BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuPrenatal care in your first trimesterPregnancy care - first trimesterTrimester means "3 months." A normal pregnancy lasts around 10 months and has 3 trimesters.The word prenatal means before birth. The first trimester starts when your baby is conceived. It continues through week 14 of your pregnancy. Your health care provider may talk about your pregnancy in weeks, rather than in months or trimesters.Your First Prenatal VisitYou should schedule your first prenatal visit soon after you learn that you are pregnant. Your doctor or midwife will:Draw your blood Perform a full pelvic exam Do a Pap smear and cultures to look for infections or problemsYour doctor or midwife will listen for your baby's heartbeat, but may not be able to hear it. Most often, the heartbeat cannot be heard or seen on ultrasound until at least 6 to 7 weeks.During this first visit, your doctor or midwife will ask you questions about:Your overall health Any health problems you have Past pregnancies Medicines, herbs, or vitamins you take Whether or not you exercise Whether you smoke, use tobacco, drink alcohol or take drugs Whether you or your partner have genetic disorders or health problems that run in your familyYou will have many visits to talk about a birthing plan. You can also discuss it with your doctor or midwife at your first visit.The first visit will also be a good time to talk about:Eating healthy, exercising, getting adequate sleep, and making lifestyle changes while you are pregnant Eating healthyPregnant women should eat a balanced diet.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Common symptoms during pregnancy such as fatigue, heartburn, and varicose veins Common symptoms during pregnancyGrowing a baby is hard work. Your body will go through a lot of changes as your baby grows and your hormones change. Along with the aches and pains...Read Article Now Book Mark Article How to manage morning sickness Morning sickness The term "morning sickness" is used to describe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Some women also have the symptoms of dizziness and headaches....Read Article Now Book Mark Article What to do about vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy What to expect at each visitYou will also be given prenatal vitamins with iron if you are not already taking them.Follow-up Prenatal VisitsIn your first trimester, you will have a prenatal visit every month. The visits may be quick, but they are still important. It is OK to bring your partner or labor coach with you. During your visits, your doctor or midwife will: Weigh you. Check your blood pressure. Check for fetal heart sounds. Take a urine sample to test for sugar or protein in your urine. If either of these is found, it could mean that you have gestational diabetes or high blood pressure caused by pregnancy. At the end of each visit, your doctor or midwife will tell you what changes to expect before your next visit. Tell your doctor if you have any problems or concerns. It is OK to talk about them even if you do not feel that they are important or related to your pregnancy. Lab TestsAt your first visit, your doctor or midwife will draw blood for a group of tests known as the prenatal panel. These tests are done to find problems or infections early in the pregnancy. This panel of tests includes, but is not limited to: A complete blood count (CBC) Blood typing (including Rh screen) Rubella viral antigen screen (this shows how immune you are to the disease Rubella) Hepatitis panel (this shows if you are positive for hepatitis A, B, or C) Syphilis test HIV test (this test shows if you are positive for the virus that causes AIDS) Cystic fibrosis screen (this test shows if you are a carrier for cystic fibrosis) A urine analysis and culture UltrasoundsAn ultrasound is a simple, painless procedure. A wand that uses sound waves will be placed on your belly. The sound waves will let your doctor or midwife see the baby. You should have an ultrasound done in the first trimester to get an idea of your due date. The first trimester ultrasound will usually be a vaginal ultrasound.Genetic TestingAll women are offered genetic testing to screen for birth defects and genetic problems, such as Down syndrome or brain and spinal column defects.If your doctor thinks that you need any of these tests, talk about which ones will be best for you. Be sure to ask what the results could mean for you and your baby. A genetic counselor can help you understand your risks and test results. There are many options now for genetic testing. Some of these tests carry some risks to your baby, while others do not.Women who may be at higher risk for these genetic problems include:Women who have had a fetus with genetic problems in earlier pregnancies Women, age 35 years or older Women with a strong family history of inherited birth defectsIn one test, your provider can use an ultrasound to measure the back of the baby's neck. This is called nuchal translucency.Nuchal translucencyThe nuchal translucency test measures the nuchal fold thickness. This is an area of tissue at the back of an unborn baby's neck. Measuring this thi...Read Article Now Book Mark Article A blood test is also done. Together, these 2 measures will tell if the baby is at risk for having Down syndrome. If a test called a quadruple screen is done in the second trimester, the results of both tests are more accurate than doing either test alone. This is called integrated screening. If the test is positive, an amniocentesis or cell-free DNA test may be recommended.Quadruple screenThe quadruple screen test is a blood test done during pregnancy to determine whether the baby is at risk for certain birth defects.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Another test, called chorionic villus sampling (CVS), can detect Down syndrome and other genetic disorders as early as 10 weeks into a pregnancy.Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a test some pregnant women have to screen their baby for genetic problems.Read Article Now Book Mark Article A newer test, called cell free DNA testing, looks for small pieces of your baby's genes in a sample of blood from the mother. This test is newer, but offers a lot of promise for accuracy without risks of miscarriage. It may reduce the need for an amniocentesis, and so is safer for the baby.There are other tests that may be done in the second trimester.Second trimesterThe word prenatal means before birth. Trimester means 3 months. A normal pregnancy is around 10 months and has 3 trimesters. Your health care provi...Read Article Now Book Mark Article When to Call the DoctorContact your provider if:You have a significant amount of nausea and vomiting. You have bleeding or cramping. You have increased discharge or a discharge with odor. You have a fever, chills, or pain when passing urine. You have any questions or concerns about your health or your pregnancy.Open ReferencesReferencesGregory KD, Ramos DE, Jauniaux ERM. Preconception and prenatal care. In:.Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 5.Hobel CJ, Williams J. Antepartum care. In: Hacker N, Gambone JC, Hobel CJ, eds. Hacker & Moore's Essentials of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 7.Magowan BA, Owen P, Thomson A. Antenatal and postnatal care. In: Magowan BA, Owen P, Thomson A, eds. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 22.Symonds I. Early pregnancy care. In: Symonds I, Arulkumaran S, eds. Essential Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 18.Williams DE, Pridjian G. Obstetrics. In: Rakel RE, Rakel DP, eds. Textbook of Family Medicine. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 20.AllVideoImagesTogA Closer Look Miscarriage(Alt. Medicine)Epilepsy - InDepth(In-Depth)Bipolar disorder - InDepth(In-Depth)Diabetes - type 2 - InDepth(In-Depth)Vitamin B9 (Folic acid)(Alt. Medicine)Depression - InDepth(In-Depth)Preeclampsia(Alt. Medicine)Urinary tract infection - InDepth(In-Depth)Hypothyroidism - InDepth(In-Depth)Calcium(Alt. Medicine)Self Care Prenatal care in your first trimesterTeenage pregnancy Prenatal care in your second trimesterEating right during pregnancyManaging your weight gain during pregnancyProblems sleeping during pregnancyPreterm laborVaginal bleeding in early pregnancyWhen you need to gain more weight during pregnancyRelated Information Review Date: 4/19/2022 Reviewed By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. 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Prenatal care in your first trimesterPregnancy care - first trimesterTrimester means "3 months." A normal pregnancy lasts around 10 months and has 3 trimesters.The word prenatal means before birth. The first trimester starts when your baby is conceived. It continues through week 14 of your pregnancy. Your health care provider may talk about your pregnancy in weeks, rather than in months or trimesters.Your First Prenatal VisitYou should schedule your first prenatal visit soon after you learn that you are pregnant. Your doctor or midwife will:Draw your blood Perform a full pelvic exam Do a Pap smear and cultures to look for infections or problemsYour doctor or midwife will listen for your baby's heartbeat, but may not be able to hear it. Most often, the heartbeat cannot be heard or seen on ultrasound until at least 6 to 7 weeks.During this first visit, your doctor or midwife will ask you questions about:Your overall health Any health problems you have Past pregnancies Medicines, herbs, or vitamins you take Whether or not you exercise Whether you smoke, use tobacco, drink alcohol or take drugs Whether you or your partner have genetic disorders or health problems that run in your familyYou will have many visits to talk about a birthing plan. You can also discuss it with your doctor or midwife at your first visit.The first visit will also be a good time to talk about:Eating healthy, exercising, getting adequate sleep, and making lifestyle changes while you are pregnant Eating healthyPregnant women should eat a balanced diet.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Common symptoms during pregnancy such as fatigue, heartburn, and varicose veins Common symptoms during pregnancyGrowing a baby is hard work. Your body will go through a lot of changes as your baby grows and your hormones change. Along with the aches and pains...Read Article Now Book Mark Article How to manage morning sickness Morning sickness The term "morning sickness" is used to describe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Some women also have the symptoms of dizziness and headaches....Read Article Now Book Mark Article What to do about vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy What to expect at each visitYou will also be given prenatal vitamins with iron if you are not already taking them.Follow-up Prenatal VisitsIn your first trimester, you will have a prenatal visit every month. The visits may be quick, but they are still important. It is OK to bring your partner or labor coach with you. During your visits, your doctor or midwife will: Weigh you. Check your blood pressure. Check for fetal heart sounds. Take a urine sample to test for sugar or protein in your urine. If either of these is found, it could mean that you have gestational diabetes or high blood pressure caused by pregnancy. At the end of each visit, your doctor or midwife will tell you what changes to expect before your next visit. Tell your doctor if you have any problems or concerns. It is OK to talk about them even if you do not feel that they are important or related to your pregnancy. Lab TestsAt your first visit, your doctor or midwife will draw blood for a group of tests known as the prenatal panel. These tests are done to find problems or infections early in the pregnancy. This panel of tests includes, but is not limited to: A complete blood count (CBC) Blood typing (including Rh screen) Rubella viral antigen screen (this shows how immune you are to the disease Rubella) Hepatitis panel (this shows if you are positive for hepatitis A, B, or C) Syphilis test HIV test (this test shows if you are positive for the virus that causes AIDS) Cystic fibrosis screen (this test shows if you are a carrier for cystic fibrosis) A urine analysis and culture UltrasoundsAn ultrasound is a simple, painless procedure. A wand that uses sound waves will be placed on your belly. The sound waves will let your doctor or midwife see the baby. You should have an ultrasound done in the first trimester to get an idea of your due date. The first trimester ultrasound will usually be a vaginal ultrasound.Genetic TestingAll women are offered genetic testing to screen for birth defects and genetic problems, such as Down syndrome or brain and spinal column defects.If your doctor thinks that you need any of these tests, talk about which ones will be best for you. Be sure to ask what the results could mean for you and your baby. A genetic counselor can help you understand your risks and test results. There are many options now for genetic testing. Some of these tests carry some risks to your baby, while others do not.Women who may be at higher risk for these genetic problems include:Women who have had a fetus with genetic problems in earlier pregnancies Women, age 35 years or older Women with a strong family history of inherited birth defectsIn one test, your provider can use an ultrasound to measure the back of the baby's neck. This is called nuchal translucency.Nuchal translucencyThe nuchal translucency test measures the nuchal fold thickness. This is an area of tissue at the back of an unborn baby's neck. Measuring this thi...Read Article Now Book Mark Article A blood test is also done. Together, these 2 measures will tell if the baby is at risk for having Down syndrome. If a test called a quadruple screen is done in the second trimester, the results of both tests are more accurate than doing either test alone. This is called integrated screening. If the test is positive, an amniocentesis or cell-free DNA test may be recommended.Quadruple screenThe quadruple screen test is a blood test done during pregnancy to determine whether the baby is at risk for certain birth defects.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Another test, called chorionic villus sampling (CVS), can detect Down syndrome and other genetic disorders as early as 10 weeks into a pregnancy.Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a test some pregnant women have to screen their baby for genetic problems.Read Article Now Book Mark Article A newer test, called cell free DNA testing, looks for small pieces of your baby's genes in a sample of blood from the mother. This test is newer, but offers a lot of promise for accuracy without risks of miscarriage. It may reduce the need for an amniocentesis, and so is safer for the baby.There are other tests that may be done in the second trimester.Second trimesterThe word prenatal means before birth. Trimester means 3 months. A normal pregnancy is around 10 months and has 3 trimesters. Your health care provi...Read Article Now Book Mark Article When to Call the DoctorContact your provider if:You have a significant amount of nausea and vomiting. You have bleeding or cramping. You have increased discharge or a discharge with odor. You have a fever, chills, or pain when passing urine. You have any questions or concerns about your health or your pregnancy.Open ReferencesReferencesGregory KD, Ramos DE, Jauniaux ERM. Preconception and prenatal care. In:.Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 5.Hobel CJ, Williams J. Antepartum care. In: Hacker N, Gambone JC, Hobel CJ, eds. Hacker & Moore's Essentials of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 7.Magowan BA, Owen P, Thomson A. Antenatal and postnatal care. In: Magowan BA, Owen P, Thomson A, eds. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 22.Symonds I. Early pregnancy care. In: Symonds I, Arulkumaran S, eds. Essential Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 18.Williams DE, Pridjian G. Obstetrics. In: Rakel RE, Rakel DP, eds. Textbook of Family Medicine. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 20.