Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also feel overwhelming. You probably have a lot of questions and you want to make sure everything goes smoothly for you and your baby. Your OB is there to guide you through every stage of your pregnancy and help you feel confident along the way.
In each trimester, your body changes, and it’s important to know what to ask during your visits. Let’s walk through some important questions for each stage.
First Trimester: Getting Started
In the first trimester (weeks 1-12), we focus on confirming your pregnancy and setting the stage for a healthy journey. Here’s what you might want to ask:
What changes should I make now that I’m pregnant?
Pregnancy is a great time to focus on your health in general. Although you are “eating for two,” you actually only need 300 additional calories per day to support your growing baby. Focusing on a healthy diet of protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables will give your baby a great start. Exercise is encouraged in pregnancy, and your OB can answer any questions you have about what kind of exercise is safe. Make sure you start a prenatal vitamin if you hadn’t already been taking one.
What tests and screenings will I need?
At your first visit, around eight weeks of pregnancy, we recommend a panel of lab tests including a blood count to screen for anemia, testing to screen for infectious diseases such as hepatitis and HIV, screening to ensure you are immune to German measles, and a blood type. If you have risk factors for high blood pressure or diabetes, additional tests may be ordered. At your first OB visit, a Pap smear can be done if you are due for testing.
Should I consider genetic testing?
Whether or not to have genetic testing is a personal decision – these tests are completely optional. There are two basic types of genetic tests. The first is aneuploidy screening or noninvasive prenatal testing (also called NIPT, NIPS, or cell free DNA testing). This is a blood test that screens for chromosomal abnormalities the baby may have, such as Down Syndrome. It can also determine whether you will be having a boy or a girl. This is a screening test – if it suggests a problem, further testing would be recommended.
The other type of genetic testing is carrier screening – this testing looks at your genes to see if you carry genetic mutations you could pass on to your baby. There are a variety of panels you can choose from, from testing just a few genes to checking several hundred genes.
Your obstetrician will be able to answer any questions you may have and will help you decide what testing, if any, is right for you.
How often will I see you for check-ups?
In the first trimester, most women see their OB at 8 weeks and 12 weeks. Women with high-risk pregnancies may have additional visits.
Are vaccines safe in pregnancy? Are there any you suggest?
Pregnant women are at higher risk from respiratory viruses such as influenza and Covid. If it is flu season, the flu shot is recommended. Covid boosters are also safe and recommended in pregnancy.
What should I do if I experience any concerning symptoms?
It’s normal to have questions about what’s typical and what’s not. While your OB can answer many of these questions at your prenatal visits, if you have concerning symptoms such as bleeding or pain, there is always an OB on call for your practice.
Second Trimester: Growth and Planning
In the second trimester (weeks 13-28), your baby will grow a lot, and you’ll start feeling their movements. This trimester is often called the “honeymoon period” as most women feel good during this time, since most first trimester symptoms such as nausea have resolved and the discomforts of later pregnancy have not yet started. This is a great time to start preparing for what’s ahead. Here are some important questions to consider:
What tests are recommended in the second trimester?
The most exciting test during this time is the anatomy scan. This is a comprehensive ultrasound that takes a detailed look at your baby’s development. Many women have not yet started to feel regular movements at this time, so the ultrasound is a great way for women to be reassured things are going well. This can also identify any issues that may need to be followed more closely.
What childbirth classes and hospital tours are available?
Preparing for childbirth early on can help ease any worries. The Elliot offers a variety of childbirth classes and tours of our labor and delivery unit, so you know what to expect when the time comes. The hospital also offers classes about breastfeeding your baby and infant first aid.
What are the signs of preterm labor?
Recognizing the signs of preterm labor is important, even if everything is going well. Knowing when to seek help can make a big difference. Your OB will counsel you about what contractions feel like and when you should call the office if you have pain.
Third Trimester: Preparing for Baby’s Arrival
The third trimester (weeks 28-birth) is all about getting ready for your baby’s arrival. Here’s what you should ask as your due date approaches:
What screenings and tests are necessary during the third trimester?
At 28 weeks, you will be screened for gestational diabetes (GDM). GDM affects about 10% of pregnant women, and identifying and managing blood sugars is vital to making sure you and your baby stay healthy. At 36-38 weeks, you will have a vaginal and rectal test for Group B strep (GBS). GBS is a bacteria carried by up to 25% of women. It has no symptoms for the pregnant woman but can cause severe infections in newborns. Women who test positive for GBS will be treated with antibiotics in labor, which markedly decreases the risk that your baby would be infected.
How will I know when labor starts, and when should I go to the hospital?
In most cases we recommend following the 5-1-1 rule for contractions. If you have contractions every 5 minutes (or more often) that last 1 minute, and this has been going on for 1 hour, you should call your OB. You should also call if you think your water has broken. Some women, such as women with a planned Cesarean section or vaginal birth after Cesarean (VBAC), may be encouraged to call earlier.
What pain relief options are available during delivery?
There are a variety of options for pain relief in labor. For women hoping to have a more natural labor, you can move around, use the birthing ball or rocking chair, or get in the tub. Medication options include nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”), IV medication, or an epidural. You can make the choice that feels right for you. It is best to keep an open mind about your options, as your labor may not go as planned.
What should I pack in my hospital bag?
There is very little you actually NEED to bring – comfortable clothes for yourself to wear home, an outfit for your baby,
and a car seat. The hospital will provide a gown for you for labor and postpartum, diapers and wipes for the baby, and basic toiletries. Many women do bring their personal toiletries, a nursing pillow if they plan to breastfeed, and their own pillow. You may also want to ensure you have hair ties, chapstick, and possibly a small fan for labor. Your friends are also a great source to ask what they were most thankful to have had and what they wish they had brought!
What if I have difficulty breastfeeding?
At The Elliot, we respect your feeding choice. We do encourage women to try breastfeeding, but if it is not right for you, we will support you in bottle feeding your baby. Your labor and maternity nurses will be able to answer any breastfeeding questions you may have, and if you are nursing, our lactation consultants will be there to help you as well.
What if my baby needs special care?
Even if you expect everything to go smoothly, it’s important to know about our NICU services. Elliot Hospital has the only Level III NICU in southern New Hampshire. This means we have a team of experts ready to care for babies born as early as 23 weeks. Knowing this level of care is available can give you peace of mind, no matter what happens.
Why Your Hospital Choice Matters
Choosing the right hospital is important, even if you have a low-risk pregnancy. Complications can arise unexpectedly and having access to a hospital with a high-level NICU can make a big difference in your baby’s outcome. At Elliot Hospital, our Level III NICU offers advanced care for preterm infants and those who need specialized medical support. Knowing that the NICU staff is right upstairs can give you peace of mind during the labor process.
Your OB team is here to support you at every step, from planning your pregnancy to delivering your baby safely. Our goal is to make sure you and your baby have the best possible care.
Congratulations on your pregnancy! The OBs at the Elliot Hospital look forward to caring for you. Together, we can make your pregnancy a healthy and positive experience.
For more information about The Elliot’s OB-GYN services, visit OBGYN Care & Gynecology Services | The Elliot
By Dr. Heidi Meinz, OB/GYN at Manchester OB/GYN Associates
Dr. Heidi Meinz is the medical director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Elliot Hospital and a physician at Manchester OB/GYN Associates.