It should be a gynecologist/obstetrician (GYN/OB), these are doctors who are trained in the care and education of pregnant women and the birth of babies.
Perhaps you have co-workers or friends who can recommend a doctor for you. Make sure the doctors are easy to find on network. I you are new in town, browse the doctor’s websites and read the different offerings, philosophy other patients’ comments and reviews. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists could help you to find an OB/GYN in your area.
In the first trimester screening will be a combination of fetal ultrasound and material blood testing. This test helps determine if the fetus has certain birth defects.
In the second trimester you will do the multiple marker, it’s a test that includes multiple blood tests.
In the third trimester you take the test for group B streptococcus (GBS). Group B strep is an infection you can transmit to your baby during childbirth. A test of your cervical mucus can be used to determine if you have GBS.
Most women gain somewhere between 25 and 35 pounds (11.5 to 16 kilograms) during pregnancy. It is normal to gain 2 to 4 pounds (1 to 2 kilograms) during the first trimester, and then 1 pound (0.5 kilogram) a week for the rest of the pregnancy.
Prepare your body for labour and birth by try positions that can help with labour. Try perineal massages to reduce the risk of damage your area of perineum during birth. Stay active, if you can and your doctor don’t say something else, to help your baby’s position. Learn different ways that help you to deal with labour pain.
For Momies
- Nightgown and/or bathrobe
- Slippers
- Bra and nursing bra
- Breast pads (make sure they are made of natural fiber pad material)
- Underwear (several pair)
- Socks (several pair)
- Hair ties (scrunchies)
- Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, lip balm, lotion, deodorant.
- Comfortable and loose fitting clothing for the journey home
For my baby
- Going home outfit for the baby, should include: a body (depending on the weather, long or short arm), socks, gloves (to not scratch by his own nails), baby hat (lighter in hot weather or warmer in cold weather)
- Blanket or heavy bunting (weather permitting)
- Baby car seat. Should already installed in your car before you go to the hospital as it is required by law.
Important items the hospital will need from you
- Health plan insurance card
- Hospital admissions papers (you should have to be pre-admitted)
- Pregnancy medical file, including information about over-the-counter and prescription medications
- Birth preferences
- Contact information of the health care provider who will take care of your baby, when the hospital will let the office know your baby has arrived
Other important items
- Books, magazines
- Cell phone, tablet, charger
- Headphones to listen to your favorite music without disturbing others
- Feel-good items, like a special taste or special clothes, photos
- Make sure, you have more than one name prepared for your baby. You might find the first name doesn’t match the baby’s energy and you will be glad to have a second choice perfectly matches it. Or you want to give your baby two names. This makes it easier for you to deal with a spontaneous situation.
Take care of your healthy during your pregnancy. Don’t drink alcohol, don’t smoke. Be sure to get enough folic acid, which you can find in specific supplements or in these foods; dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, asparagus, broccoli, romaine lettuce, Brussels sprouts), peanuts, sunflower seed, fresh fruits, fresh fruit juices, whole grains. Stay physically active. And be sure to drink enough water, at least 2.5 liters a day.
If any of the following sings occur, you should go to a health center as soon as possible:
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Feels ill
- Swelling of finger, legs and/or face
- If any of the following sings occur, you should go to a hospital or health center immediately:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Convulsions/fits
- Severe headaches with blurred vision
- Fever and too weak to go out of the bed
- Severe abdominal pain
- Fast or difficult breathing
Normally you should feed the baby every 2 to 4 hours, some babies are fed more, like every hour, this will called cluster feeding. It is also normal to have a break from 4 to 5 hours, because your baby is sleeping.
Typically, you breastfeed your baby on one side or both breast for about 20 minutes. The baby will take about 5 to 10 minute on each side.
Use calming bedtime routine. When you see your baby getting sleepy but still awake, put your baby in his bed. Also if you see sings of tiredness, like when your baby rub his eyes. Give your baby time to calm down and settle down, maybe you can give your baby a pacifier. Try to repeat this process at almost the same time, or whenever you see him getting tired.
My baby is soothed and connected by your touch and voice. You will need to change the diapers 8 to 10 times per day and seeing your baby is growing and gaining weight. Your baby will be quiet and attentive a few times each day. He will turn to new sounds, new colors, new forms and movements. Your baby will make eye contact and smile at you.
To strengthen the connection between my baby and me do breastfeed, bottle-feed, hold your baby especially skin to skin, when you can. Do eye contact and see how he react, respond to your baby when he cries. Find out where your baby is ticklish, always be sensitiv. Talk to your baby, maybe read a sweet book, or sing something for him.
All babies should get first shot of hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours after birth. At 1 to 2 months your baby should receive vaccines to protect him from the following diseases: Hepatitis B (HepB) (2nd dose) Diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (Pertussis) DTaP) (1st dose) Haemophilus influezae type b disease (Hib) 1st dose)
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/by-age/newborn-birth.html
Make sure your home is “baby proof”, that means don’t leave your baby unattended in the bath, even for a few seconds. Make sure that your baby cannot fall off the couch, changing table or bed (you can use an “U-pillow” or special pillow for babies). To keep your baby balanced, use safe sleep habits. And keep detergents out of reach.
It is normal for your newborn to cry 2 hours a day. A “crying baby” is decelerated, a baby that cries even when fed or the diapers are fresh, when all needs are met and it’s still crying. Check with your doctor first if your baby has any allergies or medical conditions. It could be that your baby has an indigestion.
Still try to be as soft and relaxed as possible. Perhaps bathing the baby, giving a gentle massage, creating routine bedtimes could help.
!ATTENTION: NEVER SHAKE THE BABY!
This case happens very rare. The biggest possibility for this case occurs at the age from 2 to 4 months. From the 6th month the risk decreases and becomes smaller.
Signs for the disease:
- Blue spots on the skin
- Profuse sweating while sleeping; means you need to change the clothes because they are wet at normal room temperature
- The skin becomes pale
- Frequent vomiting
Make sure your baby doesn’t sleep on his stomach, as lying on his stomach poses the biggest risk of SIDS.
Optimal prevention:
- Lay your baby on their back for sleeping
- Use a pacifier, can also help your baby to not fall in deep sleep
- Do not sleep with your baby on the couch, as the baby usually sleeps in side position
- Use a sleeping bag without an extra blanket
- Place the baby bed next to the parent’s bed or next to your sleeping place to be able to react quickly if something is not normal
- Sleeping in a smoking free area
- Breastfeed as long as possible
Be sure to visit your doctor if your baby develops any of the following:
- The baby’s face is blue
- Sweats a lot and the skin is pale
- You notice that your baby is pause breathing for more than 15 seconds or has shorter breathing pauses and his lips are starting to turn pale and blue
- Your baby has noticeable patches of skin
- It is difficult to wake up your baby
- Your baby often vomits, chokes or has problems by drinking
- If your baby has a fever for no apparent reason and doesn’t want to eat anymore
- If your baby cries abnormally loudly and differently and is impossible to soothe
There could also be a higher risk if the baby is underweight after birth. Talk to your baby doctor for more information.