A healthy pregnancy depends on prenatal care. It is important to monitor your lifestyle. This helps keep your baby healthy. Prenatal care also protects your health. Regular check-ups and healthy habits are key. They help doctors catch issues early and guide you to make the best choices.
This blog explains why prenatal care matters. It will also share what to expect during your check-ups.
Why Prenatal Care Matters
Prenatal care helps prevent problems during pregnancy. It also supports your health, which eases stress on the baby. According to the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), care can begin even before pregnancy. Early and regular visits encourage a healthy pregnancy. They also guide your care team to have a better understanding of your baby’s growth.
Your doctor can monitor your health and habits. They can answer questions and offer advice. This helps both you and the baby. Doctors can also manage conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or anemia.
When to Start Prenatal Care
Prenatal care should start as soon as you know you are pregnant. According to the NICHD, care before pregnancy is also helpful. If you are planning to get pregnant, healthy habits and a good diet make care easier.
The first visit is very important. During this appointment, your provider may:
- Confirm your pregnancy
- Ask about your health history
- Ask about your lifestyle habits
- Ask about family medical history
- Do a physical exam and lab tests
- Give you a due date
- Ask about any symptoms or discomfort
- Talk about medications, vitamins, and healthy changes
You may also get an ultrasound to check the baby’s growth and heartbeat.
How Often to Visit
The next nine months are very important. Regular check-ups help make sure your baby is growing well. Scheduled visits with your provider can help answer any questions and assess both you and your baby’s health.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a common visit schedule is:
- Every 4 weeks until 28 weeks pregnant
- Every 2 weeks until 36 weeks
- Every week until birth
This schedule may look different depending on your health or if you have a high-risk pregnancy.
What Happens at Prenatal Visits
According to the Peconic Bay Medical Center (PBMC) and the Mayo Clinic, each visit may include:
- Checking your weight, height, and blood pressure
- A breast, pelvic, cervical, or Pap test
- Testing for infections
- Checking your immunity to certain illnesses
- Measuring the baby’s growth
- Listening to the baby’s heartbeat
- Discussing any symptoms or concerns
Your provider may also recommend other tests depending on your stage of pregnancy.
Visit Clinicas
At Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc., we offer Obstetrics and Gynecology Care Services for expecting mothers. Pregnancy can be scary for some, but it is an exciting time to get the care you need for a healthy pregnancy journey. Our goal is to help you and your baby stay healthy. Our care includes many tests and check-ups to support a healthy pregnancy.
Prenatal care helps you and your baby thrive. Schedule your visit with Clinicas today.