Prenatal Care Guide
General guidence for a healthy pregnancy
Foods to eat daily:
• 5 servings of fruits and vegetables (bananas, carrots, apples)
• Protein-rich foods (eggs, beans, chicken, well-cooked fish)
• Whole grains (brown rice, whole wheat bread, oatmeal)
• Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
• 8 to 10 cups of water
Foods to avoid:
• Raw fish (sushi) and undercooked meat
• Soft unpasteurized cheese (feta, brie, camembert)
• No more than one small cup of coffee per day
• Alcohol
Vitamins and vaccines:
• Take prenatal vitamins with folic acid to help prevent birth defects
• Get the flu vaccine early during flu season (fall)
• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine at 28 to 36 weeks
• RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine at 32 to 36 weeks
Additional tips:
• Take a daily walk
• Do Kegel exercises
• Take childbirth classes
• Avoid anything that causes stress when possible
• Ask your doctor any questions you may have
What to expect at prenatal appointments
First visit (6 to 8 weeks):
• Review of your personal and family medical history
• Blood pressure, weight, and height measurements
• Breast and pelvic exams (if needed)
• Urine test and lab work
• Ultrasound (unless scheduled for a later visit)
• Discussions on nutrition, exercise, prenatal vitamins, medications to avoid, and lifestyle recommendations
• Confirm due date
Monthly visits (first 6 months):
• Listen to your baby’s heartbeat (after 10 to 12 weeks)
• Measure belly size and check your baby’s growth
• Discuss symptoms like nausea, tiredness, or pain
• Order your breast pump and blood pressure monitor
• Discuss future birth control options
Monthly visits (7 to 9 months):
• Check the baby’s position
• Get all needed vaccines
• Discuss labor signs and when to go to the hospital
• Pelvic exam
• Plan a hospital tour and book prenatal / birthing classes
• Discuss your birth plan
• Meet with your baby’s pediatrician
Tests during pregnancy
You will have appointments ever 4 weeks for your first 28 weeks or pregnancy, every 2 weeks until 36 weeks, and then every week until you give birth. Appointments may vary depending on your pregnancy.
• Urine test
o Checks for infections, diabetes, and other potential issues
• Blood tests
o Blood type
o Amenia (low iron)
o HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, and tuberculosis
o Rubella (German measles) immunity
o Cystic fibrosis
o Genetic testing (if needed)
• Pap smear
o Checks for cervical cancer (if due)
• Weight and blood pressure tests
• Ultrasound
• Heartbeat checks
• Glucose test (24 to 28 weeks)
o Checks for gestational diabetes (high blood sugar during pregnancy)
• Group B strep test (35 to 37 weeks)
Common pregnancy complaints and solutions
Symptom Cause
Morning sickness (nausea)
Hormone changes
Constipation Hormone changes
Leg cramps Hormone changes
Tiredness Your body is working hard
Back pain Your growing belly strains your muscles
Heartburn Baby pushing on your stomach
Swollen feet Extra fluid in your body
Frequent urination Baby pressing on your bladder
What Helps
Eat small meals, drink ginger tea, and avoid strong smells.
Eat high-fiber foods like fruits, raw vegetables, whole grain products, nuts, and dried fruits and drink plenty of water.
Drink plenty of water and elevate your feet.
Rest often and nap when possible.
Warm bath, pregnancy pillow, gentle stretches, and using a maternity belt.
Eat small meals, avoid spicy food, and sleep propped up.
Put your feet up, drink plenty of water, wear comfy shoes, and use compression socks.
Take time to empty your bladder fully when urinating.
Signs of an emergency
Call your doctor immediately if any of the below occur:
• Baby stops moving
• Heavy vaginal bleeding (like a period)
• Abdominal pain
• High fever (over 100.4°F)
• Severe headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blurry vision
Safe remedies and over-the-counter medications to take when pregnant or breastfeeding
Cough / cold:
• Saline nasal drops
• Robitussin (plain)
• Tylenol
• Sudafed (only in the second and third trimesters)
Allergies:
• Claritin (daytime)
• Benadryl (at bedtime)
Constipation:
• Colace
• Metamucil
• Senokot
• Fibercon
• Prune and apricot juice
• Bran cereal
Back pain / headache:
• Tylenol
Yeast infection:
• Monistat
Hemorrhoids:
• Preparation H
• 1% Hydrocortisone Cream
• Tucks Witch Hazel
• Ice Diarrhea:
• Imodium
• BRAT diet (bananas, rice, apple sauce, toast)
Morning sickness:
• Vitamin B6 (25mg) + doxylamine (Unisom)
• Dry crackers
• Ginger Ale
• Ginger Tea
• Ginger Tablets
GERD / acid reflux
• Mylanta
• Maalox
• Tums
• Pepcid (20mg daily)
• Zantac (50mg daily)
In addition to these remedies and medications, be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Your baby’s growth, month by month
First 3 months
• Size of a grape at 8 weeks
• Heart starts beating
• Arms and legs form
• You may feel tired or sick
4 to 6 months:
• Growth from the size of an orange to a banana
• Kicking may start
7 to 9 months:
• Lungs fully develop
• Baby turns head-down (ready for birth)
• You may feel back pain and have trouble sleeping
Getting ready for your baby’s arrival
Choose a pediatrician:
When you reach your seventh month of pregnancy, your OB team can help schedule an appointment to meet with your baby’s pediatrician.
Hospital bag checklist:
• Comfortable clothes and underwear
• Slippers and socks
• Toothbrush
• Hairbrush
• Health insurance card
• ID
• Phone charger
Baby items checklist:
• Two or three newborn onesies
• Swaddle blanket
• Car seat (installed before leaving the hospital)
New mom and baby care
Your recovery:
• Rest as much as possible – try to sleep when your baby is sleeping
• Eat healthy meals – ask family members or friends to help cook
• Talk to someone if you’re feeling emotional – this is very normal
Newborn care:
• Breastfeed 8 to 12 times a day or feed the baby formula every 2 to 3 hours
• Burp the baby after feeding
• Put your baby on their back when sleeping
• No blankets or toys in the crib
• Schedule a first check-up with a pediatrician two or three days after birth
• Schedule your baby’s first vaccines at two months
Helpful resources:
• WIC program – free healthy food
• SNAP (food stamps) – helps to buy groceries
• Medicaid – free / low-cost health insurance
Things to remember:
• Go to all the doctor’s appointments scheduled for you and your baby
• Eat healthy foods
• Ask for help when needed
• In case of an emergency, call 911
• Enjoy every moment of this special time with your baby!
Supporting your pregnant partner
Pregnancy isn’t just a journey for the mother – it’s a team effort! Partners and other family members help to keep mom healthy, reduce stress, and prepare for the baby’s arrival.
Emotional support:
• Listen – pregnancy hormones may cause mood swings. Let mom vent without trying to fix everything
• Reassure her – tell her how great she’s doing
• Be patient – if she’s tired or irritable, don’t take it personally
Practical help:
• Take over household chores – cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc.
• Help with meals – make sure she is eating healthy and drinking plenty of water
• Go to doctor’s appointments with her
Things to avoid:
• Don’t tell her that she’s overreacting
• Don’t compare her pregnancy to other pregnancies
• Don’t complain about helping
• Don’t make her feel guilty for resting
Helping your partner prepare for a new baby
During pregnancy:
• Attend childbirth classes together to learn about labor, breathing techniques, and how to advocate for a new mom
• Set up the nursery
o Build the crib
o Install the car seat
o Pack the hospital bag
• Discuss parenting plans
Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare for the baby’s arrival. Help your partner make important decisions about the baby’s care.
During labor and delivery:
• Know the birth plan
o Does she want an epidural?
o Does she want a natural birth?
o Be her advocate
• Stay calm and breathe with her
• Encourage her
• Avoid becoming impatient
After the baby is born:
• Take shifts with the baby (diaper changes, etc.)
• Make sure she gets her rest – visitors can wait
• Watch for signs of postpartum depression. If she seems sad or distant, encourage her to talk to her doctor about it
• Don’t expect life to go back to normal right away
Final advice for partners:
• Your support matters more than you think
• Ask her what she needs – don’t assume
• This period is temporary. Enjoy it and get through it together!
