Pregnancy Basics

What is a "trimester"?

Pregnancy is 40 weeks. From the date of conception to delivery, is typically, on average, 40 weeks. It's broken into trimesters (about 13, 13 1/2 weeks) because certain testing is provided in each trimester. It's like milestones. You get through the first trimester; it's considered a good milestone. You get through the second trimester, it's a better milestone to achieve and then hitting into the third trimester running is a good sign.

How often should I see my caregiver during my pregnancy?

You should see your caregiver during pregnancy typically once a month for the first seven months, every fortnight in the eighth month and once a week in the ninth. That will change based on complications in the pregnancy and sometimes they will do every five or six weeks and sometimes every three weeks but your caregiver typically will have a game plan for you. Should you stray from the routine care then obviously your caregiver will increase the amounts of visits necessary. Or, if its your fifth baby and you have been through this many times and you have a lot of care issues and babysitting issues they can sometimes stretch the visits out a little bit if your pregnancy is healthy.

What are the risks of being pregnant over 35?

Over 35, the risks of being pregnant do increase, but not drastically. With pregnancy over 35, typically we offer you a test. Those tests are invasive, and you choose between one or the other (if you so choose to do either). One of them called CVS (chorionic villus sampling), and the other is called an amnio (or amniocentesis). Those are invasive tests. You have to enter the uterine cavity to determine if the baby has a chromosomal problem. With pregnancy at over 35 years old, the risk of there being a chromosomal problem is higher than the risk of a complication from that test.

What is the average size of a healthy baby?

The average size of a healthy baby is typically about seven and a half pounds. But, the size of healthy babies ranges from six to nine pounds and is not considered abnormal if its in that range

What should I expect from my doctor and hospital during my pregnancy?

You should prepare for your pregnancy by visiting your physician regularly and being compliant with what your physician recommends, such as <a href="http://www.videojug.com/interview/pregnancy-exercise">pregnancy exercise</a>. Most hospitals where you deliver will provide you with a packet of information. It includes touring the hospital, classes that may be offered at the hospital, and registering at the hospital, so they can get an idea of how many deliveries they expect in a given month. These things will provide you with a lot of information. You'll be seeing your doctor somewhere between 10 and 15 times during your pregnancy, so each visit will be full of information. Your doctor can discuss what to expect; what to expect at the next visit, what to expect when in labour, expectations after you have the baby. So, just have a good communicative relationship with your obstetrician so that you'll know what to expect.