Prenatal Care Timeline
First Trimester:
Initial blood work at first appointment (sent to LabCorp/Quest)
Required tests: CBC, blood type/Rh factor, STD screening, hepatitis B, rubella status, urinalysis
Optional tests available: cystic fibrosis screening, HIV, MSAFP, amniocentesis
18-21 Weeks:
Sonogram to check baby's organ development, placenta position, and heart/lungs
Gender can typically be determined at this time
28 Weeks:
Glucose screening (gestational diabetes test with Fresh Test)]
Hemoglobin check (anemia screening)
Additional testing for Rh negative mothers
Begin fetal kick counts (count 10 movements in under 1 hour daily)
Prenatal visits increase to every 2 weeks
36 Weeks:
Final hemoglobin check
Group B Strep testing
STD screening
Additional Rh testing if needed
After Birth Care
First hour is critical: skin-to-skin contact, delayed cord clamping
Breastfeeding support and newborn exam
Two-hour minimum monitoring period
Daily check-ins with midwife
Fourth Trimester (first 3 months): Focus on rest, recovery, and bonding
Limit visitors and outings in first month
Family Involvement
Birth companions encouraged to attend prenatal visits and childbirth classes
Intimate experience best supported by those comfortable with out-of-hospital birth
Assign specific roles to attending family members
