Information for the Parents to be.


If you want to be able to figure out when your baby is due or when you can become pregnant.. The Pregnancy Calendar is a wonderful tool to use. The Pregnancy Calendar.

The following information is from the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, NY. The provide the parents to be with a handy reference book. Here parents can learn about each month's development of the fetus/baby. Parents will learn about different tests they run and other important information. We hope that you find it as informative as we have.

If you are reading these pages, either you are pregnant or thinking of becoming new parents. If you think you might be, the first thing you want to do is fine out definitely. There are over the counter tests that will tell you basically yes or no. If a test comes out positive, please make sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Here is what to expect for the first visit, both parents can be there to ask questions that they may have. Having both partners there makes for a stronger bond of family and no one feels left out.

Your doctor will ask you for a personal history. Such as facts about your health and your spouse's. Hereditary possibilities such as twins or family diseases. After this is all done, it's time for a physical exam. The exam will include a careful assessment of your breasts, throat, lungs, kidneys, liver, heart, and blood pressure, bladder, and uterus in regards to your developing pregnancy. Your pelvic measurements are checked at this time. You will also be given an estimated due date for your baby. An average pregnancy is 280 days or 40 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period. Once the exam is over, the doctor will order prenatal laboratory tests. These tests include:

*urine test for the presence of protein, glucose, and nitrates, to keep track of kidney functions.
*a pap smear (unless you have had one done within the past year) to screen for cervical cancer.
*a blood test to check for a number of different things..
~~~red blood cell level to see if you and your baby are getting enough oxygen (Hematocrit-HCT)
~~~your blood type and whether or not you carry the Rh factor.
~~~whether or not you carry antibodies to Rubella (German Measles).
~~~syphilis (this test is required by the state.)
*any other tests that might be specifically indicated for your particular circumstances, at your request or the suggestion of your medical team.

The following visits you will discuss the progress of your pregnancy and any problems that you might have. You will also have the following checked each time:

Weight, blood pressure, baby's Heart (FH), level of your growing uterus, urine, and during the ninth month visits will include preparations for labor and delivery. You will under go an internal exam to check the condition of your cervix, the baby's position relative to your pelvic opening, and the baby's presenting part.

Between visits don't be afraid to call your health care provider with questions you might have. If you need medication during your pregnancy, you should call your doctor first to find out what is safe to take .

The following are IMPORTANT things to remember that may be a warning sign that something is wrong. You will need to call your doctor right away.

If you have:
*severe headaches
*blurring of vision or spots before your eyes
*severe stomach pain or cramps, perhaps with nausea or diarrhea
*marked swelling in your upper body (face or hands)
*a sudden weight gain in just a few days
*vaginal bleeding
*a gush of flow of watery fluid from your vagina.
*regular contractions, getting stronger as time progresses
*marked decrease or stopping of fetal movement you feel (from the fifth month on)

Do not hesitate to call, even if you fear you may be bothering someone about something that might turn out to be unimportant. Remember, it's better to be safe than sorry.

The following pages will give you an idea of development of your baby each month and what things are happening to your body. Remember some of these things some women have happen sooner or later. If you have concerns talk to your doctor.

Click here if you want to learn more on the discomforts of late pregnancy and how to avoid them and what helps the problems you may feel. Discomforts of Pregnancy

Here are some other links that I have found useful during my pregnancy.

Storknet a great site for old wives tales and other information dealing with pregnancy.

Babycenter this site has information dealing with mother care to prenatal care.

La Leche League for breastfeeding information and support.


[1st month][2nd month][3rd month]
[4th month][5th month][6th Month]
[7th Month][8th Month][9th month]
[Patricia V's main page][Yahoo!Geocities]
[Main Pregnancy page]
[Discomforts during Pregnancy]
[Discomforts 2]