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Where to Begin

Whether this is your first child or you’ve gone through a pregnancy before, it can be difficult to know where to begin. First, it’s important to understand how your body will change over the next 40 weeks. For each stage of your pregnancy, there are changes and symptoms that may impact your daily routines.

First Trimester

The first trimester lasts from week 1 to week 12. During this time, changes to your hormones will impact your body. You may feel tired or experience nausea, vomiting or mood swings. As your body changes, you might need to change your routines. This can mean going to bed earlier or changing the foods you eat.

Second Trimester

The second trimester lasts from week 13 to week 28. Many women find symptoms lessening during this time. You may still experience some nausea and fatigue. At the same time, you may also begin noticing changes to your body as the baby grows. You may even feel your baby begin to move.

Third Trimester

The third trimester lasts from week 29 to week 40. As the baby grows, you may feel some discomfort. This can be heartburn, constipation, swelling in the ankles or trouble sleeping. These symptoms occur because your baby is putting more pressure on your organs. Visit your doctor often to track your progress.

Prenatal Care 

Setting up regular checkups helps make sure you get the care needed for a healthy pregnancy. Regular prenatal care helps track your health and your baby’s development. During checkups, your doctor will track your weight, blood pressure and the baby’s growth. These appointments are also a good time to ask any questions you have. For most pregnant women, appointments occur:

  • Once a month for the first trimester.
  • Twice a month for weeks 28 to 36.
  • Once a week for weeks 36 to delivery. 

Some women may have complications that require more frequent visits. Learn more about when you should schedule a visit with your doctor on the Pregnancy Complications page. 

Prenatal Testing 

Your doctor will perform prenatal tests during your visits. These tests identify health concerns for you and your baby. Your doctor will explain the purpose of each test and discuss results with you. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor any questions you have about prenatal tests. At your first appointment, you can expect your doctor to test: 

  • Your blood type and Rhesus (Rh) factor.
  • For signs of anemia.
  • For signs of infection or sexually transmitted infections, such as syphilis.
  • For signs you are immune to rubella and chicken pox. 

For a more detailed list of prenatal tests and what each test entails, visit Prenatal Care and Tests.  

Fetal Development 

Regular visits to your doctor can help track your baby’s progress and growth. One way your baby’s growth is measured is with ultrasounds. An ultrasound is a simple procedure where a wand is placed on your belly and uses sound waves to view the baby and check the baby’s heart, kidneys, limbs and more. Medical staff will also check for anything unusual and determine the sex of the baby.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding provides benefits to you and your baby. Breastmilk contains antibodies to protect babies from illness. Mothers benefit too. Breastfeeding can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes, some types of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Many moms also find breastfeeding helps strengthen the bond with their child.

Getting started can take practice, but there are resources to support you. Understanding what makes a good latch and learning different positions can help when you’re starting. For more information and resources on breastfeeding, visit Breastmilk Counts. 
 

Newborn Screening

Newborn screening is an important part of making sure your new baby is healthy. Doctors test all newborns for rare birth defects or disorders because if they find them early, they can help prevent serious problems in the future. Your doctor will complete two screens using a sample of blood from your baby’s heel. Based on the results, your doctor may ask for more tests. In addition to newborn screenings, you can help your baby stay healthy by: 

  • Making sure your baby gets the necessary tests before leaving the hospital.
  • Bringing your baby in if your doctor asks for more tests.
  • Giving your correct address and phone number to the hospital or doctor.
  • Letting your doctor know if you move soon after your baby is born. 

To learn more about newborn screening, visit Newborn Screening Testing.

baby wrapped in blanket with doctor
Staying Healthy

There are many things you can do at home to maintain a healthy pregnancy. You can start by eating a balanced diet. You should focus on foods rich in folic acid, iron and other nutrients. At the same time, avoid harmful substances like alcohol and tobacco. It’s important to stay active with safe exercises like walking or yoga.
 

Support for New Moms 

As a new mother, you can receive support for you and your child through various programs in Texas.

Texas Nurse-Family Partnership

Texas Nurse-Family Partnership is a free, voluntary program that connects nurses with first-time mothers to improve prenatal care and provide one-on-one child development education and counseling. Families can start a partnership with the program as early as the mother’s 28th week of pregnancy and can receive support until their child reaches 2 years old. 
To learn more or find provider details, visit the Texas Nurse-Family Partnership web page.

Medicaid For Pregnant Women and CHIP Perinatal

Medicaid for Pregnant Women helps low-income pregnant mothers get the care they need. This program covers doctor visits, tests, medicine, childbirth and newborn care. The program helps make sure you and your baby have access to health care regardless of cost. Income requirements are different for pregnant women. This means you may qualify for Medicaid while pregnant, even if you didn’t before. For those approved, you can get medical care during your pregnancy and up to 12 months after your baby is born. 

Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) Perinatal is for pregnant women who can’t get Medicaid and don’t have other health insurance. It helps cover doctor visits for your pregnancy and care for your newborn. This means you can still get the medical care you and your baby need during your pregnancy. Once your baby is born, CHIP or Medicaid may cover care based on your income. 

For more details, visit Medicaid for Pregnant Women and CHIP Perinatal. If you still have questions, visit CHIP Perinatal FAQs to learn more.

Texas Home Visiting

Texas Home Visiting is a free, voluntary program where early childhood and health professionals regularly visit the homes of pregnant women and families with children ages 5 or younger. The program supports positive child health and development outcomes, increases family self-sufficiency, and creates communities where children and families can thrive. This program is for parents or caregivers with or expecting a child.

To learn more or find provider details, visit the Texas Home Visiting web page.

Texas WIC

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is for pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women as well as children until their 5th birthday. WIC clients get healthy food, one-on-one nutrition counseling, nutrition and breastfeeding classes, and breastfeeding support. Women can apply for WIC as soon as they know or think they may be pregnant.

Through Texas WIC, mothers can get help with breastfeeding. WIC offers five lactation support centers where mothers can receive help from: 

  • International board-certified lactation consultants.
  • Peer counselors who provide basic support and follow-up care.

To learn more or apply, visit Texas WIC. For questions on breastfeeding management or assistance in finding local services, contact the Texas Lactation Support Hotline at 855-550-6667. 

Related Resources

Newborn Screening Program
WIC Lactation Support Centers
Pregnancy Complications
More than Morning Sickness