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Author: Eli Harbaugh

5 Smart Choices to Make During the ‘Golden Trimester’

Posted on by Eli Harbaugh

The second trimester (often dubbed the ‘golden trimester) runs from week 13 to week 27 of pregnancy. If you’re wondering why it’s called ‘golden’, keep reading, because we have good news for you. Early symptoms like morning sickness often go away, energy levels increase, and congratulations, the baby bump is FINALLY more visible! For many of the women who visit our centers in Elyria and Cleveland, this is when they typically report that pregnancy starts feeling more manageable.

This stage also marks an important time of growth. Your baby is continuing to grow quickly, and your body will be adjusting to support that development. Health care providers watch this phase carefully because reaching full term and lowering the risk of future health issues is important.

It’s also important to keep in mind that the habits and choices you make now can help you have a healthy pregnancy. They also prepare your body for the weeks ahead until your baby is born.

Here are five smart, practical choices to focus on during the golden trimester.

1. Stay Consistent With Prenatal Care

Regular prenatal care appointments are important during pregnancy. The second trimester has specific checkpoints that help guide your health care. These visits help your provider keep track of changes that affect you and your baby during pregnancy.

During your appointments, your health care team checks how your baby is growing. They also monitor your blood pressure and weight. They look for early signs of any health problems.

This stage of pregnancy includes important screenings and ultrasounds. These tests give clear information about development and help confirm your due date.

Prenatal visits are also a time for conversation. Use these appointments to ask questions, discuss symptoms, and share any changes you notice. Open communication supports a healthy pregnancy and helps ensure you stay on track through the second trimester and beyond.

What to do:

  • Keep all scheduled appointments

  • Write questions before each visit.

  • Share new symptoms, even if they seem minor

2. Eat With Intention, Not Perfection

As your baby grows fast in the second trimester, your body needs regular food and nutrients. This is important for a healthy pregnancy. Good nutrition supports this growth, but you do not need to follow a perfect diet or stress about every meal.

Focus on balance. Try to include protein, iron, calcium, and healthy fats in your meals when you can. These nutrients support your baby’s development and help pregnant women maintain steady energy during these weeks of pregnancy.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Your health care provider may also recommend continuing or adjusting your prenatal vitamins based on your individual needs.

You should still avoid foods known to be unsafe during pregnancy, like raw fish, unpasteurized cheese, and undercooked meat. Pregnancy has flexibility in what you eat but it begins with small steps in the right direction. The Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior did an in-depth study on pregnancy diets and weight gain. We encourage the study for those who are interested in more details behind this topic.

What to do:

  • Aim for balanced meals most of the time

  • Listen to your hunger and fullness cues

  • Ask your provider if your supplements are meeting your needs

3. Move Your Body in Safe, Simple Ways

Gentle, regular movement benefits most pregnant women. It can boost your energy and support healthy circulation throughout these weeks of pregnancy. You don’t need an intense workout plan to stay physically active. Simple activities work well and still support a healthy pregnancy. Lorain County Women’s Health has a great resource on this topic that’s definitely worth reading. 

Walking, prenatal yoga, and swimming are safe options for many pregnant women. These activities are low impact, support overall health care goals, and are easy to adjust as your body changes.

Always talk to your provider before starting any new exercise. This is important if you were not active before pregnancy or have health issues. Listening to your body helps protect both you and your baby as pregnancy continues to progress.

Consistency matters more than intensity. A 15-minute walk several times a week can support steady movement and help you stay active through the remainder of pregnancy.

What to do:

  • Choose activities that feel comfortable

  • Stop if you experience pain, dizziness, or discomfort

  • Make movement a regular habit, not a one-time effort

4. Protect Your Sleep and Manage Stress

Sleep is not optional during pregnancy. It is necessary. Your body is doing hard work, and rest plays a key role in supporting a healthy pregnancy.

As pregnancy moves into the second trimester, many women face new sleep problems. Their belly grows, and their body keeps changing during these weeks.

Try sleeping on your side and using pillows to support your back, belly, and legs. Keeping a regular sleep schedule helps support your overall health care. Go to bed and wake up around the same time each day when possible. Short naps during the day are fine if you need them.

Stress and emotions also affect your well-being. Feeling worried, excited, or overwhelmed at different points is normal, especially as your due date gets closer.

Ask for help when you need it. Maybe it’s your second kid, and you need a babysitter for your first, or you’re moving something heavy and need a hand.  Slow down when your body asks you to. Managing stress and taking time to rest can lower health risks. This will help you in the weeks until your baby is born.

What to do:

  • Aim for regular sleep and wake times

  • Use pillows for comfort while sleeping

  • Reduce screen time before bed if possible

5. Learn, Plan, and Build Support Early

The second trimester gives you time and energy to prepare for what comes next. Learning now makes the later stages of pregnancy and postpartum feel less overwhelming.

Start learning about your birth options, what to expect after delivery, and how your prenatal care will continue through the third trimester. You do not need to know everything at once. Focus on one topic at a time and use trusted, reliable resources.

Building a support system is just as important as learning facts. Stay connected with family, friends, and your healthcare providers. These people will help you through the rest of pregnancy and beyond. If you have questions about any stage of pregnancy or want clear answers from trusted sources, connecting with quality health information makes a real difference.

What to do:

  • Use trusted, reliable health resources

  • Avoid trying to learn everything at once

  • Stay connected to people who support you

Reaching Your Due Date With Confidence

Sleep is not optional during pregnancy. It is necessary. Your body is doing hard work, and rest plays an important role in supporting a healthy pregnancy.

During the second trimester, many pregnant women feel better. However, changes in their bodies can still affect sleep.

Try sleeping on your side and using pillows to support your back, belly, and legs. Keeping a regular sleep schedule helps support your overall health care. Go to bed and wake up around the same time each day when possible. Short naps during the day are fine if you need them.

Stress and emotions also affect your well-beinga. Feeling worried, excited, or overwhelmed at different points is normal, especially as your due date gets closer.

Ask for help when you need it. Cornerstone Women’s Health Center is available and happy to help. Slow down when your body asks you to. Taking time to rest and manage stress can lower health issues. It will also help you in the weeks before your baby arrives.

After the Positive Test

Posted on by Eli Harbaugh
A pregnant woman in a yellow lace dress stands in a sunlit field, gently holding her baby bump surrounded by tall golden grass.

The bathroom feels too quiet. You’re staring at two pink lines, or a plus sign, or the word “pregnant” in tiny letters. Your hands might be shaking. Your heart might be pounding so hard you can hear it.

And all you can think is: What now?

If that’s where you are right now, please know this first: you are not alone.

It's Okay to Feel Scared

Right now, you might feel a hundred different things at once. Fear. Confusion. Shock. Maybe even numbness.

You might be thinking about school, or work, or what people will say. You might be wondering how this happened, or what you’re supposed to do next, or if your life just changed forever in the span of three minutes.

All of those feelings? They’re completely normal.

Thousands of young women have stood exactly where you’re standing. They’ve felt the same racing thoughts, the same tightness in their chest, the same question echoing in their mind: What comes next?

And here’s what matters most right now: You don’t have to figure it all out today.

Take a Deep Breath

I know that’s easier said than done. But you have more time than you think.

You don’t need to make any major decisions this minute. You don’t need to tell everyone. You don’t need to have all the answers yet.

What you need right now is just one calm breath. And then another. And maybe a glass of water. And the reminder that this moment, as overwhelming as it feels, is not the end of your story.

You were made with care. Your life has purpose. And even in this moment of uncertainty, there is hope.

Your First Step: Confirm What's Happening

Home pregnancy tests are usually accurate, but they’re not perfect. Sometimes they give false positives, especially if taken too early or read incorrectly.

That’s why your first practical step is to confirm the pregnancy medically with a lab-quality test and, if needed, an ultrasound.

Many pregnancy resource centers offer free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds in a private, judgment-free setting. These aren’t doctors’ offices where you’ll feel rushed or pressured. They’re quiet, caring spaces where trained staff will walk you through what’s happening and answer your questions.

And yes, it’s completely confidential. You control who is contacted. No information is shared without your permission.

Getting medical confirmation gives you clarity. And clarity, even when the answer is hard, is always better than fear of the unknown.

You Don't Have to Walk This Path Alone

One of the hardest parts of an unplanned pregnancy is the isolation. You might feel like you can’t tell anyone. Like you have to carry this secret by yourself. Like no one would understand.

But staying silent only makes the fear grow bigger.

“You don’t need someone to have all the answers. You just need someone to remind you that you’re not facing this alone.”

Research consistently shows that emotional support during pregnancy makes a real difference. A 2023 study published in BMC Public Health found that women who received social and emotional support during early pregnancy reported significantly lower levels of anxiety and stress. Another study in Frontiers in Psychology (2023) revealed that supportive relationships, whether with friends, family, or counselors, helped women feel more confident and capable of making informed decisions about their pregnancy.

In simpler terms: talking to someone helps.

It could be a trusted friend. A family member. A counselor at a pregnancy center. Someone who will listen without judging, who will sit with you in the uncertainty, and who will remind you that you’re stronger than you feel right now.

What Pregnancy Options Counseling Really Means

You’ve probably heard the phrase “pregnancy options counseling,” and maybe it sounds clinical or intimidating.

But here’s what it actually is: a safe conversation about your situation.

A trained counselor will help you think through your options. They won’t tell you what to do, but they will help you understand what each choice looks like. They’ll listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and give you accurate information about resources and support for pregnant women.

This isn’t about pressure. It’s about making sure you have the support you deserve. The kind that empowers you to make the decision that’s right for you, with full knowledge and full care.

Your Life Is Not Over

That might be your biggest fear right now. That this one moment has ruined everything. That your dreams are gone. That you’ll disappoint everyone.

Let me say this gently but clearly: your life is not over.

An unplanned pregnancy changes things, yes. But it does not erase your value. It does not cancel your future. And it does not mean you are stuck or doomed or without options.

You are still you. You still have gifts. You still have dreams. You still have people who care about you, even if you can’t see them clearly right now.

And you are stronger than you realize. The fact that you’re reading this, looking for answers, trying to figure out what comes next, that takes courage. That takes strength.

There Is Help When You're Ready

You don’t have to do this alone. And you don’t have to do it all at once.

Organizations like Cornerstone Pregnancy Services exist specifically to offer unplanned pregnancy help, free, confidential, and compassionate. They provide medical services like pregnancy testing and ultrasounds, along with counseling, parenting education, material support, and a community of people who genuinely care about your wellbeing.

No sales pitch. No judgment. No pressure.

Just real support from people who have walked with thousands of women through this exact moment. Women who felt just as scared, just as uncertain, just as alone, and who found that there was a path forward they couldn’t see at first.

When you’re ready, reach out. Make a call. Schedule an appointment. Walk through the door.

You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to take one step.

You Are Not Alone

If you take nothing else from this post, please hold on to this: you are not alone in this.

Not in your fear. Not in your confusion. Not in the feeling that everything just changed in an instant.

There are people who want to help you. Who will sit with you? Who will remind you that you matter, that you’re capable, and that there is hope, even when it’s hard to see.

You were made with purpose. Your life has meaning. And this moment, as difficult as it is, does not define your entire story.

Take a breath. Reach out. And know that when you’re ready, help is here.

Ready to take the next step? Learn more or schedule a free, confidential appointment today! You don’t have to face this alone.

Don’t Let a Fall Bring You Down: Staying Safe During Pregnancy

Posted on by Eli Harbaugh

Pregnancy changes your body in amazing ways. Your belly grows, your balance shifts, and suddenly you might feel a little less steady on your feet. If you’ve taken a tumble while pregnant, you’re not alone. Falls happen to many expecting moms, and while most are harmless, it’s important to know when to seek help.

Why Falls Happen More Often During Pregnancy

Your body goes through big changes when you’re expecting. Your center of gravity shifts forward as your baby grows. Your joints become looser to prepare for birth. You might feel tired or dizzy. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), all of these changes can make you more likely to trip or lose your balance.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that falls are one of the most common causes of injury during pregnancy. But here’s the good news: most falls don’t hurt your baby. The Mayo Clinic explains that your little one is well protected inside your uterus by amniotic fluid that acts like a cushion.

When a Fall Becomes Serious

While many falls are minor, some can be dangerous. A hard fall, especially on your belly, needs medical attention right away. According to ACOG, the biggest concerns include injury to the placenta (the organ that feeds your baby), placental abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterus), early labor, or trauma to your abdomen.

ACOG says that any significant fall should be checked by a doctor, even if you feel fine at first. Some problems don’t show up right away. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that maternal trauma, including falls, requires prompt medical evaluation to ensure both mother and baby are safe.

Warning Signs to Watch For

After any fall during pregnancy, pay attention to your body. The Mayo Clinic advises that you should call your doctor or go to the emergency room if you notice:

  • Vaginal bleeding or spotting

  • Fluid leaking from your vagina

  • Severe belly pain or cramping

  • Contractions that won’t stop

  • Your baby moving less than normal or not at all

  • Dizziness, severe headache, or blurred vision

  • Pain in your back, chest, or pelvis

Even a small amount of these symptoms matters. Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it’s always better to get checked out.

How to Prevent Falls

You can’t prevent every accident, but you can lower your risk. The CDC recommends wearing shoes with good grip and low heels. Keep your home well-lit and remove clutter from walkways. Use handrails on stairs. Take your time getting up from sitting or lying down.

If you feel dizzy or off-balance often, tell your doctor. According to the Mayo Clinic, this could be a sign of low blood pressure, anemia, or other treatable conditions.

Getting the Support You Need

When it comes to womens health Lorain County has resources to help you through every stage of pregnancy. Local pregnancy centers offer education, support, and connections to medical care. These health resources Lorain County provides can make a real difference in your pregnancy journey.

Womens empowerment means having the knowledge and confidence to make good decisions for yourself and your baby. Womens empowerment Lorain County starts with access to clear, honest information and caring support.

Taking the Next Step

If you’ve fallen during pregnancy, don’t wait and worry. Contact your healthcare provider right away. For general pregnancy health guidance, Veranova Health offers trusted, evidence-based recommendations from medical experts.

Remember, seeking help isn’t overreacting; it’s taking care of yourself and your baby. Every pregnancy is different, and only a qualified clinician who knows your medical history can give you personalized advice.

Supporting Moms in Our Community

Cornerstone Pregnancy Center becomes stronger as we support expecting mothers and educate the next generation. We provide vital support like prenatal education, parenting classes, youth programs, and material assistance for families who need it most.

If you are pregnant, know someone who is, or simply care about women’s health in Lorain County, consider supporting Cornerstone directly. You can volunteer your time, donate supplies, or help spread the word about their programs. When we invest in moms and babies through Cornerstone, we invest in the future of our community.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy is unique. If you experience a fall during pregnancy or have any concerns about your health or your baby’s wellbeing, please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance.

Sources

The medical information in this article comes from the following trusted organizations:

Need support during your pregnancy? Contact your local Lorain County pregnancy center today to learn about available resources and services.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy is unique. If you experience a fall during pregnancy or have any concerns about your health or your baby’s wellbeing, please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance.

 

Exactly What to Expect in High Risk Pregnancy: Find Support in Lorain County

Posted on by Eli Harbaugh

A woman getting her pulse taken for a high risk pregnancy support situation in Lorain County Ohio

Understanding High-Risk Pregnancy – You’re Not Alone

If your doctor has told you that you need high risk pregnancy support, you might feel scared or worried. This is completely normal. Many women dealing with pregnancy situations face this same challenge every year. The good news is that having a high-risk pregnancy doesn’t mean you or your baby will have problems (Cleveland Clinic, 2024).

A high risk pregnancy simply means you need extra care and monitoring. Between 6% and 8% of pregnant women in the U.S. have high risk pregnancies each year. That’s about 30,000 to 50,000 women (Cleveland Clinic, 2024). More women are having high-risk pregnancies than ever before, due to health conditions like obesity and more people having babies later in life (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [ACOG], 2025).

What Makes a Pregnancy High-Risk?

Every pregnancy is going to be different, some women experience risk early while others late. Our hope for you is a healthy low risk pregnancy but if you’re experience with pregnancy is high risk, here are some common reasons:

Age-Related Factors:

    • Being over 35 years old when pregnant

    • Being under 17 years old when pregnant

Anyone over 35 is defaulted as “high-risk” and needs certain pregnancy support. If you are over 40, there’s a higher chance of having miscarriages or chromosome problems like Down syndrome (Healthgrades, 2020).

Health Conditions You Already Have:

    • Diabetes

    • High blood pressure

    • Heart disease

    • Kidney problems

    • Obesity

    • Autoimmune disorders

Pregnancy-Related Conditions:

    • Carrying twins or more babies

    • Problems with the placenta

    • Gestational diabetes

    • Preeclampsia

    • Birth defects in the baby

    • Baby not growing normally

These pregnancy complications can develop even in healthy women. Your doctor will look at your whole health picture to decide if your pregnancy is in need of high risk pregnancy support. Sometimes the problem is with your health, and sometimes it’s detected in the baby through ultrasounds or tests (ACOG, 2025).

Finding the Right Care in Lorain County

Getting good prenatal care is the most important thing you can do for a high risk pregnancy. In Lorain County, you have access to excellent OB-GYN Lorain County services and Lorain County pregnancy resources. The key is finding care that makes you feel supported and safe.

What to Look for in Lorain County Prenatal Care:

    • Doctors who specialize in high-risk pregnancies

    • Maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists

    • Regular check-ups and monitoring

    • Access to special tests when needed

    • Support staff who answer your questions

    • Emergency care when you need it

Early and thorough prenatal care is critical. It’s the best way to detect and manage a high risk pregnancy safely (Cleveland Clinic, 2024). MFM specialists have extra training beyond regular OB-GYN doctors. They are experts in dealing with high-risk pregnancies and can better understand and treat problems (Healthgrades, 2020).

What to Expect During Your Pregnancy

Having a high risk pregnancy means you’ll have more doctor visits than usual. You’ll get a lot of care from a lot of people. This might feel overwhelming, but remember that each visit helps keep you and your baby healthy.

Extra Care You Might Need:

    • More frequent doctor visits

    • More ultrasounds to track the baby’s growth

    • Special blood tests

    • Blood pressure monitoring

    • Blood sugar checks

    • Heart monitoring

    • Regular fetal monitoring

Most women with low-risk pregnancies have two to three ultrasounds. If your pregnancy is at risk, you’ll likely have more than three. Your doctor will tell you exactly how many you need (Cleveland Clinic, 2024).

Your Healthcare Team: You’ll probably visit multiple doctors. In addition to your regular OB-GYN, you might see:

    • An MFM specialist

    • A cardiologist, if you have heart problems

    • An endocrinologist, if you have diabetes

    • Other specialists based on your needs

If the problem is with your baby, you might also meet with pediatric specialists and the hospital’s NICU team (ACOG, 2025).

Warning Signs to Watch For: Call your doctor right away if you notice:

    • Severe headaches

    • Vision changes

    • Chest pain or trouble breathing

    • Severe nausea and vomiting

    • Vaginal bleeding

    • Severe abdominal pain

    • Sudden swelling of face, hands, or feet

Taking Care of Yourself

You can do many things to help your high risk pregnancy go smoothly. Taking care of yourself is one of the best gifts you can give your baby. Focusing on maternal health during pregnancy is especially important when you have a high-risk pregnancy.

Healthy Habits for High-Risk Pregnancy:

    • Take your prenatal vitamins every day

    • Eat healthy foods

    • Get enough rest

    • Exercise as your doctor recommends

    • Don’t smoke or drink alcohol

    • Avoid illegal drugs

    • Go to all your doctor appointments

If you had health problems before pregnancy, like diabetes, keeping them well-controlled makes a big difference. A healthy mom is very beneficial for the baby (Healthgrades, 2020).

About Bed Rest: Many people think high-risk pregnancies mean bed rest. But doctors no longer recommend bed rest during pregnancy. It doesn’t prevent complications and can actually increase your risk of blood clots. Physical activity is an important part of a healthy pregnancy (ACOG, 2025).

Managing Stress and Worry: It’s normal to feel anxious about a high-risk pregnancy. Here are some ways to cope:

    • Talk to your doctor about your concerns

    • Join a support group

    • Practice relaxation techniques

    • Stay connected with family and friends

    • Ask for help when you need it

If anxiety is interfering with your daily life, let your doctor know. You may need counseling or therapy (Healthgrades, 2020).

Your Delivery and Birth Plan

A high-risk pregnancy may affect your birth plan. Many women with high-risk pregnancies deliver before 39 weeks. This is to keep you and your baby safe before any health problems get worse.

What to Expect:

    • You may need to be induced (have labor started by doctors)

    • You might need a cesarean section

    • You may deliver at a hospital with special care units

    • Your baby might need extra care after birth

Your doctor will work with you to plan the safest delivery for you and your baby (ACOG, 2025).

Support Network in Lorain County

You don’t have to go through a high-risk pregnancy alone. Lorain County pregnancy resources are available to help you. Having a strong support network makes a big difference in how you feel and how well you cope.

Types of Support Available:

    • Medical care from OB-GYN specialists

    • Pregnancy support groups

    • Educational classes

    • Mental health counseling

    • Financial assistance programs

    • Community resources

At Cornerstone Women’s Health Center, we understand that pregnancy can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s high-risk. We’re here to provide support, education, and resources to help you through this journey. Our team can connect you with the right care and Lorain County pregnancy resources.

Looking Forward – Hope for Healthy Outcomes

The most important thing to remember is that you can still have a successful pregnancy and birth if your pregnancy is high-risk. Most mothers with high-risk pregnancies do really well (Healthgrades, 2020).

Important Things to Remember:

    • High-risk pregnancies exist on a spectrum – some are riskier than others

    • Major advances have been made in treating high-risk pregnancies

    • Most high-risk pregnancies end in healthy babies

    • Your healthcare team is there to help you every step of the way

Questions to Ask Your Doctor: Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your high-risk pregnancy. If you find a doctor who cannot make time for you, consider finding another doctor. Good doctors will take the time you need to feel comfortable and informed (Healthgrades, 2020).

Future Pregnancies

Once you have a high-risk pregnancy, future pregnancies may also be high-risk. Your doctor will watch you closely to see if the same problems happen again. If they do, your healthcare team will know what to do to keep you and your baby safe (ACOG, 2025).

Getting Help When You Need It

If you’re dealing with a high-risk pregnancy in Lorain County, remember that help is available. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support, whether it’s medical care, emotional support, or practical help.

At Cornerstone Women’s Health Center, we’re committed to supporting women through all stages of pregnancy. We can help you find the right prenatal care and connect you with resources in Lorain County. Your health and your baby’s health are our top priority.

Contact us today to learn more about high-risk pregnancy support and resources available in Lorain County. You don’t have to face this journey alone.

References

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2025, March). So you have a high-risk pregnancy. Here’s what to expect. ACOG. www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/so-you-have-a-high-risk-pregnancy-heres-what-to-expect

Cleveland Clinic. (2024, July 12). What makes a pregnancy high risk? Cleveland Clinic. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22190-high-risk-pregnancy

Healthgrades. (2020, December 15). High-risk pregnancy: 9 things doctors want you to know. Healthgrades. resources.healthgrades.com/right-care/pregnancy/high-risk-pregnancy-9-things-doctors-want-you-to-knowÂ