Prenatal care

If you haven't had a COVID-19 vaccine, get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines don't cause infection with the COVID-19 virus. Studies show that COVID-19 vaccines don't have serious risks for pregnant people or their babies. During fall and early winter, get a flu vaccine too.

Vaccines can help pregnant people build antibodies that protect their babies. If possible, people who live with you also should be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.

During the second trimester of pregnancy, prenatal visits with your healthcare team focus on your baby's growth and finding any health conditions. Your healthcare team checks your weight and blood pressure. A member of the team might measure the size of your uterus by checking the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus. This is the fundal height.

At this stage, you might listen to your baby's heartbeat. Your healthcare team may suggest an ultrasound or other screening tests. You also might learn your baby's sex if you want to.

If you don't have certain high-risk conditions, some of your prenatal visits may be online, also called virtual. If you and your healthcare team plan to have virtual prenatal visits, ask if there are tools you should have at home, such as a blood pressure monitor. To make the most of virtual visits, have a list of questions ready to ask and take detailed notes.

Be sure to mention any symptoms that concern you. Talking with your healthcare team can help put you at ease.