Prenatal Care
According to OASH (n.d.). Patients typically visit their provider once monthly for weeks
four through 28, twice a month for weeks 28 through 36, and then weekly until birth. Visits
include monitoring the baby's heart rate, growth, and mother's blood pressure and weight.
Diagnostic procedures include Amniocentesis provides DNA for paternity testing performed at
14 to 20 weeks; biophysical profile used in the third trimester to monitor the overall health of the
baby; chorionic villus sampling A test done at 10 to 13 weeks to diagnose certain congenital
disabilities, First trimester screen done at 11 to 14 weeks to detect the higher risk of
Chromosomal disorders, Glucose challenge screening done at 26 to 28 weeks to determine the
mother's risk of0gestational diabetes, Group B streptococcus infection done at 36 to 37 weeks to
look for bacteria that can cause serious infection in the newborn., A maternal serum screen is
done at 15 to 20 weeks to detect the higher risk of chromosomal disorders, Nonstress test is
performed after 28 weeks to monitor the baby's health. An ultrasound exam is performed at any
point during the pregnancy, and a Urine test looks for signs of health problems.
Nutrition
To ensure a healthy pregnancy, Timmons (2016) suggests including lean meats, healthy
fats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and drinking enough water. Due to the potential of
contamination, it is better for staying away from raw meats, deli meats, high-mercury fish,
smoked seafood, raw eggs, soft cheeses, and unpasteurized dairy. No taking more than 150–300
mg of caffeine per day.
Exercise
Moderate-intensity activities like walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga are
recommended between 150 and 300 minutes each week (Healthdirect Australia, 2024). Avoid
contact sports, activities with a high risk of falling, and lying flat on your back after the first
trimester.
Weight Gain
BMI less than 18.5%: Increase weight by 28–40 pounds
BMI 18.5-24.9, or normal weight: Gain 25–35 pounds.
BMI 25–29.9 overweight: Put on 15–25 pounds
BMI ≥30: Gain 11–20 pounds if0obese.
Common Complaints
Common complaints experienced by pregnant woman are vomiting and this is eliminated
by frequent small meals. Prompt back pain remedies include sitting on an appropriate chair,
doing prenatal Yoga or physical therapy. Heartburn can be coped through avoiding large meals
and drink and avoiding foods which cause irritation such as spicy foods.
Warning Signs
Some of the signs include severe abdominal pain, which could be a sign of preeclampsia
or placental abruption; heavy bleeding, which may indicate a miscarriage or placenta related
complications; and severe headache, accompanied by a change in vision, which may also be
another sign of preeclampsia.
References
Healthdirect Australia (2024). Having a healthy pregnancy. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby.
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/having-a-healthy-pregnancy
OASH, (n.d.). Prenatal care and tests | Office on Women’s Health.
https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/youre-pregnant-now-what/prenatal-care-and-
tests
Timmons, J. (2016) What’s off-limits? 11 things not to do while pregnant, Healthline.
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/things-not-to-do-while-pregnant#takeaway
