Pregnancy is a beautiful journey—but it's also one filled with questions, changes, and decisions. Whether you're a first-time mom or adding to your growing family, understanding the basics of prenatal care is crucial for a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery.
At Medlyfe Hospitals, we guide hundreds of expecting mothers through every stage—from the first scan to the first cry—with expert care and compassionate support.
This guide covers the essential milestones, tests, and tips you should know as an expecting mother.
1. The Three Trimesters – What to Expect
Pregnancy is typically divided into three trimesters, each with its own developments and care focus:
First Trimester (0–12 weeks)
- Confirm pregnancy with a scan
- Start prenatal vitamins (especially folic acid)
- Early screening for thyroid, hemoglobin, infections
- Manage morning sickness, fatigue, mood swings
- Avoid high-risk foods and medications
Tip: Don't skip your first scan—it helps confirm gestational age and location of the baby (to rule out ectopic pregnancy).
Second Trimester (13–27 weeks)
- "Golden period" – energy returns, nausea subsides
- Fetal growth scan and anomaly scan (around 18–20 weeks)
- Iron and calcium supplementation
- Begin monitoring BP, sugar levels
- Address back pain, leg cramps, and weight gain
Third Trimester (28–40 weeks)
- More frequent doctor visits
- Monitor fetal movements
- Plan delivery—normal vs C-section (based on medical need)
- Discuss labor, breastfeeding, and newborn care
- Prepare hospital bag, paperwork, and support system
2. Important Tests During Pregnancy
At Medlyfe, we follow ICMR & FOGSI-recommended screening protocols for safe pregnancies:
- Blood tests: Hemoglobin, TSH, sugars, blood group
- Urine tests: Protein, sugar, infections
- Scans: NT scan, Anomaly scan, Growth scan, Doppler
- OGTT: Glucose tolerance test for gestational diabetes
- HBsAg, HIV, VDRL: Infection screening
Our Maternity Package includes all essentials, scans, and follow-ups.
3. Common Pregnancy Symptoms and When to Worry
While many symptoms are normal, these shouldn't be ignored:
- Severe abdominal pain or bleeding
- Headaches with blurred vision
- Sudden swelling of hands or face
- Decreased baby movements after 28 weeks
- Persistent vomiting or high fever
4. Nutrition and Lifestyle for a Healthy Pregnancy
Eat Right:
- Plenty of fruits, veggies, whole grains, proteins
- Avoid raw meats, unpasteurized milk, high-mercury fish
- Stay hydrated
Stay Active:
- Daily walking or prenatal yoga (after doctor's approval)
- Avoid heavy lifting or risky movements
Rest Well:
- Aim for 8+ hours of sleep
- Use pregnancy pillows for comfort
Medlyfe offers prenatal counselling and exercise sessions.
5. Preparing for Delivery – What You Need to Know
- Know your EDD (Expected Date of Delivery)
- Understand labor signs vs false contractions
- Discuss pain management options
- Pre-book your admission with the hospital
- Learn about postnatal care and breastfeeding
At Medlyfe, we offer consultation with the delivery team, NICU support, and lactation guidance for new moms.
Why Choose Medlyfe Hospitals for Maternity Care?
- Experienced obstetricians & gynecologists
- NICU-equipped for high-risk births
- On-site lab, pharmacy, and 24x7 emergency
- Mother-friendly delivery rooms
- Integrated care: scans, tests, and consultations under one roof
- Located conveniently in Bandlaguda Jagir