6-8 Weeks
Congratulations! This is an exciting time, and we appreciate you allowing us to be a part of your joy and excitement! You're in store for many changes over these next few months, and we are always available day or night to answer any questions that may come up throughout your pregnancy. You may also notice the start of some nausea which is not much fun at all, but which is typically short lived. When you call the office to schedule an appointment, let us know when the first day of your last menstrual period, it will help us determine how far you are with your pregnancy. If you're not sure - don't worry! Your first visit includes an ultrasound that will determine how far along you are in the pregnancy.
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8-10 Weeks
A vaginal ultrasound may be performed at this visit, but may not be necessary if one has already been performed at the office. Blood tests will also be ordered at this visit to be certain everything is going well. Some of the tests included are Type and Rh, Antibody Screen, Hemoglobin and Hematocrit, RPR (syphilis), Rubella, Hepatitis B, Toxoplasmosis, and HIV. A Sickle Cell test may also be ordered depending on the practitioner's recommendation. Toe rays become present by ultrasound, and even spontaneous movement begins that you can see! We will be sure to give you some pictures you can take home so that you can show everyone the 'new addition' to the family!
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15-19 Weeks
The baby is now about 5 inches long. Your baby is now making urine which actually becomes part of the amniotic fluid! The baby will practice "breathing" this fluid in and out of its lungs, which helps with lung development. Your practitioner will also offer an optional test called a quad screen test to check for various potential abnormalities; this is best obtained at about 17 weeks. There is also an optional Cystic Fibrosis screening, but not all insurance companies cover this optional test. You may also start to feel the baby moving around at this time. Not all moms can feel the baby moving at this point; so don't be worried if you can't feel movements yet!
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18-21 Weeks
At 20 weeks you have made it the halfway point, but there are many more changes to come! Your uterus is really growing now, and you can probably feel it above your pubic bone. Problems such as nasal congestion, sweating, and increased vaginal discharge are normal and nothing to worry about. You may also notice some trouble with breathing; this is also normal (but not much fun!) Your practitioner may order a second ultrasound to check all of baby's anatomy; they may even be able to tell you if it is a boy or girl (If you want to know!) Baby is now about 10 to 11 inches long, and you will definitely be feeling movements by this time.
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