Prenatal Care Explained: Your Trimester-by-Trimester Roadmap

By Dr. Scott Dinesen, Medical Director of Women’s Health Division at Bronx Treatment Center

There’s nothing quite like the moment you realize you’re expecting. Whether it’s your first baby or your fifth, pregnancy is a time full of hope, wonder, and (let’s be honest) a little anxiety. At Bronx Treatment Center, we’re here to walk beside you on this journey - from those first flutters of excitement to the moment you finally hold your baby in your arms.

Let’s explore what this beautiful journey looks like, trimester by trimester.

First Trimester (Weeks 1 - 12): The Beginning of Everything

That little plus sign on your test? Life just changed. Suddenly, you’re filled with questions: Is everything okay? What happens next? Who can I trust?

At Bronx Treatment Center, we don’t just hand you a due date and send you on your way. We offer in-office ultrasounds to confirm your pregnancy and - just as importantly - reassure you that your baby is doing just fine. We’ll consider your personal health, your goals, your past pregnancies (if any), and create an individualized plan just for you.

You’ll also have the opportunity for genetic screening, early gender reveal options (if you’re curious!), and a compassionate partner in care. Whether you’ve waited months or years for this baby, you’re not just another chart in our office - you’re a woman stepping into one of the most transformative times of your life, and we’re honored to walk it with you.

“This is real. I have a team. I’m not alone.”

Second Trimester (Weeks 13 - 27): The Golden Middle

Ah, the second trimester - when the morning sickness (hopefully) fades and the excitement really kicks in. Around this time, many women feel their baby’s first movements. That flutter? It’s magic. You begin to show, strangers start to smile at your belly, and you might even cry during commercials. (It’s okay, we do too.)

Medically, this is an important time. We perform the anatomy scan (Level 2 ultrasound) to look closely at your baby’s development. We continue to check blood pressure, labs, and make sure you’re both thriving.

But this isn’t just about tests. This is the time when your relationship with your provider deepens. We check in with you on the physical, yes - but also the emotional. Because pregnancy is not just growing a baby - it’s growing into a mother.

“I felt the baby kick today. It’s really happening.”

Third Trimester (Weeks 28 - 40): Preparing to Meet Your Baby

This final chapter is one of both anticipation and preparation. You’re daydreaming about tiny fingers and baby toes, wondering what your baby will look like. You may also feel a little nervous - perfectly normal. Birth is powerful, and unknowns can be scary.

That’s why we see you every two weeks (and then weekly) in the home stretch - to answer your questions, calm your nerves, and make sure everything is progressing smoothly. We’ll talk about birth plans, what to expect during delivery, and help you prepare for the big day.

And if anything unexpected arises? We’re right there beside you. With our full team of OB/GYN physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, your support system is already in place.

“I can’t wait to meet my baby.”

Your Journey, Our Honor

At Bronx Treatment Center, prenatal care is not just a checklist. It’s a relationship. One built on trust, compassion, and the shared goal of helping you deliver a healthy, thriving baby. Yes, sometimes there are detours, but we’re here to guide you, support you, and celebrate with you every step of the way.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Come meet our team. Ask questions. Feel heard. Because when you walk through our doors, you’re not just receiving care - you’re becoming family.

We’re here for your first trimester worries, your second trimester excitement, and your third trimester questions. We’re here for it all.

Schedule a Visit

Your health. Your vitality. Your future. We’re with you every step of the way.