An OB-GYN Trimester-by-Trimester Guide and What to Expect

Pregnancy is a time of significant change and growth, not just for the baby but for the expectant mother as well. A woman’s body undergoes many changes during pregnancy to support the baby’s development. Hormonal fluctuations, physical adaptations, and emotional transformations are all part of the process. One constant companion throughout your three-trimester journey is your OB-GYN. This article will take you through what you can expect from your OB-GYN at various stages of your pregnancy.

OB-GYN stands for obstetrician and gynecologist; an OB-GYN is a physician specializing in treating female reproductive conditions. The first trimester involves an initial confirmation visit to the OB-GYN around the 8th week to confirm pregnancy, calculate the due date, and assess overall health. The second trimester includes routine monthly check-ups, with an anatomy scan around week 20 to examine the baby’s organs. The third trimester involves more frequent OB-GYN visits, with health monitoring and baby development.

Read on for a more detailed breakdown of all three trimesters, as well as the responsibilities of an OB-GYN.

What does an OB-GYN do?

OB-GYNs (obstetrician-gynecologists) are healthcare professionals trained to provide medical care related to pregnancy, childbirth, and the female reproductive system. OB-GYNs are crucial in supporting women through different life stages, from adolescence to menopause. Here are some key aspects of an OB-GYN’s role:

• Obstetrics: This branch of medicine focuses on caring for pregnant women and the fetus and managing childbirth.
• Gynecology: Gynecology deals with the health of the female reproductive system outside of pregnancy, addressing issues related to the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, and vagina.
• Family Planning: OB-GYNs often provide counseling and services related to family planning, contraception, and fertility.
• Surgical Procedures: OB-GYNs are trained to perform various surgical procedures related to the female reproductive system, including cesarean sections (C-sections), hysterectomies, and other surgical interventions.
• Women’s Health Issues: OB-GYNs address a wide range of women’s health issues, including menstrual problems, hormonal imbalances, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and other reproductive health concerns.
• Preventive Care: They emphasize preventative care and health maintenance, encouraging regular check-ups and screenings to detect potential issues early on.

First Trimester (Week 1 – Week 12)

Initial Confirmation

Your first visit to the OB-GYN usually happens around the 8th week of pregnancy. Even if you’ve already used an early detection pregnancy test, the purpose of this visit is to confirm the pregnancy via a urine or blood test, calculate the due date, and check your overall health.

Prenatal Vitamins

Your OB-GYN will recommend prenatal vitamins, especially folic acid, to support the baby’s neural tube development.

Ultrasound and Genetic Screening

An early ultrasound may be performed to check the baby’s heartbeat and confirm the estimated due date. Around weeks 10 to 13, your doctor may suggest genetic screening tests to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities. You can track your baby’s progress and sonograms throughout your pregnancy in a pregnancy journal!

Second Trimester (Week 13 – Week 27)

Routine Check-ups

During this period, you’ll see your OB-GYN approximately once a month. These visits typically include checking your weight and blood pressure and measuring your abdomen to monitor the baby’s growth. Around the 14-week mark, it is safe for you to take pregnancy-safe probiotics.

Anatomy Scan

Around week 20, an anatomy scan (detailed ultrasound) is usually performed. This allows your doctor to examine the baby’s organs and body systems in detail and confirm the baby is growing as expected.

Gestational Diabetes Screening

Between weeks 24 and 28, your OB-GYN will screen for gestational diabetes, a high blood sugar condition that can develop during pregnancy.

Third Trimester (Week 28 – Week 40/Delivery)

Frequent Monitoring

In the third trimester, your Ob-Gyn visits will increase to every two weeks and then weekly as you approach your due date. These appointments will continue to monitor your health and the baby’s development. This tends to be the most physically strenuous and uncomfortable period of the pregnancy.

Group B Strep Test

Around week 36, a swab test is conducted to check for Group B streptococcus, a type of bacteria potentially harmful to the baby during delivery.

Labor and Delivery Planning

Your OB-GYN will discuss signs of labor, when to head to the hospital, and finalize your birth plan. They’ll also monitor the baby’s position and may discuss options if it is breech (not in the head-down position).

Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and your OB-GYN is there to support you through this journey. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or voice concerns at any stage of your pregnancy. After all, it’s not just about the destination (meeting your new baby!), but also about making the journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.