First Time Moms & Pregnant moms
The Pregnancy Timeline
Being a first-time mom is an amazing experience and can seem overwhelming. Many women feel overwhelmed by the task and need to know how to handle it before it’s too late. Here are some tips to help you prepare mentally and physically for your new role. During your pregnancy, your body will undergo a lot of changes. Here’s how to deal with it.
ORANGE COUNTY, NEWPORT BEACH
Memorable times
We understand that becoming a first-time mom or being pregnant can be an overwhelming and exciting experience.
That's why we are dedicated to providing the best care for first-time moms and pregnant moms. Our team of skilled and caring health care workers is committed to making sure that your pregnancy is as healthy and free of stress as possible.
We offer a wide range of services, including prenatal care, childbirth education, and postpartum recovery support, to help you have the best possible experience
We’re a listening and caring OB-GYN practice
We're a listening and caring OB-GYN practice that values our patients' needs and concerns.
Our services are trusted by physicians, midwives, and moms
Our services are trusted by physicians, midwives, and moms, which speaks to the quality of care that we provide.
A client-centered approach delivered by people who make you feel like family
Our approach is client-centered, which means we put you at the center of all we do and our team will make you feel like family.
We’re committed to the highest standards of care possible
We're committed to providing the highest standards of care possible, so you can be confident in the care you receive.
A calm, friendly and homely environment
We provide a calm, friendly and homely environment to make you feel at ease during your visit.
Highly trained, experienced, and understanding staff
Our staff is highly trained, experienced, and understanding, so you can feel comfortable discussing any concerns you may have.
Top-Class Care from The Best OBGYN in Newport Beach
Indeed, one thing that sets us apart from other obstetric and gynecological specialists is that we’re a listening practice. We take our time to understand you so we can offer expert advice and personalize every aspect of your appointment with us.
We also provide personalized care and support tailored to your individual needs and concerns, ensuring that you have access to the resources and information you need to make informed decisions about your health. With our expert care and support, you can trust that you and your baby are in the best hands.
Medications for Use During Pregnancy
While some medications are generally safe to take during pregnancy, the effects of others on your unborn child are unknown.
Certain medications can be especially damaging to a developing baby if taken during the first three months of pregnancy, often before a woman even realizes she’s expecting.
Here’s a short overview over safe medications during pregnancy.
Ginger, Vitamin B-6, Zofran, Reglan, Acupressure wrist bands
Colace, Metamucil, FiberCon, Magnesium
Medications that Dr. Broad prescribes are safe during pregnancy. Advil/motrin/ibuprofen and Aleve/naproxen should be avoided. If possible, try to avoid all medications during pregnancy especially within the first trimester
1st Trimester
The first trimester of pregnancy is the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, during which the fertilized egg implants in the uterus and the baby’s major organs and body systems begin to form. During this time, the mother may experience symptoms such as morning sickness, fatigue, and breast tenderness. It is an important time for prenatal care and taking measures to ensure the health of the developing baby.
Morning sickness
Most women feel nauseated during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. Symptoms usually start to improve around 11-13 weeks and most symptoms resolve by 16 weeks.
Pregnant women should eat several small meals or snacks of bland food throughout the day. Ginger, Vitamin B-6 and acupressure bands have been shown to improve morning sickness.
If these interventions are ineffective and you are losing weight or vomiting daily, Dr. Broad may prescribe Diclegis or Bonjesta (Vitamin B6 and Doxylamine combo) or Reglan to help.
Try snack foods like unsalted nuts, string cheese, crackers, dried fruits, trail mix or fruit juices. Eat small amounts every 2 or 3 hours, day or night. Try to eat even if you are not hungry. Decide which foods sound good to you. You may try: Ice cream, Yogurt, Cottage Cheese, Popsicles, Breads, Crackers, Dry Cereal, Berries, Peanut Butter, Lemonade, Melon, Popcorn, Sour candies.
How to prevent nausea
- Avoid strong odors, cooking odors, smoke, cleaning fluids, paints or perfumes.
- Avoid crowded places and areas with poor air circulation
- Do not eat foods that can cause gas: garlic, oregano, onion, bell peppers
- Avoid foods that make nausea worse like high-fat, fried, spicy or acidic foods
- Get plenty of fresh air. Open windows and use fans.
- Walk outdoors.
- In the morning, get up slowly.
- Avoid sudden movements when getting out of bed.
- Try eating dry cereal, bread, crackers first thing to settle your stomach.
- Drink lots of fluids.
- Carry a water bottle with you and take small sips when you can.
- Try to drink at least 8 glasses of liquids every day.
- Add water to juices, make broth or noodle soups.
Other symptoms
Feeling tired
Feeling tired is a common symptom during the first trimester of pregnancy. This is due to the increase in hormones, as well as the body’s increased effort to provide oxygen and nutrients to the developing baby.
Additionally, the body may be working harder to support the developing placenta, which can also contribute to feelings of fatigue.
Fatigue during pregnancy is very common. Try to avoid napping for more than one hour during the day, as this may disrupt your normal sleep patterns. 30-45 minutes of daily exercise may be beneficial.
If you are taking progesterone supplementation, only take it at night as the medication sometimes causes drowsiness.
Back pain
As pregnancy hormones loosen the ligaments of your joints and your body adjusts to the growth of your uterus, you may experience back pain. You can improve these symptoms by stretching and doing back or core body exercises.
Prenatal yoga is a great way to stretch and strengthen your core. Massage, heating pads on medium setting, chiropractic care and maternity support belts are safe.
Leg Swelling/Varicose Veins
If swelling develops much more in one leg versus the other, contact your physician. Generalized swelling of hands and feet is common and may simply be a sign that you were on your feet all day!
Drinking more water should help. Elevate your feet above your heart when you are resting. Support or compression stockings may be necessary.
Notify your physician if swelling develops suddenly or you are experiencing changes in your vision, have bad headaches or right upper abdominal pain.
Leg Cramps
Leg cramps may worsen during the third trimester. Magnesium supplementation daily or before bedtime may help.
You should also increase water intake and foods rich in potassium and calcium.
During pregnancy avoid: high sugar foods, raw fish or meat, cold deli meat, the cat litterbox, X-rays, jacuzzi, spa or sauna, heavy lifting or prolonged standing.
2nd Trimester
The second trimester of pregnancy is the period between weeks 13 and 28, during which the baby’s major organs and body systems are fully formed and begin to function.
The mother’s body also undergoes many changes during this time. The baby’s movement can be felt, and ultrasound scans can provide detailed images of the baby’s development. The mother’s belly will start to become noticeable as the uterus rises in the abdomen.
During this trimester, many pregnant women experience an increase in energy, and morning sickness may subside. It is important for the mother to continue with prenatal care, including regular check-ups and screenings, to ensure the health of the developing baby.
Energized
Many women will feel energized and healthy during their second trimester of pregnancy.
You will become clearly pregnant, but not to the point where it will be impossible for you to move around.
This is also your baby’s time of tremendous growth and development, so you may find yourself preoccupied with health checkups and delivery preparations.
What is the second trimester of pregnancy?
Because the changes that occur to you and your baby fall into three major categories of early, middle, and late pregnancy, as reflected in the first, second, and third trimesters, trimesters are a useful way to think about pregnancy.
The second trimester, which lasts from weeks 13 to 26, is the midst of your pregnancy. One of the best things about this trimester for many women is that nausea may start to subside.
Preregister with Hoag Hospital Around 28-30 weeks is a good time to register at the hospital. You can do this online at
https://www.hoag.org/specialties-services/womens-health/conditions/pregnancy/
Sign up for health education classes if desired.
Diabetes screen test (24-28 weeks)
This is a blood test to screen for gestational diabetes (pregnancy induced diabetes). The timing of this test is important.
We will give you an order for the test to be done. For the screening test you will need to go fasting (at least 8 hours).
Be prepared to wait- You will take an initial blood draw then drink a sugary drink and have your blood drawn one and two hours later.
Hoag Hospital offers classes on breast feeding, infant CPR, childcare basics and birth preparation.
Start looking for who you would like to choose as a pediatrician for your baby.
Warning Signs to Contact your physician or go directly to the hospital if you have:
- Menstrual-like cramps that come and go
- Low, dull backache (that comes and goes)
- Abdominal cramping (with or without nausea or diarrhea)
- Pressure (feels heavy) – Increase or change in vaginal discharge (mucous-like, watery, pink or bloody)
- Fluid leaking from the vagina or more uterine contractions (tightening) in one hour (may be painless)
Think about Birth Control Options
If you are considering a tubal ligation (permanent birth control after your deliver) you will need to sign a state mandated consent form. Please discuss this with your physician. If desired, Dr. Broad may perform tubal ligation at the time of cesarean delivery.
Another reliable long-term non-permanent and non-surgical option for birth control is the IUD. There is a non hormonal option (Copper IUD that is good for 10 years) and a hormonal option that reduces menstrual bleeding (progesterone only type that is good for 6 years) that can be placed in the office postpartum 6-8 weeks.
Other options for pregnancy prevention and family planning include a vaginal spermicide called Phexxi, condoms, and various hormonal options (progesterone only pills and implant and shot, and combined estrogen and progesterone containing pills, patch and vaginal ring) .
If Your Blood Type is Rh negative
Problems caused by the Rh factor can be prevented in most cases with the use of a special medication called Rhogam.
Treatment is recommended whenever there is bleeding during your pregnancy or at 28 weeks of pregnancy. We give the Rhogam shot in the office at your 28-week visit. And it is given after delivery in the hospital.
Kick Counts
- Get in a comfortable lying or sitting position. Rest on your side.
- Count how long it takes for you baby to move 10 times. All movements count. Your baby should move 10 times in 2 hours.
- Jot down the time of the baby’s first movement and the time of the 10th kick.
- Since healthy babies have sleep cycles, your baby may kick less than usual or have less than 10 kicks in 2 hours.
After repeating the Kick Count, if your baby still has had less than 10 kicks in 2 hours or there is a decrease in the fetal movement, contact your physician or go to labor and delivery.
Leg Cramps
Leg cramps may worsen during the third trimester. Magnesium supplementation daily or before bedtime may help.
You should also increase water intake and foods rich in potassium and calcium.
During pregnancy avoid: high sugar foods, raw fish or meat, cold deli meat, the cat litterbox, X-rays, jacuzzi, spa or sauna, heavy lifting or prolonged standing.
3rd Trimester
The third trimester of pregnancy is the period between weeks 29 and 40, during which the baby continues to grow and develop. At this stage, the baby’s lungs, brain, and other vital organs mature, and the baby’s movements become stronger and more frequent. During the third trimester, the mother’s body continues to change as the baby grows and the uterus expands. This can cause increased discomfort and difficulty sleeping, as well as back pain, Braxton Hicks contractions, and difficulty breathing.
It’s important for the mother to continue with prenatal care, including regular check-ups and screenings, to ensure the health of the developing baby. The mother’s healthcare provider may also discuss and prepare for the birth plan. it’s important for the mother to be aware of the signs of labor and when to go to the hospital or birthing center.
The mother’s body also undergoes many changes during this time. The baby’s movement can be felt, and ultrasound scans can provide detailed images of the baby’s development. The mother’s belly will start to become noticeable as the uterus rises in the abdomen.
During this trimester, many pregnant women experience an increase in energy, and morning sickness may subside. It is important for the mother to continue with prenatal care, including regular check-ups and screenings, to ensure the health of the developing baby.
Pelvic Exams and Vaginal Culture
A vaginal and rectal bacterial culture is done between 35-36 weeks.
If this culture is positive for Group B streptococcus, we will recommend you are treated with IV antibiotics during labor. This is to protect your baby from serious infections caused by this bacteria during delivery.
Pelvic exams are performed around 37-38 weeks of pregnancy to check your cervix and fetal position.
Contact our office or go directly to the hospital if you have:
- Strong regular contractions, every 5 minutes, that do not go away for at least one hour
- Water bag breaks – a gush of fluid or a constant trickle
- Vaginal bleeding
- The baby is not moving 10 times in two hours
Birth plan
Your birthing experience is YOURS and will hopefully be a positive and personal one. Our shared goal is for a healthy mom and baby.
I encourage pregnant patients to become educated about their upcoming birth. When you have taken the time to learn about the process of giving birth, hospital procedures and what to expect the experience can be one that will put you at ease.
What you chose for pain control if anything is YOURS and myself and your nurse and staff will help to support you. There are things that can arise during the labor process that can be unplanned so my goal is for you to trust that we have a shared goal and I will communicate with you and support you through the process.
In general, Dr Broad does not perform episiotomies (unless emergency) and there are specific medical indications for a cesarean section if needed.
Your nurses and physician will explain any changes in your plan of care if they arise.
When during labor is the right time to get an epidural? There is no absolutely right time for a woman to get her epidural in labor. Often times the best policy is to see how the labor progresses and to get your epidural when the pain becomes unbearable. Keep in mind that from the time you ask for your epidural until the time you have relief will often be at least 45 minutes.
What do contractions feel like?
Contractions often feel like cramping or abdominal tightening. Often times they are accompanied by lower back pain. The most important feature of true contractions is that the feeling comes and goes in a rhythmic fashion and are usually painful and “take your breath away.”
When is the right time to go to the hospital for contractions?
When contractions are painful to the point of interrupting your activities and/or regular (every 5 minutes for 2 hours) you should go to the hospital.
How do I know if I broke my water? The best sign, or indication, that a woman has broken the amniotic sac (waters), is continued or persistent leakage of a runny, watery substance. This fluid may be clear, bloody, greenish or yellowish but it should be the consistency of water.
FAQ
Cant find the answer?
If I get my epidural too early will it run out?
No. When a woman gets an epidural a small catheter is placed into the spinal column and medicine is continuously infused into this space. The amount of numbing medicine can be turned up or down so that a woman gets pain relief but is not entirely numb below the waist.
What are other options for pain relief during labor, aside from an epidural?
There other options for pain relief during labor. These are pain medications that can be given through your IV and nitrous oxide AKA Laughing gas. These medications work for about an hour and can be given up to 3 times. The downside of these medications is that they go to both the mother and the fetus and make both sleepy. Thus, these medications are typically not given close to delivery.
If I don’t get an epidural will I feel the stitches?
If a woman chooses not to get an epidural, if she requires stitches Dr. Broad will give a numbing injection to the area. After giving a few minutes for the medicine to work, he will be able to perform the stitches without the patient feeling pain.
Finalize Your Pediatrician
This first exam may be conducted trans-vaginally so doctors get a clearer picture of your baby. In this case, your OBGYN will place a thin wand-like transducer probe—which transmits high-frequency sound waves through your uterus—in your vagina. The sound waves bounce off the fetus and send signals back to a machine that converts these reflections into a black and white image of your baby.
At 6 weeks’ gestation, it’s possible to see the baby’s heartbeat. Your practitioner will also predict your baby’s due date, track milestones, determine the number of babies in the womb, and see whether you have an ectopic pregnancy.
Circumcision
Those who forgo the 6-8 week ultrasound might have a”dating ultrasound” around weeks 10-13. This gives parents the same type of information: due date, your baby’s “crown-rump length” (measurement from head to bottom), the number of babies in the womb, and fetal heartbeat.
Should I Breast Feed my baby?
Breast milk has ingredients that cannot be found in infant formula. You can provide it for as short or as long as you want. Learning to breastfeed may be challenging and there are lactation specialists and nurses that can help you in the hospital and after.
Even small amounts of breast milk will give you and your baby the following health advantages:
- Breast milk is more easily digested. This is important for premature babies.
- Breast milk helps protect babies from necrotizing enterocolitis a serious bowel infection.
- Breast milk provides protection against infections, such as colds, ear infections and meningitis.
- Moms of preemies have more infection fighting cells in their breast milk.
- Breast milk helps PREVENT allergies.
- Breast-milk-fed babies have higher IQ’s.
- Breast milk babies have less SIDS (crib death).
- Breastfeeding for 6 months or more gives extra protection to babies against diabetes, childhood cancers and obesity.
- Moms who breastfeed have less risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
How long will I stay in the hospital after delivery?
If you have a vaginal delivery expect to stay in the hospital 24-48 hours. If you have a cesarean delivery expect to stay 48-72 hours. After delivery, criteria for discharge to home are that you are able to walk, urinate, pass gas, tolerate food and have pain control.
How long after going home should I continue to bleed?
The transducer, or wand, is normally placed on the surface of the patient’s body, but some kinds are placed internally. These can provide clearer, more informative images.
Examples are: an endovaginal transducer, for use in the vagina an endorectal transducer, for use in the rectum a transesophageal transducer, passed down the patient’s throat for use in the esophagus Some very small transducers can be placed onto the end of a catheter and inserted into blood vessels to examine the walls of blood vessels.
Is it normal to have abnormal periods after pregnancy?
It is normal for it to take several months for your body to get back to your “usual” cycles after childbirth. Sometimes a woman’s cycles change as she ages or after childbirth and this is normal.
Get in touch
For more information
For first-time mothers and pregnant moms who want more information, it is important to seek advice and guidance from healthcare professionals. We can provide accurate and reliable information and answer any questions or concerns that you may have.
