Healthy Start: Pregnancy 101
-
Before we started...
Initial Appointment Checklist11 Topics-
Research Ob in your area (OB, PA< Midwife, etc.)
-
Make Appointment with Provider of Choice
-
Confirm Pregnancy with Provider
-
Stop alcohol, smoking or illicit drug use
-
Talk to doctor about past history
-
Continue to exercise
-
Start Prenatal Vitamin
-
Vital Signs Checked
-
pelvic Exam and Pap Smear
-
Blood Draw
-
Schedule blood draw
-
Research Ob in your area (OB, PA< Midwife, etc.)
-
First TrimesterInitial Checklist Before First Appointment9 Topics
-
Pap Smear
-
Discuss Labor Plans
-
Knowing your risk factors
-
Continue with prenatal vitamin
-
Monitor Weight & Discuss with provider
-
Continue Exercise and drink plenty of water
-
Between 11th and 13th week, discuss genetic test imaging with provider
-
Between 11th and 13th week, fetal heart tones
-
Discuss Risk Factors with Provider for use of aspirin
-
Pap Smear
-
1.1 Adapting to the First Trimester
-
1.2 Your 1st Trimester Changes
-
1.3 Common Questions 1
-
1.4 Common Questions 2
-
1.5 What is Domestic Abuse?
-
Healthy Habits2.1 Healthy Eating Habits
-
2.2 Nutrition during Pregnancy
-
2.3 Planning your Exercise Routine
-
2.4 How Smoking Affect Pregnancy
-
2.5 Quit Smoking during Pregnancy
-
2.6 Sex and Pregnancy - During
-
2.7 Skincare during Pregnancy
-
Prenatal Visits, Tests and More3.1 Pre-Natal Care
-
3.2 Your Weight
-
3.3 Gestational Diabetes
-
3.4 Kicks Count
-
3.5 Placenta Previa
-
3.6 Preclampsia
-
3.7 Anemia
-
3.8 Blood Glucose
-
3.9 RH Negative Screening
-
2nd Trimester and Body Changes4.0 Second Trimester Checklist10 Topics
-
Weight & Blood pressure Check
-
Fetal Heart, height and weight
-
Prep list of items needed for self, family and new baby
-
Preparation for list of items for baby shower or other sources
-
Securing a breast pump - Buy, use insurance and other sources
-
Continue Weight Monitoring
-
16th Week - Follow up with Provider on Genetic Testing, if indicated
-
By week 24, ultrasound - Boy or Girl, if you want to know?
-
Week 24 - Talk to provider about potential challenges and concerns
-
Weeks 24 - 28 - Gestational Diabetes Screening
-
Weight & Blood pressure Check
-
4.1 Adapting to 2nd Trimester
-
4.2 Your Second Trimester Changes
-
4.3 Back Pain during Pregnancy
-
4.4 Body Changes During Pregnancy
-
3rd Trimester, Comfort Tips and Relieving Back PainThird Trimester Checklist12 Topics
-
Weight and Blood Pressure and Follow-up appointments, if needed
-
Fetal Heart beat and fundal height measurement
-
Discussion with Provider about labor plan (admissions, preparations, etc.)
-
Discuss Childbirth Education with Provider
-
Baby Shower and partner support activation
-
Packing a Bag for Delivery Day
-
Make sure car seat is ready and available
-
28th week - Receive TDAP vaccine
-
28th Week - RH Check
-
28th - 32th Week - Continue Bloodwork for Syphilis and HIV
-
Between 35-37th week: Group B Streptococcal Check
-
39th Week - Disuss Labor Induction and Expectations
-
Weight and Blood Pressure and Follow-up appointments, if needed
-
5.1 Adapting to 3rd Trimester
-
5.2 Your Third Trimester Changes
-
5.3 Comfort Tips
-
5.4 Relieving Back Pain during Pregnancy - Moving Safely
-
5.5 Relieving Back Pain during Pregnancy - Pelvic Tilt and leg lift
-
5.6 Relieving Back Pain during Pregnancy - Positioning Yourself
-
5.7 Relieving Back Pain during Pregnancy - Tailor Sit and Trunk Turn
-
5.8 Relieving Back Pain during Pregnancy - Wall Stretch & Body Bend
-
Infant Nutrition and Care6.1 Labor and Childbirth - Thinking about a Birth Plan
-
6.2 Labor and Childbirth - Support Person Notes
-
6.3 Vaginal Birth
-
6.4 Vaginal Birth after Cesarian
-
6.5 Breech Presentation
-
6.6 Cesarean Birth
-
6.7 - Before Cesarean Birth
-
6.8 Pre-Term Labor
-
6.9 Labor and Childbirth - Your Body Prepares
-
6.10 Recognizing Labor
-
6.11 Preparing for the Hospital
-
6.12 - Stages of Labor
-
6.13 Induction of Labor
-
6.14 Anesthesia Options
-
6.15 Labor and Childbirth - Without Medication
-
6.16 Labor and Childbirth - Immediately After Birth
-
6.17 Preparing to Go Home
-
6.18 Understanding Post Partem Depression
-
Labor, Birth and Aftercare7.1 Infant Nutrition and Care
-
7.2 Caring for Yourself
-
7.3 Anatomy and Breastfeeding
-
7.4 Benefits to Breastfeeding
-
7.5 Breastfeeding - Common Questions
-
7.6 Holds for Breastfeeding
-
7.7 Nutrition While Breastfeeding
-
7.8 Breastmilk - Expressing
-
7.9 Breastmilk - Storing
-
7.10 How to Bottlefeed
-
7.11 Circumsion Care
-
7.12 How to Diaper
-
7.13 Bathing Newborn
-
7.14 Laying Baby Down to Sleep
-
7.15 When to Call the Doctor
-
7.16 Umbilical Cord Care
-
7.17 Signs of Jaundice
-
Infant Safety8.1 Infant Safety
-
8.2 Choosing a Carseat
-
8.3 Car Seat Installation
-
8.4 Car Safety for Newborns
-
8.5 Car Seat Safety Checklist
7.3 Anatomy and Breastfeeding
It is common for a woman’s breasts to swell and feel heavier during pregnancy. This is due to the increased blood flow and swelling of the connective tissue in the breast. The areola (the dark area around the nipple) may also become larger and darker. These changes are all normal and will usually resolve after childbirth.
After the baby is born, the mother’s body will begin to produce milk. The milk is produced in the alveoli (milk-producing glands) and is stored in the breast. When the baby suckles at the breast, the milk is released from the alveoli and flows through the ducts to the nipple.
It is important to note that there are two types of breast tissue: glandular and adipose (fatty). Glandular tissue is the milk-producing tissue, while adipose tissue is the fatty tissue. The ratio of these two types of tissue varies from woman to woman.
When a mother is pregnant, her breasts will typically increase in size due to the increased amount of adipose tissue. After childbirth, the glandular tissue will increase in size as the milk-producing glands grow. The fatty tissue will also reduce in size, but may not return to its pre-pregnancy levels.
It is normal for a mother’s breasts to change in size and shape during pregnancy and after childbirth. These changes are due to the increased amount of glandular and adipose tissue in the breasts.
The best way to support your breasts during pregnancy and after childbirth is to wear a well-fitting, supportive bra. It is also important to avoid tight clothing that constricts the breasts.
When breastfeeding, it is important to position the baby correctly at the breast. The baby’s nose should be level with the nipple, and the lips should be turned outwards (flanged). This position will help the baby to latch on correctly and prevent nipple soreness.
It is also important to support your breast during breastfeeding. You can do this by placing your hand on your breast, just behind the areola.
After childbirth, it is common for a mother’s breasts to leak milk. This is due to the increased blood flow and hormone levels in the body. Leaking is most likely to occur when the baby is hungry or when the breast is stimulated (for example, by clothing).
To prevent leaking, it is important to wear a well-fitting, supportive bra. You can also try using breast shells or pads to absorb the leaking milk.
If you are concerned about your breasts or have any questions, please speak to your healthcare provider.