What To Expect During Your Pregnancy
First Trimester
(Weeks 1-12)
The beginning of your pregnancy is a time of wonder, change, and many questions. At your first prenatal visit, I’ll spend time getting to know you and your health needs. This visit is often one of the longest as we walk you through what to expect in the months ahead.
I’ll provide guidance on nutrition, exercise, and wellness, and answer any questions you may have. A physical exam and lab work help get a full picture of your health, and I may recommend an early ultrasound to confirm your due date and check on your baby’s development. Around 11 to 12 weeks, you’ll hear your baby’s heartbeat for the first time, which is a beautiful and emotional moment for many families.
Second Trimester
(Weeks 13–27)
From week 12 onward, you’ll start seeing me every three to four weeks. These regular visits are a chance to connect, ask questions, and make sure both you and your baby are thriving. Many women begin to feel more energy and excitement during this time of pregnancy.
You’ll continue with routine check-ups, and around 15 to 20 weeks, we may offer optional screenings to check for conditions like Down Syndrome and neural tube defects.
At 20 weeks, we’ll do a detailed ultrasound to look closely at your baby’s growth and development — and if you’d like, this is when you can find out the baby’s gender.
Between 24 and 28 weeks, we’ll check for gestational diabetes and anemia to ensure you and your baby stay healthy and well-supported.
Third Trimester
(Weeks 28–Birth)
In the final stretch of your pregnancy, your visits will become more frequent, typically every two weeks starting at 32 weeks, and weekly beginning at 36 weeks. We’ll help you prepare for birth by discussing your preferences, reviewing your birth plan, and making sure all of your questions are answered.
Now is a great time to preregister at the Birth Center at St. Francis Hospital, take a tour, and consider birthing or breastfeeding classes. We’ll also talk about choosing a pediatrician and provide the recommended Tdap vaccine to help protect your newborn after birth.
Between 35 and 37 weeks, we’ll test for Group B strep — a common and treatable condition — and at 36 weeks, we may begin checking for any signs that your body is preparing for labor.
This final phase is full of anticipation and emotion, and I’ll be with you — offering reassurance, care, and encouragement — as you prepare to welcome your baby into the world.
What To Expect During Your Pregnancy
First Trimester (Weeks 1-12)
The beginning of your pregnancy is a time of wonder, change, and many questions. This is when many moms schedule their first appointment. At your first prenatal visit, I’ll spend time getting to know you and your health needs. We'll explore your background and together, plan out your prenatal care.
During this time, I focus on the following:
Confirmation of pregnancy and estimating due date
Early ultrasound
Ensuring you are up to date on essential screenings
Addressing how medical conditions or history may affect the pregnancy and care
Checking for anemia, presence of certain infections, and immunization status
Genetic testing and gender (if desired)
Minimizing morning sickness
Making a plan to tailor your care specifically for you
Discussion on nutrition, exercise, wellness
Second Trimester (Weeks 13–27)
These regular visits are a chance to connect, ask questions, and make sure both you and your baby are thriving. Many women begin to feel more energy and excitement during this time of pregnancy.
At around 20 weeks, I'll perform detailed ultrasound is performed in order to assess your baby's growth, check on most of your baby's organ systems, and often we can double check gender.
Before the end of the second trimester (around 24-28 weeks), I'll be checking for gestational diabetes and again checking for anemia.
This is also when I'll discuss how to protect your baby against whooping cough, and most insurance will pay for us to provide you a breast pump.
Third Trimester (Weeks 28–Birth)
In the final stretch of your pregnancy, your visits will become more frequent, typically every two weeks and later every week. We’ll help you prepare for birth by discussing your preferences, reviewing your birth plan, and making sure all of your questions are answered.
In some cases, I may start preforming increased testing, sometimes weekly for higher risk pregnancies.
Around 36 weeks, I'll test for Group B strep — a common and treatable condition — and at 37 weeks, we may begin checking for any signs that your body is preparing for labor.
I'll discuss strategies to meet your goals for delivery whether that is a scheduled induction or natural labor or C-section.
This final phase is full of anticipation and emotion, and I’ll be with you — offering reassurance, care, and encouragement — as you prepare to welcome your baby into the world.
Birth Classes & Breastfeeding
We partner with St. Francis Hospital to offer comprehensive birth, baby care, safety classes and breastfeeding support to all expecting moms and dads. St. Francis Hospital offers a full complement of breastfeeding resources, including:
Lactation consultants while you are in the hospital as well as after you go home
Breastfeeding classes
Breastfeeding Mom Support Group
Mother’s Milk Bank (where moms can donate or obtain breast milk)
The Lactation Center Boutique, specializing in breast pump rentals and sales, and items centered on making breastfeeding comfortable and convenient
Ultrasounds
I'm proud to offer in-office ultrasounds using AIUM-certified equipment, ensuring the highest standards in imaging and safety.
Ultrasound policies and practices are ever changing to keep pace with the latest research and updated guidelines. The type of ultrasounds and frequency and number during your prenatal course is determined by your level of risk and presence of certain conditions. Feel free to discuss this with me during your care.
For privacy and safety, we kindly ask that video recording of the ultrasound exam is not permitted.
Academy Women's Healthcare Associates, 6071 East Woodmen Road #405, Colorado Springs Colorado 80923
(719) 571-4500