OB Experience
Welcome to the OB Experience! We hope this page is a guide and resource as you navigate through pregnancy. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your pregnancy or gynecology treatment, please contact us at 910-323-2103. Call 911 for any life-threatening emergencies.
Please note this information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation, examination or the medical advice of your doctor.
Call our office immediately if experiencing: severe abdominal pain, cramping, or vaginal bleeding; persistent contractions or vomiting; pain or burning with urination – 910-323-2103.
First Trimester (weeks 1-12)
You will be scheduled for a New OB Appointment around 8-12 weeks. This appointment will last around two hours. You will first meet one of our New OB Nurses and then see the physician. Your appointments will be every four weeks until you are 28 weeks. At 28 weeks, you will be seen every two weeks until you are 36 weeks.
New OB Nurse Visit:
The first portion of your initial visit will be meeting with the New OB Nurse. She will take a complete personal and family medical history, medication history and provide you with education on what to expect at your appointments and during your pregnancy. You will receive a New OB bag that will contain information on Safe Medications to take while pregnant and as many goodies and coupons that we can find! We advise patients to put the Safe Medication List on the refrigerator.
Weeks 1 – 12
Lab Work Will Include:
- Vitial signs
- Weight
- Urine Culture
- Fetal Heart Tone
- Pap Smear
- Ultrasound for date confirmation
- Chlamydia/Gonorrhea Check
- Inheritest (Optional)
- MaterniT 21 (Optional)
- Blood work
Common Symptoms You May Experience:
- Tender or swollen breasts
- Nausea (morning sickness)
- Tiredness
- Cravings or aversions to certain foods
Although you are not showing yet, your baby is growing from about the size of a mustard seed to lemon size. Your baby is growing very quickly.
Health Tips:
- Eat plenty of nutrient-rich foods
- Regular exercise
- Drink plenty of water
- Share the news!
- Rest as much as you can
When to Call:
- Pain that does not resolve
- Bright red bleeding
- Soaking more than a pad an hour
Second Trimester (Weeks 13-29)
Weeks 13 – 20
You will be seen every four weeks until you are 28 weeks. At 28 weeks, you will be seen every two weeks until you are 36 weeks.
Lab Work Will Include:
- Vital signs
- Weight
- Urine sample
- Fetal heart tone
- Discuss genetic testing options (AFP)
- Ultrasound (Anatomy scan) around 20 weeks
Health Tips:
- Eat plenty of nutrient-rich foods
- Engage in regular exercise
- Drink plenty of water
- Apply lotion to your belly to soothe dry skin
Common Symptoms You May Experience:
- Mood swings
- Weight gain
- Rashes or dry skin
- Round ligament pain
Checklist Items:
- If you have a birth plan, review it with your provider
Your baby is now about the size of a lemon, measuring 3-4 inches long. At this stage, your baby bump is likely starting to show.
Weeks 20 – 25
At each visit, you can expect to have your weight checked, vitals checked and fetal heart tones checked.
Common Symptoms You May Experience:
- Insomnia
- Stretch Marks
- Swelling in ankles or feet
- Headaches or migraines
- Restless Leg Syndrome
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Health Tips:
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid overly salty or spicy foods
- Avoid fatty foods
Checklist Items:
- Start planning baby showers (optional)
- Start a baby registry (optional)
Your baby finally, well, finally looks like a baby now. He/She has lips, eyes and nose. You are feeling light flutters and will soon feel obvious kicks and your baby’s muscles continue to develop. The baby major organs are now developed and he/she will start to hear your and daddy’s voice.
Weeks 26 – 29
Routine Visit – At your regular visit, your weight will be checked, vital signs checked, fetal heart tones, and your belly will be measured.
Learn more about Cape Fear Valley Labor and Delivery and available classes at https://www.capefearvalley.com/services/labor-and-delivery
Lab Work Will Include:
- Glucola (Sugar) Test (26-28 weeks)
- Repeart Syphilis
- Tdap Vaccine Recommended
- Phophylac/Rhogam Shot if applicable
Health Tips:
- Walk and stretch
- Drink plenty of water
- Prepare nursery
Common Symptoms You May Experience:
- Varicose Veins
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Back Pain
Checklist Items:
- Choose Pediatrician
- Do you want a circumcision if a boy?
By 29 weeks, your baby now weighs about 2 ½ – 3 pounds and is 15 to 16 inches long. He/she still needs to put on some pounds. Baby’s kicks are becoming more intense and at times even painful.
Third Trimester (Weeks 30-40)
Weeks 30 – 35
You will be seen every two weeks now.
Lab Work Will Include:
- Repeat CBC
Health Tips:
- Eat plenty of healthy calories
- Regular exercise
- Drink plenty of water
Common Symptoms You May Experience:
- Back aches
- Braxton Hicks Contractions
- Constipation or gas
- Insomnia
- Pelvic/Back Pain
- Increased Vaginal Discharge
Checklist Items:
- Purchase car seat
Your baby is now about the size of an eggplant and is mastering the art of breathing.
Week 36+
You will be seen weekly until you deliver now.
Common Tests Will Include:
- Cervix exam
- Group B Strep Culture (week 36-37)
- Repeat Gonorrhea/Chlamydia test (per NC Law)
- Confirm Vertex (head down) position
Health Tips:
- Get some rest
- Map your route to: Cape Fear Valley, 1638 Owen Dr., Fayetteville, NC
- Prepare and freeze meals
- Drink plenty of water
Common Symptoms You May Experience:
- Discomfort
- Heartburn
- Trouble sleeping
- Pelvic/Back pain
- Increased discharge
- Braxton Hicks
Checklist Items:
- Checklist Items:
- Pack your hospital bag
- Secure car seat in car you are taking to hospital
- Arrange care for other children and pets, if applicable
When to Call:
- Decreased Fetal Movement
- Vaginal Bleeding
- Leakage of Fluid
- Consistent and Regular Contractions
You are almost there! Your baby is now about the size of head of romaine lettuce, averaging 18 inches long and gaining up to an ounce per day. Baby can come any day now. It is normal to have irregular cramping and pain in your abdomen but do not hesitate to call if these are consistent.
