by Marketing Manager | Apr 13, 2023 | Pregnancy
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Sometimes going to the doctor’s office can be intimidating, especially if you’re a first-time mom. To alleviate some of these fears let’s go over what to expect during healthcare visits in your first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy.
How often will I have to see my healthcare provider?
The answer to this question will likely depend on your pregnancy. For a “low-risk” pregnancy it’s common to see your doctor every four weeks during your first and second trimesters. During your third trimester you’ll likely be scheduled with your doctor every 2-4 weeks, and then every week once you reach week 37 of pregnancy.
In addition to your prenatal appointments, you will also be offered prenatal ultrasounds. Most low-risk pregnancies get two ultrasounds during the course of the pregnancy. One ultrasound is performed at roughly week 7-12 to help determine your due date, and another ultrasound is performed at roughly week 20 to check on the baby’s growth and anatomy.
If you are considered a high-risk pregnancy, you will likely have to see your healthcare provider more regularly. How often will depend on your and your baby’s health.
What happens during my first trimester appointments?
On your very first appointment you can expect your doctor to ask you about your medical and pregnancy history. Be honest about your health history so that your doctor can provide the best advice. In addition to discussions about your health history, your doctor will provide guidance and instruction on how to have a healthy pregnancy.
Your doctor will likely also offer blood work. The blood work can provide helpful information such as your blood type and your exposure and immunity to certain infections.
What happens during my second trimester appointments?
Your second trimester appointments may be similar to your first. You will likely be offered blood-screening tests that can help determine if your baby has any testable medical conditions. Not all medical conditions can be tested for in a prenatal blood test, so discuss with your healthcare provider what information these tests will provide.
You will likely also be offered a special test called a glucose challenge test. This test helps determine if you have gestational diabetes. The test is typically offered between your 24th and 28th week of pregnancy, but if you are at a higher risk of gestational diabetes your healthcare provider may suggest this test earlier in your pregnancy.
What happens during my third trimester appointments?
During your third trimester appointments your healthcare team will continue to monitor your and your baby’s health. During the third trimester your doctor will also determine the baby’s position for delivery. If your baby is facing butt first (also called breech) your healthcare provider may offer an ultrasound-guided procedure to adjust the baby’s position so that it can be delivered vaginally.
Throughout all three trimesters, remember that your healthcare team is there to support you. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions or raise any concerns that you may have.
References
- “Prenatal Care: 1st Trimester Visits”. Mayo Clinic, Mayo Clinic. 06 August 2022.
- “Prenatal Care: 2nd Trimester Visits” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Clinic. 04 August 2022.
- “Prenatal Care: 3rd Trimester Visits” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Clinic. 28 July 2022.
- “Ultrasound in Pregnancy” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic. 28 September, 2022.
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by Marketing Manager | Apr 6, 2023 | Pregnancy
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Welcome to the second trimester! You’ve probably already felt some changes to your body and lifestyle throughout the first trimester, and you may be wondering what to expect for the next thirteen weeks. Let’s explore some things you may encounter as you progress into your second trimester.
You’ll likely be feeling better in your second trimester than your first
For many women, the morning sickness lightens by the second trimester, as well as the endless exhaustion and breast tenderness.
This is because your body in the second trimester has lower levels of the pregnancy hormone hCG, and because your body has begun to adapt to the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
You may feel the baby moving
At around 20 weeks, you may start to feel the baby moving. Doctors call this movement “quickening.” It can feel like a fluttering in your abdomen, or even a swishing or bubbling feeling.
Your pregnancy may become more visible
During your second trimester, it’s considered healthy to gain as much as a half-pound to a pound per week. With this faster weight gain, you might start to feel more backaches or lower abdominal aches as your body begins to stretch and support your growing uterus and baby.
By twenty weeks, your uterus has grown all the way up to your belly button. Oftentimes your pregnancy is more visible at this point, and you’re more likely to develop “the bump” during this second trimester.
Your gums and nose might start bleeding easily
This is because the hormones progesterone and estrogen from pregnancy increase the blood flow to your nose and mouth. Because your gums will be bleeding more easily, you’ll want to be gentle with your brushing and flossing, but don’t skip these activities as it’s important to maintain good dental care.
You may experience skin changes
The skin on your abdomen and breasts may start to itch. This is because the skin is being stretched with your growing body, and the skin becomes thinner in these areas.
You may start to develop stretch marks, which look like pink or red stripes, towards the end of your second trimester. Many women try to use cream and lotions to prevent these stretch marks, but research has shown that these products are not effective at preventing stretch marks, and that stretch mark development has more to do with your genetics.
In addition to your skin stretching, you might also experience some skin color changes. Some women experience dark spots, particularly on their face, during pregnancy. This is because your body’s melanin levels, the substance that gives people their pigmentation, increases during pregnancy. The dark spots tend to fade gradually after delivery, but you can help prevent them from worsening during pregnancy by wearing sunscreen and hats to protect from UV exposure.
References
- Brennan, M., Young, G., & Devane, D. (2012). Topical preparations for preventing stretch marks in pregnancy. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 11(11), CD000066.
- “Skin Conditions During Pregnancy.” ACOG, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. July 2022.
- “The Second Trimester.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine.
- “Quickening in Pregnancy” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic. 22 April 2022.
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by Marketing Manager | Mar 30, 2023 | Pregnancy
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]So, you’ve found out you’re pregnant! Whether you’ve been pregnant before or this is your first time, it’s important that you know what’s happening with your body and what to expect during your first trimester.
Did you know that the first trimester actually starts before you’re pregnant? Your “week one” begins with the last day of your most recent period, meaning that by the time the egg is fertilized, it’s roughly your third week of pregnancy. Your first trimester then lasts until week thirteen.
Let’s take a look at some of the key things to consider during these first thirteen weeks.
How to Set Up a Healthy Pregnancy
These weeks one through thirteen are considered a critical period for your baby’s development. This is because your baby is beginning to form its major organs. And this means that exposures to toxins, infections and harmful substances could increase your child’s risk of being born with complications or congenital disorders.
In order to help protect your baby, you should avoid drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, and using recreational drugs. Consider changing your diet to avoid raw meats and seafood, lunchmeats, and unpasteurized cheeses or drinks, as these foods are more likely to expose you and your baby to harmful bacteria. It’s also important to limit your contact with others who are sick.
It’s also highly recommended that you take a prenatal vitamin: particularly one that includes folic acid. Folic acid is an important mineral for your baby’s development. Research has shown that when mothers do not consume enough folic acid their babies have a much higher risk of developing neurological problems.
Body Changes You May Experience
1. Morning Sickness
The infamous morning sickness: it can be experienced differently depending on the woman, but often includes nausea at different times throughout the day. Morning sickness is frequently worst during weeks 8-12 and improves with the second trimester.
If you experience vomiting to the point of weakness, dizziness, or you are so dehydrated that you stop peeing, you should make an appointment to be seen by your healthcare provider.
2. Frequent Urination
During the first trimester you’ll likely become friends with the bathroom both from morning sickness as well as needing to pee frequently. This frequent urination is because of the pregnancy hormone HCG, the same hormone detected in pregnancy tests. HCG causes your body to send extra blood to your pelvic region and tells your kidneys to work harder because you retain more fluid during pregnancy.
3. Swollen or Tender Breasts
Tender breasts are another symptom that you can blame the hormones for. Your pregnancy hormones, particularly the increased estrogen and progesterone, cause the mammary glands in your breasts to grow bigger.
4. Constipation and Heartburn
Your digestive system slows down (also thanks to the hormone changes). As pregnancy increases the hormone progesterone in your body, progesterone reduces the contractions of your intestines. This means that food doesn’t move through your digestive tract as fast as it used to.
References
- “The First Trimester” Johns Hopkins Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine
- “First Trimester” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic. 22 August 2022.
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by Marketing Manager | Mar 24, 2023 | Pregnancy
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The many changes that occur with pregnancy often keep expectant mothers up at night. However, the importance of prenatal care is a factor that should be considered. This care is essential for a safe pregnancy and to reduce the possibility of complications during childbirth. Prenatal care includes ongoing examinations and medical assistance for pregnant moms and their developing babies.
Detecting Potential Health Issues Early On
Various tests and screenings are generally performed during prenatal visits to detect any underlying medical issues that could endanger the mother or the unborn child. They consist of examinations for toxoplasmosis, excessive blood pressure, and tests for gestational diabetes.
Early detection and treatment of potential health problems can help avoid complications later in pregnancy or during labour. For instance, managing gestational diabetes can lower the likelihood that the baby will become too large, which could make delivery more challenging. Early detection and treatment can also prevent significant issues like high blood pressure, similar to how preeclampsia can be prevented.
Monitoring the Baby’s Growth and Development
The infant’s development is tracked frequently with ultrasounds and other tests to ensure it progresses healthily. Medical practitioners can take steps to address any issues if they are discovered, such as recommending a specific diet or ordering additional tests.
Prenatal care can detect potential congenital disabilities or hereditary disorders and keep track of the baby’s development. This helps parents mentally prepare and make informed choices about their child’s upbringing.
Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Most mothers know the harm that dangerous substances like alcohol and tobacco could have on their baby and are asked to abstain. They are also encouraged to follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly. Prenatal care specialists can give pregnant women advice and support in these areas, guiding them in making choices that will benefit them and their growing children.
Although mental health is vital to general health and well-being, prenatal care also provides knowledge and aid for controlling stress and anxiety through coping techniques to deal with specific issues during pregnancy.
The better outcomes prenatal care may deliver for both mother and child ultimately make it so important. The risk of difficulties during pregnancy and labour can be decreased by routine check-ups and monitoring, which can assist in identifying and addressing potential health issues. This could lead to better outcomes for the mother and the unborn child, such as a lower probability of preterm birth, low birth weight, and other problems.
Prenatal treatment can also assist in preparing pregnant mothers for the physical and mental difficulties associated with childbirth and early parenthood. As moms negotiate the numerous changes that come with expecting a new baby, they can feel more powerful and confident with the support and advice of their prenatal care providers.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1618658856512{margin-top: 75px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Services We Offer:”][vc_column_text]
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by Marketing Manager | Mar 16, 2023 | Child Healthcare
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Eight things to look for when your child has a headache.
Headaches are common, even for children. Most of the time, a simple headache is not concerning. Minor illnesses, a bump to the head, lack of sleep, not eating, not drinking, or stress cause the majority of headaches. Although most headaches are minor and non-concerning, pediatrician Dr. Claire McCarthy wants parents and caregivers to watch for these 8 things when your child has a headache.
1. When A Child Has a Fever, Stiff Neck, And Headache
These symptoms are concerning because they could be an indication of meningitis. If your child has these symptoms, seek medical care right away.
2. When the Headache Pain Is Severe and Isn’t Helped by Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen
Common treatments for a headache are rest and medication. Always confirm the pediatric dosages when giving your child medication. Adult dosages are not safe for small children and could be life-threatening. If your child’s headache pain is severe and is not relieved by rest and medication, call your healthcare provider or make an appointment to have them checked out.
3. When A Child Has Frequent or Persistent Vomiting And A Headache
This combination of symptoms could just be a virus but if you are concerned you should call your child’s healthcare provider. These are also signs of pressure on the brain.
4. When A Child Has a Headache and Is Unusually Sleepy or Has Trouble Walking, Talking, or Doing Normal Activities
Just as with number 3, this combination of symptoms could be a virus or other illness but if you are concerned you should reach out to your child’s healthcare provider.
5. When A Headache Wakes Your Child from Sleeping
It is normal to wake up and realize you have a headache but if the pain of the headache is waking your child up from sleep this is unusual. Call your child’s healthcare provider if this is occurring.
6. When A Headache Is Worse Lying Down
Most headaches get better as time passes. If your child’s headache continues to get worse as time goes on or gets worse while lying down to rest, reach out to your child’s healthcare provider. This could be an indication of pressure on the brain.
7. When the Headaches Are Frequent or Interfering with Daily Life
If your child has headaches two or more times a week, or the headaches are interfering with their normal life then it is worth a visit to the doctor. It may not be anything serious but it is worth discussing with their healthcare provider.
8. When You Are Concerned
You know your child best. If something just doesn’t seem right and you are concerned, reach out to discuss your concerns with their healthcare provider.
This article is based on an article originally published by Harvard Health Publishing, click here to read the original article.
Resources
- McCarthy, C. (2022, March 16). 8 things to watch for when your child has a headache. Harvard Health. Retrieved March 10, 2023
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