UNCOMPLICATED PREGNANCY –

  • Monthly up to 28 weeks
  • Twice a month up to 36 weeks
  • Weekly up to 40 weeks
  • 2-3 times a week after 40 weeks

COMPLICATED PREGNANCY – More often visits

First trimester

– Dating the pregnancy

– Singleton / Twin pregnancies

– Uterine and other pelvic visceral pathology

– NT scan between 11 -13 weeks

Second trimester

– Anamoly scan at 18-20 wks with PIH screening by Doppler

Third trimester

– Interval / Growth scan

  • Weight-gain
  • Blood-pressure
  • Swelling of legs
  • Breasts
  • Growth of the uterus
  • Fetal heart rate
  • Urine tests
  • Vaccination with Tetanus toxoid injection at16 weeks and 2nd dose 4weeks later
  • Iron and Calcium tablets from 14 – 16 weeks onwards
  • Anamoly scan at 18-20 weeks for structural abnormalities
  • Oral Glucose Challenge test at 24 to 28 weeks as screening for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
  • Haemoglobin



  • FOLIC ACID SUPPLEMENTS – Upto 3months of pregnancy
  • DHA – Optional
  • IRON AND CALCIUM – From 3rd month of pregnancy till delivery
  • Dietary supplements : Protein powder / drink

 

  • Pregnant ladies should have a balanced diet during pregnancy.
  • All fruits and vegetables, whole grains, some dairy and most protein sources are good choices for both mother and baby.
  • Whatever food are healthy for the mother are healthy for the baby.
  • Don’t give up all the food that you love when you are pregnant.
  • Calcium – Potassium
  • Riboflavin – Iron
  • Vitamin B6 – DHA
  • Vitamin B12 – Folic acid
  • Vitamin C – Vitamin D
  • Zinc – Fiber
  • Regular small frequent meals
  • Diet intake of pregnant woman should contain an additional
  • 300 calories/day
  • 15 g of protein/day
  • 10 g of fat/day from mid-pregnancy



  • Calcium during pregnancy – 1000mg per day
  • Folic acid in pregnancy – 5mg per day
  • Iron in pregnancy – 100mg per day



  • Artificial sweeteners
  • Aginomoto / MSG
  • Coffee > 2 cups per day
  • Unprocessed , aged cheese
  • Undercooked egg, meat, vegetables
  • Chilled, ready -to-eat foods
  • Pre-prepared or stored salads
  • Swordfish, Shark, and King Mackerel ,White (Albacore) Tuna, Tilefish
  • Alcohol
  • Smoking

 

  • 8 hrs in night and 2hrs in day
  • Lateral position in later pregnancy
  • Left lateral position is better than the right lateral



  • Walking as minimum of 30mins per day
  • Exercises should be simple and mild
  • Antenatal exercises with Yoga and meditation as per expert’s advice
  • Swimming is not contraindicated
  • Avoid physical activity to the extent of causing tiredness / strain



  • Good oral health is vital
  • Extraction / Filling safe in second trimester
  • Major treatment unless urgent are better postponed
  • Daily smooth brushing



  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Abdominal or pelvic pain or uterine contractions
  • Leaking of fluid from vagina
  • Decrease in fetal movements
  • Severe headache or blurring of vision
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Fever
  • Swelling of hands or face
  • Convulsions ( Fits )

 

You can have safe sex during pregnancy only if comfortable. It becomes difficult during later part of pregnancy. Avoid intercourse if you have any problems like spotting or bleeding through vagina, pain abdomen, previous abortions or any high risk factors for which your obstetrician has advised against sex.