Key points
- The AFP blood test (15–22 weeks) screens for spina bifida and other open neural tube defects.
- Fiber, 8 cups of water a day, daily activity and a stool softener help prevent constipation and hemorrhoids.
- Healthy weight gain depends on your pre-pregnancy BMI.
- Most patients first feel the baby move between 16 and 22 weeks.
What is the AFP test?
AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) is a blood test done between 15 and 22 weeks. It screens for open neural tube defects such as spina bifida (myelomeningocele), where the spine does not close completely. NIPT does not screen for these, so AFP and your anatomy ultrasound fill that gap. An abnormal result does not mean your baby has a problem; it means we look more closely, usually with a detailed ultrasound. More about AFP testing.
Why am I constipated, and what helps?
Pregnancy hormones slow your bowels, and iron supplements can add to it. To help:
- Eat high-fiber foods: fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains (aim for 25–30 g of fiber a day).
- Drink at least 8 cups (64 oz) of water daily.
- Stay active — a daily walk helps.
- A stool softener such as docusate (Colace) is safe to use daily.
- If you have not had a bowel movement in 3 days, polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX) is safe to use as needed.
What about hemorrhoids?
The best prevention is avoiding constipation and straining. If hemorrhoids happen, over-the-counter creams (such as Preparation H), witch hazel cooling pads and warm sitz baths can help. Call us if you have heavy bleeding or severe pain.
How can I manage back and pelvic pain?
- Gentle exercise: walking, swimming, prenatal yoga or stretching
- Good posture and supportive, low-heeled shoes
- Warm (not hot) compresses
- A maternity support belt (abdominal binder)
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the preferred pain reliever in pregnancy. Avoid ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) unless we tell you otherwise.
- Healthy weight gain also reduces strain on your back.
How much weight should I gain?
It depends on your weight before pregnancy. Recommended total gain for one baby:
| Pre-pregnancy BMI | Total weight gain |
|---|---|
| Under 18.5 (underweight) | 28–40 lb |
| 18.5–24.9 (healthy weight) | 25–35 lb |
| 25–29.9 (overweight) | 15–25 lb |
| 30 or higher (obesity) | 11–20 lb |
We will tell you your personal goal. You do not need to “eat for two” — most patients need only about 340 extra calories a day in the second trimester.
How can I ease heartburn?
- Eat small meals about every 3 hours instead of large ones.
- Sip fluids between meals rather than drinking large amounts with food.
- Avoid fatty, greasy, spicy or fried foods.
- Do not eat within 2–3 hours of bedtime; raise the head of your bed.
- Antacids such as Tums are safe — up to 6 tablets in 24 hours. Call us if you need more.
What is the anatomy scan?
At about 18–22 weeks, a detailed (“Level 2”) ultrasound checks your baby’s brain, heart, spine, face, kidneys, limbs and growth, plus the placenta and amniotic fluid. It takes about 30–60 minutes. Sometimes part of it needs to be repeated if the baby is not in a good position. More about the anatomy ultrasound.
When will I feel the baby move?
First movements, called quickening, usually start between 16 and 22 weeks. They may feel like flutters or bubbles. First-time parents often notice them later; this is normal.
Next visit: About 4 weeks.
Go to Labor & Delivery right away for heavy vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, decreased fetal movement, severe headache or vision changes, severe abdominal pain, or regular contractions before 37 weeks. Do not wait for a callback. HCA Florida University Hospital Labor & Delivery, 3476 S University Dr, Davie, FL 33328 · 954-475-5758. In an emergency, call 911. When to call or go to the hospital.
Important: This information is general education about a typical pregnancy. It is not medical advice and may not apply to you. Every patient’s care is personalized to her own health history, test results and needs, so your plan may differ from what is described here. Always follow the instructions your doctor gives you. Questions? Call Davie ObGyn at 954-880-1010. Do not use a routine online message for urgent symptoms.
Medically reviewed by Rahil Malik, MD, FACOG, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist. Last reviewed: October 7, 2026. Content follows current recommendations of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). This page is general information and does not replace a visit with your doctor.