An ultrasound is a safe procedure that uses sound waves to produce images of your baby. Discuss the timing of your ultrasounds with your healthcare provider.

An ultrasound can also be done using a wand placed inside the vagina. This is called a transvaginal ultrasound, and it provides a better image of the pelvic organs and baby in the early weeks of pregnancy. In certain cases, it’s recommended later in pregnancy as well.

Reasons to have an ultrasound:

• See if there is more than one baby in the uterus

• Establish the baby’s due date

• Screen for birth defects

• Locate where the placenta is inside the uterus

• Get a sense of the baby’s health (estimating fetal weight, position, movement, breathing, and growth)

• Check amniotic fluid

• If you’ve been diagnosed with Rh disease (when your blood type isn’t compatible with your baby’s)

What to expect at your appointments:

• Being weighed

• Having your blood pressure taken

• You may be asked to provide a urine sample

• Starting around 10 weeks, your provider listens to your baby’s heart rate

• Starting around 20 weeks, your provider measures your belly to track the growth of your baby and uterus

• Starting around 30 weeks, your provider feels your belly to determine your baby’s position; however, this position can change before birth

• You can ask your provider any questions you might have about your pregnancy

There are prenatal tests that might be offered if your healthcare provider has concerns based on your medical history, age, or if any problems arise during your pregnancy.

Types of prenatal tests:

• Screening tests: Identify the risk level for you or your baby
• Diagnostic tests: Offered if a screening suggests a high risk (these are often more invasive procedures that can usually confirm if there is a serious problem)
• Before having any test, make sure you understand why it’s being offered to you, what it involves, and what decisions you may face based on the results. Many women choose not to have these tests, while others feel more comfortable knowing all they can about potential problems

Bed rest, which is when you are advised to stay in bed all or some of the time, is sometimes prescribed for pregnant women who need extra care. However, new research shows that prescribed bed rest is not beneficial to most pregnancies.

If it’s advised, ask your healthcare provider how it will benefit your pregnancy.

Preeclampsia is a serious condition marked by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in your urine. It usually occurs after Week 20, and resolves after you have your baby. Preeclampsia can cause stress to your kidneys, liver, and brain.

Preeclampsia symptoms:

• Headaches
• Vision problems
• Rapid weight gain
• Upper abdominal pain

If you develop preeclampsia:

• You and your baby will be monitored closely
• If it’s severe, it’s likely that you’ll be admitted to the hospital
• Your healthcare provider will decide when it’s safest for you to deliver

Diabetes is when you have too much sugar in your blood. If you have diabetes for the first time while you’re pregnant, it’s called gestational diabetes. Many times there are no symptoms, so you’ll be tested at least once during pregnancy.

Risk factors for gestational diabetes:

• Being overweight
• Having had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
• Having a close relative with diabetes
• Being African-American, Native American, Pacific Islander, Hispanic, or Asian

If you develop gestational diabetes:

• You will need to track your blood sugar levels
• Many times, blood sugar can be managed with diet and exercise
• Less commonly, medication is needed

Most babies turn head-down in preparation for birth, but a baby whose feet or buttocks are pointing down in the uterus is "breech".

If your baby is breech at 37 weeks your healthcare provider may:

• Suggest certain exercises to help your baby turn
• Try a procedure that may turn your baby
• May recommend a caesarean birth if your baby remains in breech position

Being pregnant with multiples (two or more babies) is exciting. While it is amazing that your body has the ability to support more than one baby, you might experience some challenges.

It’s possible you'll need more testing and ultrasounds to make sure your babies are doing well. It's common for multiples to be born early, and if you are expecting more than two babies it’s likely that you will have a caesarean birth. Twins can be born vaginally, depending on the situation.

Tips for a multiples pregnancy:

• Eat the extra nutrients you need, which is typically about 500 more calories/day than you usually eat
• Drink additional fluids
• Use proper body mechanics
• Get plenty of rest (your healthcare provider  may recommend restricting your activity level later in pregnancy)
• Ask about the possibility of having a vaginal birth if you are expecting twins, and learn about caesarean birth
• Line up plenty of help after birth and connect with support groups in your area for parents of multiples

A miscarriage is a pregnancy loss prior to 20 weeks, and it happens in 15-20% of all pregnancies. Early in pregnancy, vaginal bleeding can be (but is not always) a sign of a miscarriage, so tell your healthcare provider right away if you experience any bleeding.

If you experience a miscarriage, it’s important to know that almost all miscarriages are beyond your control, and most people go on to have healthy pregnancies in the future. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about your feelings and about possible resources.