Key points
- We review your anatomy ultrasound and AFP results.
- Choose fiber and protein; limit refined carbs, sugar and high-fat foods.
- Gestational diabetes screening is done between 24 and 28 weeks. Do not fast, and avoid a large sugary meal before the test.
What will you tell me about my anatomy scan and AFP?
We will go over your baby’s growth and organs, the location of the placenta, and your AFP result. Most results are normal. If anything needs a closer look, we will explain what it means and the next steps.
What should I eat?
- Fill up on fiber and protein: vegetables, fruits, beans, lean meats, fish low in mercury (salmon, shrimp, cod), eggs and dairy.
- Limit refined carbohydrates and sugar: white bread, pastries, sweetened drinks and juice.
- Avoid high-fat, fried and fast foods.
- Eat 2–3 servings of low-mercury fish per week; avoid shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish.
What exercise is safe now?
Walking, swimming, stationary cycling, prenatal yoga and Pilates are excellent. Light-to-moderate strength training is fine if you did it before pregnancy. Avoid:
- Heavy lifting or straining that makes you hold your breath
- Lying flat on your back for long periods after the first trimester
- Contact sports, activities with a fall risk, hot yoga and scuba diving
You should be able to talk while exercising. Stop and call us if you have bleeding, fluid leaking, chest pain, dizziness or regular painful contractions.
Can I prevent stretch marks?
Stretch marks are common and partly genetic, so they cannot always be prevented. Gaining weight gradually and within your goal range helps. Moisturizers can relieve itching and dryness, though no cream has been proven to prevent stretch marks. Most fade to lighter, silvery lines after delivery.
What is the glucose test?
Between 24 and 28 weeks, we screen everyone for gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy. You drink a sweet glucose drink, and your blood is drawn 1 hour later. If the result is high, we order a longer 3-hour test. More about glucose testing.
How do I prepare for the glucose test?
- You do not need to fast for the 1-hour test. Eat a normal, light meal.
- Do not have a large sugary meal or drink (juice, soda, sweets) before the test — it can cause a falsely high result.
- This test is done at Quest Diagnostics. Plan to stay at the lab for the full hour after the drink.
When do I start kick counts?
We will start daily kick counts at about 28 weeks and explain how at your upcoming visits.
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.