Pregnancy & Childbirth
Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaii supports programs to provide education, information, and resources to women on pregnancy signs, prenatal care, and childbirth preparation to promote a healthy pregnancy and delivery for mother and baby.
If you’re wondering if you might be pregnant, or if you already know you’re pregnant, here you will find information and resources to help keep you healthy throughout your pregnancy and to help prepare for your newborn’s healthy, safe arrival.
How do I know if I’m pregnant? Knowing the signs of pregnancy can help you tell if you’re pregnant. Here are some signs that you might be pregnant:
You miss your period.
You feel sick to your stomach or throw up.
Your breasts are big and sore. The area around your nipples gets darker.
You crave certain foods. Or you really dislike certain foods.
You feel tired all the time.
A home pregnancy test shows you’re pregnant.
If you have any of these pregnancy signs and think you may be pregnant, go to your health care provider. The sooner you know you’re pregnant, the sooner you can begin prenatal checkups and start taking good care of yourself and your growing baby.
Source: Trying to Get Pregnant (March of Dimes)
What to do first:Â You should schedule an initial prenatal exam as soon as you know you are pregnant. Be sure to write down a list of questions you want to ask and bring it with you for the visit. Your doctor will also need a list of any medications you are taking and the date of your last menstrual period (to determine your due date), as well as your family health history. It is helpful to write this information down before your appointment and bring it with you.
Source: You’re Pregnant! Prenatal Care Q&A (National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition)
How often will I need to see my doctor now that I am pregnant? If your pregnancy is healthy, you will need to see your doctor once a month until you reach 28 weeks of pregnancy; twice a month between your 28th and 36th week of pregnancy; and once a week after you reach your 36th week of pregnancy until birth. If you have a health problem during pregnancy, your doctor may want to see you more often.
Source: Prenatal Care Visits (March of Dimes)
What to expect during your prenatal visits: It’s best to start care early, learn what to expect during your doctors visits by visiting here
Know Your Terms: In the past, a baby born anytime between 37 weeks and 42 weeks was considered "term." A pregnancy is now considered "full term" at 39 weeks. Research shows that babies do best when they are born during weeks 39 and 40. Waiting to deliver until at least 39 weeks, in a healthy pregnancy, gives your baby the time he or she needs to grow. Your baby's lungs, liver, and brain go through a crucial period of growth between 37 weeks and 39 weeks of pregnancy. Waiting until 39 weeks, now called "full term," gives your baby the best possible chance for a healthy start in life.Â
Source: Know Your Terms (NIH National Child & Maternal Health Education Program)Â
Staying Healthy During Pregnancy: [The Importance of Free Prenatal and Postpartum Yoga this Women’s History Month]
