We’re here to help answer all your questions
Pregnancy can be exciting, but we know that it can make you nervous, too. We are here to make sure that you have a healthy pregnancy, delivery, and baby. You may have many questions along the way, and we will do our best to get you all the answers you need.
Create a MyChart account
As part of your care during pregnancy, we encourage you to create a MyChart account at mychart.spectrumhealth.org.
You can also download the MyChart app through the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Your MyChart account has specific pregnancy features, including:
- Tracking the growth of your baby week by week during pregnancy and seeing which fruit size is comparable to your baby’s current development
- Completing your birth plan and saving it to your medical chart
- Maintaining a list of tasks for you to complete to prepare for your baby
This account will also allow you to see test results, email your provider, refill prescriptions, request appointments, and see office visit notes.
Your MyChart account will provide these benefits beyond your pregnancy and connect you with all of your Spectrum Health providers.
Understanding Pregnancy
Pregnancy has three trimesters or stages. Each trimester is about 13 weeks or three months long. A full-term pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks or between nine and 10 months.
You will be seeing your provider a lot over the next nine months or so, setting the groundwork for a healthy pregnancy.
First trimester
The first trimester starts on the first day of your last menstrual period and goes until the 13th week of pregnancy. You will likely have your initial visit with your provider during this time, where a due date will be established, and labs and medical history will be reviewed with you.
Second trimester
The second trimester is from week 14 to week 27. During this time, you will start to feel and look more pregnant. You will have routine visits where we will discuss prenatal class options, review your ultrasounds and labs, screen for potential issues like gestational diabetes, and educate you on your second trimester.
Third trimester
The third and final trimester begins at week 27 of your pregnancy, and while it could end at week 40, it truly ends whenever your baby is born. During this time, you will start to have weekly visits where you will learn preterm labor signs, have a pelvic examination, discuss indications for cesarean section and operative delivery, learn what to expect if you pass your due date, and more.
After Delivery
We will still be here for you after your little one is born, so you can continue your journey with us while your child grows. We will support you with tools and resources, including classes, lactation specialists, information on pediatrician visits, and more.
Experiencing something unexpected?
If you experience anything out of the ordinary, please contact your provider immediately.
Birthing center locations
We have many centers to help you create your unique birthing plan and experience in the location closest to you.
When you need advanced specialized care in pregnancy
We understand that the term “high-risk pregnancy” can be scary, but all that means is you may need a little extra attention and advanced care to provide the best outcome for you and your baby.
There are many factors that may cause a woman to need advanced care during pregnancy, including carrying multiples, pre-existing conditions, or developing complications.
If this is the case for you, you will see one of our specialists in high-risk pregnancy, also known as a maternal fetal medicine specialist.
We are here for you to get the extra treatment you need in a supportive environment.
Financial assistance—get the care you need no matter what
We understand that pregnancy can be stressful enough and worrying about paying your medical bills is an extra burden you don’t need.
We are here to help you every step of the way through our financial assistance program.
Financial assistance options include federal, state, and local aid, as well as a variety of charitable programs. We may also be able to reduce or eliminate your financial responsibility for medically necessary and appropriate treatment if you qualify under financial hardship guidelines.
Create a MyChart account
Stay connected with your providers and up to date with your care.