Routine Maternity Care

Conventionally, routine maternity care falls under three phases of Pregnancy:

First Trimester (Week 0 - Week 13)

The first stage of pregnancy, or the first trimester, is very important for both the mother and the baby that is growing and developing inside and will require many adjustments to one’s lifestyle. At Firm Hospitals, we provide expectant mothers with the insights and guidance they need on the kind of dietary intake to maintain her health by navigating through feelings of sickness, overwhelming mood swings and fatigue.

The first trimester is the phase when the body prepares itself for the next nine months and lots of hormonal changes take place within. Most of the baby’s organs are well developed by the end of this trimester, and it can move its arms and legs independently and also its head from side-to-side.

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Second Trimester (Week 14 - Week 26)

By this time, the sickness and overwhelming feelings would have subsided. This is the best stage at which the mother would look and feel healthier overall with definite and noticeable changes in the body. This is when the baby in the womb would develop downy hair, called lanugo.

From Week 16 until Week 18, the first fluttery movements of the baby would be felt. Around Week 19, a greasy white substance called vernixcaseoa will be produced, around the fetus to protect its skin from the amniotic fluid. By the end of this trimester, the baby would weighs approx. 25 percent of its birth weight.

During the Second Trimester, our experts will recommend a set of routine lab tests to measure your baby’s growth, track health, listen to the heartbeat and assess fetal movement. It’s the time when your baby takes center stage!

Third Trimester (Week 27 - Week 40)

This is when the mother continues to put on weight, along with the baby. Her baby bump might affect her balance, and cause back aches, swelling and shortness of breath. Our experts may intervene to recommend easy exercises.

The baby will in the meantime, give assuring signs through its movements. Any change in frequency or intensity must be brought to the attention of our experts. From Week 37 to Week 39, when the baby’s nervous system is maturing, his lungs secrete a soapy fluid, which keeps them open and ready for breathing. The layer of fat underneath the skin develops to maintain the body temperature outside the womb. By week 36, our doctors and care givers will start getting the mother organized and prepared for labor.

Eating right during pregnancy

Good nutrition during pregnancy, and enough of it, is very important for the baby to grow and develop. You should consume about 300 more calories per day than you did before you became pregnant.

What to eat:

  • Breads and grains 6-11 servings
  • Fruits 2-4 servings
  • Dairy products 4 servings
  • Protein Products 3 servings
  • Use fats and sweets in moderation
  • Choose foods high in fiber that are enriched such as wholegrain breads, cereals, pasta, rice, fruits, and vegetables.
  • Eat and drink at least four servings of dairy products and calcium-rich foods a day to help ensure that you are getting 1000-1300 mg of calcium in your daily diet during pregnancy.
  • Choose at least one good source of vitamin C every day, such as oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, honeydew, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, green peppers, tomatoes, and mustard greens.
  • Choose at least one source of vitamin A every other day. Sources of vitamin A include carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, spinach, water squash, turnip greens, beet greens, apricots, and cantaloupes.

What not to eat:

  • Coffee: Restrict your intake of coffee in the First Trimester of pregnancy. Coffee contains caffeine. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it helps eliminate more fluids from the body. This can result in water, juice, and milk rather than caffeinated beverages.
  • Unwashed vegetables: Yes, vegetables are safe to eat, so you still need to eat them. However, it is essential to make sure they are washed to avoid potential exposure to toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasma may contaminate the soil where the vegetables were grown.
  • Unpasteurized Milk: Unpasteurized milk may contain bacteria called Listeria, which can cause miscarriage.
  • Medication: Strictly Avoidself Medication. Consult a Gynecologist before using any medication.
  • Artificial Sweetners: Avoid taking food which contains artificial sweetners like; soft drinks, desserts, curd, chewing gum and candy.

Need a specialist to walk hand-in-hand with during motherhood?

Get in touch with us!