Maternity & Obstetrics: Comprehensive Care for a Healthy Pregnancy

Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters, each bringing unique developments and care needs:

• First Trimester (Weeks 1–12): Organ formation and rapid growth.
• Second Trimester (Weeks 13–28): Baby movement and gender identification.
• Third Trimester (Weeks 29–40): Final growth and preparation for delivery.

The first trimester is crucial for your baby’s foundation—major organs and the placenta develop during this stage.

Week 1 to 4: What Happens in Early Pregnancy?

An amniotic sac forms, cushioning the embryo. The placenta starts transferring nutrients. The heart begins beating by week 4. Baby size: ~¼ inch.

Week 5 to 8: What Develops Next?

• Facial features and limb buds appear.
• Brain and spinal cord formation begins.
• Heartbeat detectable by week 6.

Weeks 9 to 12: What Changes Occur?

Fingers, toes, and nails form; teeth develop under gums. Circulatory and urinary systems start functioning. Baby size: ~4 inches.

What Are Common First Trimester Symptoms?

• Nausea and vomiting
• Extreme fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Mood swings

What Precautions Should You Take in the First Trimester?

• Avoid alcohol, smoking, and raw seafood.
• Take folic acid supplements daily.
• Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated.

What Tests Are Done in the First Trimester?

• Blood tests for hemoglobin, thyroid, infections
• Ultrasound to check fetal heartbeat
• Genetic screening (optional)

This phase is more comfortable as morning sickness subsides and energy returns.

Key Developments:

• Baby can suck thumb and respond to sound.
• Gender is visible on ultrasound.
• Quickening—feeling baby movements—starts by week 20.

What Foods and Exercises Are Safe in the Second Trimester?

• Eat: Whole grains, proteins, iron-rich foods.
• Avoid: High-mercury fish, unpasteurized dairy.
• Exercise: Walking, prenatal yoga (with doctor’s advice).

What Tests Are Done in This Trimester?

• Second-trimester anomaly scan (around 18–20 weeks)
• Glucose tolerance test for gestational diabetes

The final stage where your baby gains weight and gets ready for delivery.

Weeks 29–32:

Baby can see and hear. Most systems mature except lungs. Weight: 1.8–2 kg.

Weeks 33–36:

Lungs almost ready, reflexes improve, baby weighs 2.2–2.9 kg.

Weeks 37–40:

Baby is full-term. Movements reduce due to less space. Weight: 2.5–4 kg.

What Are Braxton Hicks Contractions?

They are “practice” contractions before real labor. They are irregular and painless.

Pregnancy is a sensitive time that requires proper care, lifestyle choices, and routine follow-ups. Following key precautions helps ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.

• Avoid alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs
• Stay away from raw or undercooked meats and unpasteurized dairy
• Limit caffeine intake to under 200 mg per day
• Stay hydrated with 8–10 glasses of water daily
• Maintain proper hygiene and get enough sleep
• Do not self-medicate—consult your gynecologist for all medicines

A balanced diet supports both mother and baby’s growth. Focus on nutrient-rich whole foods and avoid anything that might cause infection or toxicity.

• Eat: Green leafy vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole grains, dairy, eggs, and lean meats
• Include: Iron, calcium, folic acid, omega-3, and Vitamin D-rich foods
• Avoid: Soft cheeses, raw fish/sushi, packaged juices, excessive sweets, junk food

Moderate exercise helps reduce discomfort and supports labor readiness. Consult your gynecologist before starting any fitness routine.

• Walking and prenatal yoga
• Swimming and stretching exercises
• Kegel exercises for pelvic floor strengthening
• Avoid contact sports, heavy lifting, and overexertion

Always report the following red flags to your gynecologist immediately:

• Vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage
• Severe abdominal pain or cramps
• Sudden swelling in hands, face, or legs
• High-grade fever or chills
• Decreased fetal movements
• Severe headache or blurred vision

With 27+ years of experience, Dr. Dimple Doshi at Vardaan Hospital, Goregaon West, offers compassionate and evidence-based maternity care—combining expert monitoring, advanced diagnostics, and emotional support throughout pregnancy.

• Expert in normal delivery, high-risk pregnancy, and 3D laparoscopic surgery
• Modern infrastructure and fetal monitoring facilities
• Personalized care plans and patient education
• Warm, accessible, and trusted by thousands of families

ICD-10 Codes for Maternity & Obstetric Care

CPT Codes for Maternity & Obstetric Care

Q1. How often should I visit my doctor during pregnancy?

Ans. In most healthy pregnancies, visits are scheduled every 4 weeks until 28 weeks, every 2 weeks until 36 weeks, and weekly thereafter.

Q2. What vitamins are essential during pregnancy?

Ans. Folic acid, iron, calcium, and DHA are vital for fetal development and maternal health.

Q3. Can I travel during pregnancy?

Ans. Yes, travel is generally safe until 28–32 weeks, but consult your doctor, especially for long trips or high-risk pregnancies.

Q4. How much weight should I gain during pregnancy?

Ans. Weight gain depends on your BMI, but generally, 10–12 kg throughout pregnancy is considered normal.

Q5. Can I have dental treatment during pregnancy?

Ans. Yes, routine dental care is safe, especially in the second trimester. Inform your dentist about your pregnancy.

Q6. Is it safe to sleep on my back during pregnancy?

Ans. After 20 weeks, avoid lying flat on your back; sleep on your left side to improve blood flow to the baby.

Q7. Can I continue working during pregnancy?

Ans. Yes, if your pregnancy is low-risk, you can work, but avoid heavy lifting, prolonged standing, and stress.

Q8. What vaccinations are recommended during pregnancy?

Ans. Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) and flu shots are generally recommended for maternal and newborn protection.

Q9. Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy?

Ans. Yes, in normal pregnancies, sexual activity is safe unless your doctor advises otherwise due to complications.

Q10. How can I manage morning sickness effectively?

Ans. Eat small, frequent meals, stay hydrated, and avoid strong odors. Ginger and Vitamin B6 supplements can help.

Q11. What tests are necessary during pregnancy?

Ans. Key tests include ultrasounds, blood tests for hemoglobin, sugar, thyroid, and screening for infections like HIV and hepatitis.

Q12. How do I prepare for childbirth?

Ans. Attend prenatal classes, practice breathing exercises, prepare a hospital bag, and discuss birth plans with your doctor.

Q13. Can stress harm my baby during pregnancy?

Ans. High stress can impact maternal health and fetal development. Stress management techniques like meditation are helpful.

Q14. What should I do if I experience bleeding during pregnancy?

Ans. Any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy should be treated as an emergency. Contact your doctor immediately.

Q15. When should I plan my maternity leave?

Ans. Most women take maternity leave in the last month of pregnancy or earlier if complications arise.