Your Pregnancy & Birth Journey with ChildbirthU
At ChildbirthU, we believe that knowledge is power. Our mission is to provide expecting parents with evidence-based education, practical guidance, and compassionate support so you can navigate pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with confidence.
From the excitement of your baby’s first kick to important prenatal check-ups, every milestone matters. Staying on track with appointments ensures both you and your baby’s well-being. While this guide outlines key pregnancy check-ups and ultrasounds, always consult your healthcare provider for a personalized plan. We are here to help you understand your options, make informed decisions, and feel prepared for your unique birthing experience.
Getting Started: Preparing for Your Journey
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Finding out you’re pregnant is an exciting milestone! The earlier you start preparing, the more informed and empowered you’ll feel throughout your pregnancy and birth experience.
What’s Next?
✔️ Explore our upcoming childbirth education courses
✔️ Learn about different birthing options
✔️ Begin planning your pregnancy care and support team
✔️ Connect with our community of parents and birth professionalsNeed guidance? Contact us to find the right course for you!
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We offer a range of prenatal courses and resources designed to guide you through every stage of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
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Birth is just the beginning! Our postpartum and newborn care education ensures you feel prepared for life with your baby.
How We Help:
✔️ Infant CPR and First Aid Basics Education
✔️ Breastfeeding and Bottle-Feeding Education
✔️ Recovery After Birth (Physical & Emotional)
✔️ Sleep and Soothing Techniques for Newborns
Your Pregnancy Check-Up & Immunization Guide
At ChildbirthU, we believe that a strong relationship with your healthcare provider is essential throughout your pregnancy journey. Whether you're sharing experiences, asking questions, or seeking reassurance about your baby's well-being, your doctor is there to guide you every step of the way. As your baby grows, so will your connection with your provider, along with the frequency of your prenatal visits.
Prenatal Check-Up Schedule
A typical prenatal checkup schedule follows this timeline:
📅 Weeks 4 to 28 → One checkup per month
📅 Weeks 28 to 36 → One checkup every two weeks
📅 Weeks 36 to 40 → One checkup every week
These regular visits monitor both your health and your baby's development. Your doctor may recommend additional checkups based on your unique needs, so be sure to follow the schedule that works best for you.
Did you know? Babies born to mothers who don’t receive prenatal care are three times more likely to have a low birth weight. Prioritizing these visits helps ensure the healthiest outcome for you and your baby.
Recommended Immunizations During Pregnancy
Vaccination during pregnancy helps protect both you and your baby. If you’re considering immunizations, discuss the best schedule with your healthcare provider.
💉 COVID-19 & Influenza: Can be given at any time during pregnancy.
💉 Tdap (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis): Ideally given between 27–32 weeks to protect against whooping cough.
💉 RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus): Ideally given between 32–36 weeks to help protect newborns from severe RSV illness.
Important Timing Considerations: RSV vaccination should generally be spaced six weeks apart from other vaccines but can be given within two weeks of COVID-19 and Influenza vaccines.
We know that life can get busy, but prioritizing your prenatal care helps support a healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery. Choosing whether to receive certain vaccines is a personal decision, it's best to discuss each option with your healthcare provider to make an informed choice that feels right for you. Stay informed, stay committed, and trust the process!
FREE FOR YOU!
Straight from an experienced L&D nurse, so you can feel 100% prepared for birth!
Get expert guidance, real insights, and zero fluff—just what you need to feel calm, confident, and ready for the big day!
Pregnancy Timeline
Note: This schedule is a standard pregnancy guide and can change depending on your individual pregnancy circumstances.
What to Expect at Your First Prenatal Appointment
At ChildbirthU, we believe that knowledge is power—especially during pregnancy! Your first prenatal visit is an important step in your journey, allowing your provider to confirm your pregnancy, assess your health, and guide you on the best path forward.
Here’s what you can expect at this initial appointment:
Pregnancy Confirmation – Your provider will confirm your pregnancy using a urine test or ultrasound.
Health History Review – Be prepared to answer questions about your health, your partner’s health, and your family’s medical history. This helps identify any potential risk factors for you and your baby.
Due Date Calculation – Your provider will estimate your due date based on your last menstrual period (LMP) or Dating Ultrasound if completed.
Blood Work – Your provider will order routine blood tests, including:
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Blood type & Rh factor
Antibody screening
Prenatal Blood Work Panel
Pregnancy Do’s & Don’ts – You’ll receive guidance on how to stay safe and healthy during pregnancy, including information on nutrition, exercise, and potential risks to avoid.
Lifestyle Discussion – Your provider will discuss your diet, exercise, work, and hobbies to help you make healthy adjustments for a smoother pregnancy.
What to Expect at Each Prenatal Appointment
At ChildbirthU, we’re here to help you feel confident and informed about your pregnancy journey. One of the key aspects of prenatal care is regular check-ins with your provider, where they monitor both your health and your baby’s development.
Each prenatal appointment serves as a routine check-in, allowing your provider to identify any potential concerns early on. Simple screenings like blood pressure checks, urine samples, and weigh-ins provide essential insights into your well-being and help prevent complications before they arise.
Here’s what typically happens at each appointment:
Weight Check – Your provider will track your weight to monitor for any sudden changes. If weigh-ins cause stress or anxiety, you can request to step on the scale backward to avoid seeing the number.
Urine Sample – A quick screening for sugar and protein levels helps detect potential issues like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or infections.
Blood Pressure Check – High blood pressure can signal preeclampsia or gestational hypertension, while lower readings are often a normal part of pregnancy.
Baby’s Heartbeat – Using a fetal doppler, your provider will listen to your baby’s heartbeat—often a favorite moment for parents! Keep in mind that it may not be detectable at the first visit, therefore a beside ultrasound maybe necessary during this visit.
Abdominal Exam – As you progress, your provider will palpate your abdomen to check your baby’s position. This typically begins in the second and third trimesters.
Fundal Height Measurement (After 20 Weeks) – Your provider will measure the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus to track baby’s growth. The number usually correlates with the number of weeks pregnant you are (±2 cm).
Leopold’s Maneuver: This technique typically begins around 30 weeks of pregnancy. It involves a provider palpating your abdomen to determine your baby’s position, ideally confirming the baby is head down (vertex position) for birth. If the baby is felt in a different position (e.g., breech or transverse), your provider may perform a bedside ultrasound to confirm or refer you for an ultrasound if one isn’t available in the clinic.
Discussion with Your Provider – Every appointment is an opportunity to ask questions, discuss concerns, and receive important updates about upcoming milestones in your pregnancy. Never hesitate to bring up anything that’s on your mind!
FREE FOR YOU!
Straight from an experienced L&D nurse, so you can feel 100% prepared for birth!
Get expert guidance, real insights, and zero fluff—just what you need to feel calm, confident, and ready for the big day!
