Maternity Care

1st Trimester

The first trimester is the first 3 months, or 12 weeks, of your pregnancy when the fertilized egg rapidly divides and implants onto the uterine wall to form an embryo. The first 12 weeks are the most critical and fragile for the development of your baby, as this is the time when major organs are being developed. The risk of a miscarriage is high during the first trimester, so it is recommended to begin taking prenatal vitamins and stop the use of harmful substances.

Weeks 1–4

Weeks 1–4 begin on the first day of your last period. Your baby is a cluster of cells called an embryo. The eyes begin to form with optic nerves on either side of the head. By the end of week 4, the embryo implants itself into the lining of your uterus.

What To Do 

• If you haven't yet, take an at-home pregnancy test if you suspect you are pregnant.
• Make an appointment with Healthy Start.
• Take a look at your prenatal packets from Healthy Start and WIC.
• Begin taking prenatal vitamins.
• If you are using, quit harmful substances for the better development of your baby. Talk to your provider about your concerns. We're here to help.

Weeks 5–8

By week 5, your baby looks like a tadpole and is about the size of a peppercorn. A long tube is developing that will eventually become the spinal cord. The nose, mouth, ears, hands, and feet begin developing. The placenta also forms during these weeks. You may feel soreness in your breasts, fatigue, morning sickness, and have some spotting. By week 8, your baby is about the size of a raspberry.

What To Do 

• If you haven't yet, schedule your first prenatal visit.
• Talk to your doctor if you are taking certain medications to see if they are okay to take while pregnant.
• Talk to your doctor about their recommendations about screening for possible birth defects.
• Get lots of rest.
• Ask about proper nutrition in pregnancy. 

Weeks 9–12

By week 9 your baby is about the size of a cherry. Your baby is moving around, although you can't feel any movement yet. By week 12, your baby is the size of a plum and fully formed with hands and feet. Your baby can open and close hands and curl toes. Morning sickness may be more intense during these weeks.

What To Do 

• If you haven't yet, schedule your first prenatal appointment.
• Make sure MyChart is set up, so you can easily manage your appointments, view test results, and message your doctor.
• Drink lots of fluids.

2nd Trimester

For most, the 2nd trimester is the most enjoyable. Now that the morning sickness and fatigue are slowly fading away, you should feel a renewed sense of energy. During this time, you may even find out your baby's sex, if you choose.

Weeks 13–16

During weeks 13-16, your baby develops more muscle tissue and bones. Your baby's skin is also beginning to form, but it will be almost transparent. You may begin to feel some movement as your baby rolls around and kicks. By week 16, your baby is about the size of an avocado.

What To Do

• If you work, start planning when you want to have your maternity leave. Talk to your employer about the company policy on maternity and benefits.
• Talk with one of our community health workers at Healthy Start if you have any nutrition concerns.
• Make sure to find some time to relax. It takes a lot to grow a baby.

Weeks 17–20

During these weeks, your baby begins to develop some fat and the cranial nerves for the five senses. You will feel some taps or flutters as your baby moves and kicks around. This is the month when you can finally see the sex of your baby. Remember to ask for a printout if you choose to know.

What To Do

• Make sure you are registered on MyChart if you are not already.
• Decide if you and your partner want a doula (birthing coach).
  • Doula Services for CCHP members
  • CoCo Doulas
  • Volunteer doula program at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center
• Prepare for delivery by taking a childbirth class offered by Healthy Start.

Weeks 21–24

Congratulations! You are about halfway through your pregnancy. Around this time, your doctor begins measuring your baby's growth through the fundal height, which is the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus. At this point, your baby begins to develop their hearing, so make sure you to spend some time singing or talking to them. 

What To Do 

• Make sure to have some time for yourself to relax and exercise. Continuous stress is not good for the baby and may cause a premature birth.
• Read up on breastfeeding and how to feed your baby. | En español

Weeks 25–27

The second trimester is almost over, and you may notice changes to your belly button's appearance. This is normal—it will go back to the way it was after your baby is delivered. At this point, your baby may have some hair and may be about the size of a cauliflower.

What To Do 

• Make sure to keep taking your prenatal vitamins to help with your baby's healthy growth and development.
• Start looking at car seats. You'll need one to take your baby home from the hospital.

3rd Trimester

Welcome to the final chapter of your pregnancy! The 3rd trimester is often the most uncomfortable time for most women, but after 3 months you'll be able to finally hold your new little bundle of joy.

Weeks 28–32

During these weeks, your baby's bones will be fully formed, but still soft and flexible. Your body may start producing breast milk and leak a thick, yellowish fluid called colostrum, a term for early milk. You may also be experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions. At week 32, your baby will be the size of a Napa cabbage.

What To Do

• Start packing a hospital bag just in case you go into labor early.
• Begin to babyproof the house.
• Make sure to keep your nutrition up. Healthy mommy = healthy baby.

Weeks 33–36

You may be feeling sharper kicks at this point in your pregnancy because there is less room for baby's movements. Baby will be snug in your uterus, curled up as he/she will be gaining roughly an ounce per week and be the size of a honeydew melon.

What To Do 

• Practice breathing and relaxation techniques.
• Brush up on some breastfeeding basics | en español
• Ask your provider about testing for Group B Strep (GBS), a bacterial infection in the vagina.
• Make sure to sleep in and take naps. The more baby is growing, the more rest you need to be able to provide for him/her.

Weeks 37–40

Your body is now gearing up for labor as you are now nearly full term. Changes in your breasts will happen in preparation for breastfeeding. Your baby is now about the size of a watermelon. If you are past your due date and have concerns, speak to your provider. Get ready to welcome your new baby soon!

What To Do

• Watch for signs of labor.
• Finalize maternity leave plans.
• Stock up on diapers and other baby supplies.