Mom Info:

What is my Due Date?

A full-term baby usually goes 266 days from conception to birth. You may know exactly when you conceived. If so, tell your healthcare provider. Calculate your due date by subtracting 3 months from the first day of your last menstrual period and adding 1 week. Only 1 in 20 babies is delivered exactly on the calculated day, although most are born within 10 days of the expected date.

Why I Need Prenatal Care

Prenatal care can help keep you and your baby healthy. Your healthcare provider will schedule you for many appointments over the course of your pregnancy. Don't miss any - they are all important. Your initial office visit includes:

History

Physical Examination

• Weight
• Blood Pressure
• Urine specimen for sugar and proteins

Laboratory

• Complete blood count
• Serology (syphilis test)
• Blood type, Rh factor and antibody screen
• Cervical and vaginal cultures (if necessary)
• Urine culture (if necessary)
• Urinalysis
• Rubella screen
• Pap smear
• Hepatitis B screening
• HIV testing with consent

Baby Info:

• The fertilized egg is called an ovum. It divides and redivides forming a cluster of cells.
• These cells take on special identities and functions forming the embryo, amniotic sac and placenta.
• The circulatory sytstem and other vital organs begin to form, including the heart, brain, lungs, eyes and ears.
• The placenta and umbilical cord develop and the baby is well protected from harm in a sac of liquid called amniotic fluid.
• During the first month your baby reaches 1/2 inch in length and is called an embryo.
• The sex of your baby is determined at the moment of conception by the chromosomes of the father. Two X chromosomes for a girl and an X and Y chromosome for a boy.

Ideas for Dad:

Is Mom ignoring you while she's waiting and hoping her period will (won't) start at the end of the week? Or is she a clinging vine? Whichever (and nearly everthing in between) she is, she's normal. It can be an emotional time for her.