Pregnancy Resources & Medical Guidance
Appointment & Vaccine schedule
Here's roughly what to expect, visit by visit. Your provider may add ultrasounds, non-stress tests, or extra visits at any point.
New OB visit with our Nurse Practitioner
Family medical history review and a physical exam. A first-trimester ultrasound is optional, and optional genetic screening will be offered.
Routine "tummy check"
A standard visit with one of our providers.
Anatomy ultrasound
Anatomic ultrasound, a cervical check, and a visit with a provider — the longest scan of your pregnancy.
Routine "tummy check"
A standard visit with one of our providers.
Routine visit + Tdap vaccine
A routine tummy check. You'll also receive your Tdap vaccine, and Rhogam if you are Rh-negative.
Every-other-week visits
Routine tummy checks every other week.
Routine visit + Group B strep culture
A routine tummy check with a Group B strep culture completed.
Weekly visits
Weekly routine tummy checks until delivery.
Things to note
At any point, your provider may add ultrasounds, non-stress tests (NSTs), or ask to see you more frequently.
Vaccines
- Tdap at 28 weeks.
- RSV between 32–36 weeks during peak season (Sept.–Jan.).
- COVID & flu anytime — recommended in peak season.
Safe medications during pregnancy
Always check with our office before starting anything new. These over-the-counter options are generally considered safe.
Allergies
- Zyrtec
- Claritin D
- Benadryl (oral & cream)
- Benadryl lotion
- Calamine lotion
- Saline nasal spray
- Eye drops
Cold
- Robitussin / Robitussin DM
- Sudafed (after 1st trimester)
- Actifed / Actifed Plus
- Throat lozenges
- Tylenol / acetaminophen
- Mucinex
- Saline nasal drops or spray
- Vicks VapoRub
Heartburn
- Tums / Titralac
- Rolaids
- Pepcid
- Mylanta
- Zantac
- Amphojel
- Gaviscon
- Gelusil
- Maalox
- Riopan / Magaldrate
Fever & Pain
- Tylenol / acetaminophen
- Baby aspirin — only if prescribed
Constipation
- Citrucel
- Dialose
- Doxidan
- Metamucil
- Dulcolax
- Duphalac liquid
- Fleet enema
- FiberCon
- Mineral oil
- Milk of magnesia
- Peri-Colace
- Any OTC fiber
Diarrhea & Hemorrhoids
- Imodium
- Kaopectate
- Preparation H cream or suppository
- Tucks
- Dermoplast spray
- Petrolatum
Unless your provider has specifically prescribed baby aspirin, skip aspirin and ibuprofen for fever or pain — reach for Tylenol / acetaminophen instead.
Nutrition during pregnancy
Balance getting enough nutrients for your baby's growth with maintaining a healthy weight for you.
Recommended weight gain
Eating for two?
It's a myth to double your intake — think twice as healthy, not twice as much. One baby: about 340 extra calories a day from the second trimester, 450 in the third. Twins: roughly 600 extra calories a day.
Caffeine
Under 200mg a day is considered moderate and hasn't been shown to cause miscarriage or preterm birth. It hides in tea, chocolate, energy drinks, and soda, and can affect sleep and hydration.
Prenatal vitamins
Taking one throughout pregnancy helps cover the vitamins and minerals a healthy pregnancy needs.
Hydration
Drink water throughout the day, not just when thirsty. Aim for 8 to 12 cups a day.
Foods to avoid
Meats
- Raw or undercooked beef or poultry
- Deli meats
- Raw seafood or shellfish
- High-mercury fish (limit tuna to 6 oz/week)
- Smoked seafood, especially if refrigerated
Also avoid
- Raw eggs (dressings, mayo, ice cream)
- Soft cheeses (feta, brie, queso fresco, camembert, blue-veined)
- Unpasteurized milk or dairy
- Unwashed produce
Foods that cause gas
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Onions
- Turnips
- Radishes
- Dried beans
- Brussels sprouts
- Collard greens
High-fat & highly seasoned
- Gravy & cream sauces
- Mayonnaise
- High-fat cheese
- Whole milk products
- Regular salad dressings
- Fried or greasy foods
- Garlic, onions & peppers
- Chili powder
Special diets & sweeteners
Vegetarian: get enough protein — legumes, soy, quinoa, wild rice, and buckwheat all help, plus supplementation if needed.
Lactose intolerant: get enough calcium — spinach and fortified orange juice are good sources, plus supplementation if needed.
Artificial sweeteners are fine in pregnancy — limit to one or two servings a day.
Exercise during pregnancy
30 minutes daily, or 150 minutes a week, is recommended for uncomplicated pregnancies — walking, jogging, biking, aerobics, yoga, swimming, or weight training. After 20 weeks, avoid lying flat on your back and any high fall-risk activity.
Benefits
- Reduces back pain
- Eases constipation
- May lower risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or c-section
- Strengthens heart & circulation
- Helps with losing baby weight afterward
Precautions
- Drink water before, during, and after
- Avoid getting overheated
- Wear a supportive sports bra, and a belly band later on
- Avoid standing still or lying flat on your back
Safe examples
- Walking
- Swimming or water workouts
- Yoga or Pilates
- Stationary cycling
Ask your provider whether your normal routine needs modification.
Talk to your provider first if you have
- Certain heart or lung disease
- A cerclage
- Twins with a risk of preterm labor
- Placenta previa (after 26 weeks)
- Ruptured membranes or preterm labor
- Preeclampsia or high blood pressure
- Severe anemia
Exercises to avoid
- Contact sports, or anything risking a hit to the abdomen
- Activities with a fall risk
- "Hot yoga" or "hot Pilates"
- Scuba diving
- High-altitude activity (over 6,000 ft)
Vaginal bleeding, dizziness or faintness, shortness of breath before starting, chest pain, headache, muscle weakness, calf pain or swelling, regular painful contractions, or fluid leaking from the vagina.
Screenings & labs
Most labs are ordered by our office and sent electronically to Rochester Regional, unless your provider specifies otherwise — complete them at any RRH Laboratories location (585-922-5227).
First trimester scan
Looks at your baby's anatomy and includes the NT (nuchal translucency) measurement — a thicker-than-normal reading can flag a chromosomal or cardiac concern worth following up on.
Anatomy scan (20 weeks)
The longest scan of pregnancy — measures the spine, organs, and limbs, and is usually when the baby's sex can be determined.
Second trimester screening
Optional AFP / Quad blood test, ideally at 16–18 weeks. Screens for neural tube and abdominal wall defects, with optional chromosomal screening if NIPT wasn't done.
CPT 82105 · Diagnosis Z36.8A — confirm coverage with insurance or RRH billing.
Labcorp genetic testing
Carrier screening
Screens your DNA for inherited conditions like cystic fibrosis or fragile X. Most carriers are healthy with no family history; couples carrying the same condition have a 25% (1 in 4) chance of an affected pregnancy each time. Includes counseling and a 10–21 day turnaround.
NIPT (MaterniT21)
A noninvasive blood test, available from 9 weeks, screening for chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome — suitable for routine, high-risk, twin, and IVF pregnancies.
Understanding your insurance
Our billing team verifies coverage and estimates out-of-pocket costs as part of your care — these are informational and may not match your final total; labs, testing, and hospital charges may bill separately.
High deductible plans
We verify your deductible and remaining balance. A $150 payment is due at each ultrasound visit; other amounts follow your specific plan.
Co-pay plans
We verify your co-pay amounts for provider visits, ultrasounds, and delivery. Co-payments are due at the time of the visit.
Change of insurance
Let us know right away if your plan changes during pregnancy so we can re-verify coverage and update your estimate.
Mental health services
Pregnancy and postpartum bring real emotional changes — we offer in-house support to help you through them.
Person-centered care in a safe, comfortable environment, for support with:
We'll offer brief check-ins through your pregnancy and again at your six-week postpartum visit, with a referral to Hayley if extra support could help.
Want to talk sooner? Call 585-377-5420 or ask at any prenatal visit.
Preparing for baby
Worth a listen
The Birth Hour, Pregnancy Confidential, Pregnancy Podcast, Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury (Unruffled), Best of Both Worlds, and Solo Parent Society. For dads: Dad Talk, Big Dad Energy, The Modern Dads Podcast, Beardy Dads, and Dad's Guide to Twins.
Worth a read
What to Expect When You're Expecting, Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy, Expecting Better, Your Pregnancy Week by Week, Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, Crib Sheet, Raising Good Humans, and Mayo Clinic's Guide to Your Baby's First Year. For dads: The Expectant Father and We're Pregnant!
Birthing Center virtual tour
Recommended for weeks 25–32 — a free, 45-minute virtual tour of the Twig Birthing Center covering admission, delivery, hospital stay, and discharge, offered twice a month. Register at rochesterregional.org, call 585-922-LINK (5465), or email LINK@rochesterregional.org.
Getting-ready checklist
Nursery
- Crib and firm, flat mattress
- Waterproof mattress protectors
- Crib sheets
- Changing table
- Baby monitor
- White noise machine
- Humidifier
Diapering
- Newborn-size diapers
- Unscented wipes
- Diaper cream
- Diaper bag
- Diaper pail
Wardrobe
- Onesies
- One-piece pajamas
- Front-buttoned sweaters
- Newborn hats or bows
- Swaddles
- Soft, seamless socks
Bath
- Baby bathtub
- Baby shampoo
- Hooded towel
- Baby lotion
- Comb & brush set
- Nail clippers / file
- Bath thermometer
Feeding
- Bottles & nipples
- Bottle brush
- Breast pump, if nursing
- Milk storage bags
- Nursing pads & bras
- Bibs
- Feeding pillow
- Sterilizer & warmer
Travel Gear
- Stroller
- Infant car seat
- Baby carrier
- Diaper bag with changing pad
- Car window sunshades
- Stroller rain cover
Packing list for delivery
Mom
- Nursing-friendly pajamas
- 2 pairs dark, comfortable pants
- Nursing bra & top
- Robe + outfit to wear home
- Slippers / non-slip socks
- Chapstick & nipple balm
- Personal pillow & blanket
- Toiletries
- Body wash, lotion, deodorant
Dad
- Pajamas
- Comfortable outfit
- Toiletries
- Shaving gel & razor
- Slippers, pillow & blanket
- Boxers & socks
Baby
- Onesie & sleeper
- Photo outfit / swaddle
- Hat or bow
- Baby socks
- Going-home outfit + backup
- Baby blanket
- Mittens (prevent scratches)
- Pacifier & car seat
Extras
- Phone chargers
- Snacks
- iPad, books, or cards
- Nursing pillow
- ID & insurance cards
- Small fan
- Photo props
Postpartum care list
Recovery
- Maternity pads or disposable underwear
- Sitz bath or peri bottle
- Perineal spray or ointment
- Ice packs for swelling
Rest & Sleepwear
- Comfortable sleepwear
- Supportive nursing pillows
- Help arranged for chores
- Earplugs & eye mask
Clothing & Household Help
- Loose, comfortable clothing
- Nursing-friendly tops
- Belly wrap or support band
- Cotton underwear
- Meal train or delivery
- Childcare for older siblings
- Pet care arrangements
Emotional Well-being
- Baby book or memory journal
- Photo albums or a newborn session
- A support network
- Relaxation techniques
- Postpartum depression resources on hand
- A journal to track how you're feeling
Nutrition
- Healthy snacks
- Plenty of water
- Meals prepped in advance, or delivery
- Supplements
- High-fiber foods
Breastfeeding
- Nursing bras & breast pads
- Nipple cream or ointment
- Breastfeeding pillow
- Breast pump
- Lactation consultant's number
Postpartum instructions
What to expect in the days and weeks after delivery. Tap any topic to expand it.
Fever or chills (check your temperature first), excessive or prolonged bleeding, burning with urination, swelling or redness in one area of the breast, or any concerns about depression or anxiety.