At Clinic Sofia, we understand all the physical and emotional changes that come with pregnancy, and we are here to support you through this life-changing experience. We provide scientific expertise with heart. Medical insight with compassion.
The first trimester encompasses conception through week 12 of your pregnancy. During this time, you may feel nauseated and very tired, and you may gain or lose a few pounds.
Your baby will grow to just over an ounce. Major organs and body systems begin to develop and the sex is determined. First trimester
Many women say the second trimester, encompassing weeks 13–27 of the pregnancy, is the easiest. Your appetite may increase, and the skin on your breasts and abdomen might feel tight and itchy as it stretches to accommodate your growing child.
Your baby is growing rapidly. The sex will become detectable by an ultrasound. Hair, nails and fingerprints and footprints are formed. Your baby will also be able to make facial expressions and hear. Second trimester
The third trimester is weeks 28 and beyond. You will feel the baby’s movements strongly. You may be uncomfortable and experience fatigue, bloating or other symptoms.
During this time, your baby’s bones will become fully developed. He or she will gain weight and, around week 37, will descend into a head-down position to prepare for birth.Third Trimester
After delivering your baby, the fluctuation in hormones can cause many symptoms, including fatigue, “baby blues,” swelling and hair loss. The most serious symptom is postpartum depression.
Take time to care for your baby by taking care of yourself. Sleep when the baby sleeps and accept help from your partner, family and friends. Postpartum
As your body changes, you may experience certain symptoms, many of which are common during pregnancy. Choose your symptom below to find causes and recommended treatments. If you don’t see your symptom here, or have additional questions, please email us.
You may have questions about your health, acceptable activities or the medical process during your pregnancy. Below are some common questions and concerns. You can also find more information in your Clinic Sofia Prenatal Packet. If you have additional questions, please email us.
The following medications are safe to take during pregnancy. Check your Clinic Sofia Prenatal Packet for further instructions regarding proper dosages. If you have questions about a medication that is not shown here, please contact us.
We participate in most major medical healthcare plans. It is important that you check the requirements of your plan regarding notification of hospitalization, complications and policies around length of postpartum stays. If you do not have insurance coverage, we require a down payment of $1,500 at the first visit and $100 each month thereafter to cover expenses and physician fees during your pregnancy. This payment does not cover hospital charges or labs that are billed outside of Clinic Sofia. Please review all Financial & Patient Policies.
Most women can continue working until late in their pregnancy. When medically appropriate and necessary, we may recommend a pregnant patient be placed on disability leave from her job. If we do not feel it is ethically reasonable to make such a recommendation, we will do everything we can to reduce or eliminate pregnancy-related difficulties you may be having at work.
We bill your prenatal care and delivery as one package that includes routine prenatal visits, urinalysis, vaginal delivery and post-partum hospital and office visits. Additional charges not included in the package include tests, screenings and ultrasounds. These will be billed separately to your insurance provider.
There are many common complaints that come with pregnancy. Increased blood volume and elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone can lead to many common symptoms. While uncomfortable or unpleasant, most are normal. Refer to your Clinic Sofia Prenatal Packet for a list of normal symptoms. If you experience any of the following, call the Clinic Sofia office:
If your pregnancy is normal, sex is perfectly acceptable. As your stomach grows, you may need to work on finding new positions. Sexual activity does not harm the baby or cause miscarriage.
When you’re pregnant, you need to choose foods that help your baby grow and keep your body healthy. It’s important that you eat a good balance of calcium, protein and carbohydrates, and drink plenty of water. Limit fats and sugars. Avoid unpasteurized dairy foods and juices and raw or undercooked meats. Certain kinds of fish have elevated mercury levels and should be avoided. Contact us for a list of fish that are safe to eat.
If you were active before becoming pregnant it is okay to continue. It is not recommended that you begin a new, strenuous exercise program after you’ve become pregnant. Walking and swimming are great forms of exercise during your pregnancy. Exercise can also relieve some of the uncomfortable symptoms of pregnancy.