Healthy pregnancy (18)
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First trimester (7)
- Fetal development: The first trimester
- Prenatal care: First-trimester visits
- First trimester pregnancy: What to expect
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Second trimester (7)
- Second trimester pregnancy: What to expect
- Prenatal care: Second-trimester visits
- Fetal development: The second trimester
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Third trimester (9)
- Overdue pregnancy: What to do when baby's overdue
- Third trimester pregnancy: What to expect
- Fetal development: The third trimester
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Prenatal care: First-trimester visits
Prenatal care: Other first-trimester visits
Subsequent prenatal visits — often scheduled every four to six weeks during the first trimester — will probably be shorter than the first. Your health care provider will check your weight and blood pressure, and you'll discuss your signs and symptoms. You probably won't need another pelvic exam until later in your pregnancy. Near the end of the first trimester, you may be able to hear your baby's heartbeat with a small device that bounces sound waves off your baby's heart.
Remember, your health care provider is there to support you throughout your pregnancy. Your prenatal appointments are an ideal time to discuss any questions or concerns — including things that may be uncomfortable or embarrassing. Also find out how to reach your health care provider between appointments. Knowing help is available when you need it can offer precious peace of mind.
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- Lockwood C, et al. The initial prenatal assessment and routine prenatal care. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 17, 2010.
- You and your baby: Prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/ab005.cfm. Accessed Feb. 19, 2010.
- Cunningham FG, et al. Prenatal care. In: Cunningham FG, et al. Williams Obstetrics. 22nd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Companies Inc.; 2005. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=6052187. Accessed Feb. 19, 2010.

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