In the fist trimester, an ultrasound scan is often performed and is used to verify a heart beat, check for multiple pregnancies, and to set due date. In addition an ultrasound in the first trimester can rule out abnormalities such as ectopic pregnancy or potential for miscarriage.

In the second trimester, a full anatomical survey can be performed and measurements are taken to verify growth and detect fetal development problems.

In the third trimester, ultrasound is used to evaluate fetal growth and ensure fetal and maternal well-being. In the late stages of pregnancy it allows assessment of the presentation of the fetus. e.g to determine if the fetus is lying breech.

More recently, 4D baby scans or dynamic 3D pregnancy scans have become available to look at the face and movements of your baby before birth. This is thought to have an important catalytic effect for mothers to bond to their babies before birth. 

Three trimester pregnancy guide 

First Trimester (0-12 weeks)

9, 8, 7 months to go… and most couples want to wait until they’re sure everything’s ok before breaking the good news but, as a mum-to-be, you’re naturally bursting to talk about it. Don’t worry, if you want to have a chat with someone you can trust to answer all the questions buzzing round your head, and who knows how you’re feeling from personal experience. Call 0845 345 7262 for more advice..

Foods to avoid

When you’re pregnant, certain foods should be avoided: mould-ripened cheeses such as Camembert, Brie and blue-veined varieties; offal-based produce, pate and undercooked meats and foods containing raw or partially cooked eggs.

Vitamins & supplements

If you’re taking vitamin supplements, make sure they’re suitable for pregnancy as many contain vitamin A, which can be harmful in large doses. However, doctors do recommend taking folic acid for the first 3 months of pregnancy as it has been shown to reduce the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, and can also help with your baby’s brain development.

Coping with morning sickness

Another little tip, if you’re suffering from morning sickness, try eating little and often, the nausea should pass by the 12th week or so of your pregnancy, but if it doesn’t work then don’t worry – its not uncommon if it continues throughout pregnancy.

Useful points to remember:

• Visit your GP to confirm pregnancy.
• It’s recommended that you start taking folic acid, if not already.
• Check with your GP that it’s safe to continue taking any prescription drugs.
• A Fetal viability & dating scan is available through Baby Premier between 6-18 weeks.
• Visit your midwife or GP at around 10-12 weeks to discuss care during pregnancy. Baby Premier offer Nuchal Translucency scans between 11 weeks +4 days to 13 weeks +6 days of pregnancy for chromosomal abnormalities.
• You may have an ultrasound scan through the NHS (if available) around 10-12 weeks to work out your due date.
• Blood tests are often taken to determine your blood group, rhesus factor, iron level, anaemia, rubella, Hepatitis B, syphilis and HIV status.  
• Want to know if it’s a boy or girl?  Book your gender confirmation scan with Baby Premier at 18 weeks onwards.

Second Trimester (13-27 weeks)

6, 5, 4 months to go and when should I tell my boss that I’m pregnant?  The answer is as soon as you can. Research your employer's health plan and parental leave policy.  You must tell your boss that you’re pregnant and what your plans are no later than the 15th week before your baby’s due. However, you may need to tell them earlier if you need to take time off for any doctor’s appointments.

Know your rights

Don’t forget, working mums-to-be are entitled to paid time off for antenatal check-ups during working hours, what’s more, if you’ve been working for your employer for 26 consecutive weeks, the good news is that you also qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay.

Antenatal classes

By the end of your second trimester, it’s a good idea to book antenatal classes for you and your birth partner in the last eight week of your pregnancy. As well as being informative, they’re a great way to meet other parents-to-be preparing for their baby!

The excitement of feeling your baby move!

Most mums feel the first flutterings between 16 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. And after 24 weeks, it’s not unusual to be aware of your baby getting hiccups or ‘jumping’ at sudden loud noises!

Useful points to remember: 

• Triple or quadruple NHS blood tests may be carried out between 14-20 weeks.
• You may feel your baby move for the first time.
• Amniocentesis test may be carried out on the NHS (but only if there’s good reason to check for chromosomal abnormalities).
• Book your Fetal Anomaly scan with Baby Premier between 18-24 weeks to check your baby’s development.
• Collect MatB1 form from your midwife – an official certificate that verifies your pregnancy.
• Notify your employer of your pregnancy before the 25th week of your pregnancy.
• Book antenatal classes (if available locally).

Third Trimester (28-40 weeks)

With 3, 2, 1 months to go you are now preparing for your big day.  If available near you, antenatal classes offer practical advice about everything from how to get into a comfortable position during labour, to pain relief – what the midwife can do for you in the delivery room, and how your birth partner can work wonders with a relaxing massage! Being prepared for every eventuality will help you feel far more in control when the time comes, so when your putting your birth plan on paper, keep in mind that it needs to be flexible.

Packing your hospital Bag

Its good to have a hospital bag on stand-by about 4 weeks before your expected due date, Besides night wear, your wash bag and clothes for you and your baby, you may want to pack an MP3 player, magazine or book to take your mind off things. Also, when you’re out and about, make sure that you have your partners contact details on you – just in case!  When the time comes, however long your labour, the waiting will be worth it when you hold your new baby in your arms!

Useful points to remember:  

• Antenatal classes may begin now.
• Book your Baby Premier Growth Scan between 24-42 weeks to gain an assessment of your baby’s overall development and growth.
• You may have a blood test through the NHS to check your iron levels.
• Book your 4D Baby Bonding ultrasound scan between 26-32 weeks of pregnancy with Baby Premier and receive your free DVD.
• Week 28 is the last week that you can fly without a note from your GP (but this might be worth checking as it can vary from airline to airline).
• Week 29 is the earliest you can begin maternity leave.
• Start to consider your birth plan by thinking about the kind of birth you would like.
• A Baby Premier Presentation scan is available between 35–42 weeks aiding your midwife or obstetrician to plan your delivery.

  
For advice and bookings call us now on 0845 345 7262

Please note mobile phones are not permitted to be used when attending for your ultrasound scan and should be turned off as they may cause interference with our scanning equipment.