Know What to Expect
Facts, warning signs and tools for pregnancy and postpartum, from our midwife. Tap, flip and test yourself as you go.
Pick Your Stage
See what is happening now and which signs mean you should call for help.
Early Changes
Your body starts changing fast, even before you look pregnant. Many people feel tired and queasy.
- Nausea and tiredness are common and often ease by the second trimester.
- Start a prenatal vitamin with folic acid if you have not already.
- Your first prenatal visit usually happens in this trimester.
Call Your Provider if You Have
- Heavy bleeding from the vagina
- Severe pain on one side of your belly
- Vomiting so often you cannot keep food or fluids down
- A fever of 100.4 F or higher
- Pain or burning when you pee
Call 911 for
Severe belly pain with dizziness or fainting, heavy bleeding, or trouble breathing.
Feeling the First Kicks
Many people feel better this trimester. You will likely feel your baby move for the first time.
- Most parents first feel movement between 18 and 22 weeks. This is called quickening.
- The anatomy scan, a detailed ultrasound, usually happens around 18 to 22 weeks.
- Up to 6 in 10 pregnant people get carpal tunnel symptoms, like numb or tingling hands.
Call Your Provider if You Have
- Regular tightening or contractions
- Fluid leaking from the vagina
- Bleeding from the vagina
- A headache that will not go away, or changes in your vision
- Sudden swelling in your face or hands
Call 911 for
Heavy bleeding, chest pain, trouble breathing, or a seizure.
Getting Ready for Birth
Your baby is gaining weight and getting ready for birth. This is a good time to learn your baby's movement pattern.
- The CDC recommends the Tdap vaccine between 27 and 36 weeks to help protect your baby from whooping cough.
- Full term is 39 weeks 0 days to 40 weeks 6 days.
- Kick counts help you learn your baby's normal pattern. Try the counter below.
Call Your Provider if You Have
- Your baby is moving less than usual
- Regular contractions before 37 weeks
- Fluid leaking or a gush from the vagina
- A headache that will not go away, or changes in your vision
- Pain under your ribs on the right side
Call 911 for
Heavy bleeding, chest pain, trouble breathing, or a seizure.
Caring for Yourself Too
Most attention goes to the baby after birth. Your body is still healing, and some serious problems can start after delivery.
- Preeclampsia can develop after birth, usually within the first week but up to 6 weeks later.
- Babies under 6 months do not need water. Breast milk or formula gives them all the fluid they need.
- For mental health support, call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-852-6262.
Call Your Provider if You Have
- Bleeding that soaks a pad in an hour, or clots the size of an egg or bigger
- A fever of 100.4 F or higher
- A red, swollen or painful area on one leg
- An incision that is not healing
- A headache that does not get better with medicine, or changes in your vision
Call 911 for
Chest pain, trouble breathing, a seizure, or thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby.
Tap a Card to Flip It
Test What You Know
Pregnancy comes with a lot of advice. Sort the myths from the facts.
You should avoid all dairy while pregnant.
Preeclampsia can happen after the baby is born.
All sushi is off limits during pregnancy.
Babies under 1 year old should not have honey.
If your baby moves less than usual, it is fine to wait a day and see.
Kick Counter
In the third trimester, get to know your baby's pattern. Pick a time when your baby is usually active. Lie on your side and tap the button each time you feel a movement.
Ask your provider how often to count. If your baby is moving less than usual, call your provider right away. Don't wait.
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