-The baby is usually 14 inches long and weighs about 2 lb.

Your baby is growing rapidly now.

His lungs continue to mature and breathing movements begin.

Her sleep/wake patterns develop.

He starts to hiccup from swallowing amniotic fluid, a good sign of normal development.

By 34 weeks—Many babies have snuggled into a head-down position, which most of them stay in.

By delivery-Most babies are 18 to 22 inches long and weigh between 6 to 9 lb.

Nutrition

You may find your appetite decreasing. It’s important to eat a balanced diet because the baby is growing rapidly now.

Continue taking your prenatal vitamin daily.

To do list

• Finalize names, get a car seat, and pack your bag.
• Take a hospital tour and choose a pediatrician.
• Group B strep screening between 35 and 37 weeks.
• Discuss expanded newborn screening-Tests your baby for a range of serious conditions.

Keep important phone numbers handy-Near your phone, or programmed into your  

Post partum

• Immediate postpartum: The first 24 hours after delivery, requiring close monitoring for bleeding.
• Early postpartum: The first week following birth, counseling about lactation, pain control, hygiene, postpartum depression.
• Remote postpartum: after 6 weeks , when organs recover and menstrual cycles may occur
• The first 1000 days refers to a child’s life from conception until they reach two years of age ( 24 months) representing a critical window that shapes lifelong health, brain growth and well being.Proper nutrition during this period is paramount.

You need to come  back for follow up by your health care provider weekly for the six-to-eight-week period following childbirth when a mother’s body, including the reproductive organs and hormones, returns to a non-pregnant state.