Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways to support your well-being and the development of your baby. Research indicates that a balanced diet and consistent physical activity before, during and after pregnancy can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension and the likelihood of a C-section delivery.
For patients with an uncomplicated pregnancy, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends approximately 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
Starting Weight (BMI)
Total Recommended Weight Gain
Weekly Gain (2nd & 3rd Trimester)
Underweight (< 18.5) | 28–40 lbs | 1–1.3 lbs
Normal Weight (18.5–24.9) | 25–35 lbs | 0.8–1 lb
Overweight (25.0–29.9) | 15–25 lbs | 0.5–0.7 lb
Obese (> 30.0) | 11–20 lbs | 0.4–0.6 lb
While fish is an excellent protein source, some varieties contain high levels of mercury and should be avoided, such as king mackerel and swordfish. Safer options include salmon, trout, shrimp, catfish and flounder.
If you follow a plant-based diet, it is essential to monitor your intake of protein, iron and calcium. Since Vitamin B12 is found primarily in animal products, please discuss potential supplementation with your provider.
Throughout your pregnancy, our team performs a series of routine evaluations and tests to monitor the health and development of both you and your baby. While high-risk pregnancies may require a specialized plan, the outline below represents the typical schedule of visits and clinical milestones for our obstetric patients.
At every appointment, our team will record your weight and blood pressure and perform a urine dipstick. After 12–14 weeks, your doctor or midwife will listen to the baby's heartbeat using a Doppler, and starting at 20 weeks, we will measure your fundal height to ensure consistent growth.
Initial Prenatal Consultation
During your first comprehensive visit, your provider will perform a full physical exam and establish your clinical baseline. This includes:
Patients may opt for early screening for specific birth defects. This includes a specialized ultrasound to measure the "Nuchal Translucency" (fluid at the back of the baby's neck) combined with a blood test.
This detailed scan evaluates the baby's growth and fluid levels while closely examining the heart, brain, bladder, kidneys, face and limbs. While this is often the time when the baby’s sex can be determined, the primary clinical focus is on structural development.
We perform a routine swab to check for Group B Strep, a common bacteria found in approximately 30% of women. While GBS is not an infection, its presence requires the administration of antibiotics during labor to protect the baby from potential infection after birth.
As you approach your due date, your provider may perform internal exams to check for cervical changes, particularly if you are experiencing increased pressure or contractions.