Prenatal care is when you get checkups from a doctor throughout your pregnancy. It helps keep you and your future baby healthy.
Why is prenatal care important?
Prenatal care is an important part of staying healthy during pregnancy.
Your doctor will monitor your future baby’s development and do routine testing to help find and prevent possible problems. These regular checkups are also a great time to learn how to ease any discomfort you may be having, and ask any other questions about your pregnancy and the birth of your future baby.
When do I need to start having prenatal care appointments?
You can start getting prenatal care as soon as you know you’re pregnant.
It’s actually best to see a doctor BEFORE you get pregnant — this is sometimes called pre-pregnancy care or preconception planning. But if that’s not possible, just begin prenatal visits as soon as you can.
How often will I have prenatal care visits?
How often you’ll get prenatal care depends on how far along your pregnancy is and how high your risk is for complications. The typical prenatal care schedule for someone who’s 18-35 years old and healthy is:
- Every 4 weeks for the first 28 weeks
- Every 2 weeks for the 28-34th weeks
- Every week from the 35th week until delivery
Your doctor might ask you to come in for check-ups more often if you have a high-risk pregnancy.
What happens during my first prenatal care appointment?
Your first prenatal care visit is usually the longest one. You’ll talk with your doctor about your medical history, surgical history,drug history and your family’s medical history.
Your doctor will give you a complete check-up, usually with a physical exam and blood and urine tests to make sure you’re healthy. This can include:
- measuring your height, weight, blood pressure, breathing, and pulse
- a breast exam
- a pelvic exam
- a Pap test
- testing for sexually transmitted infections (like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV)
- screening for diabetes, anemia, hepatitis B, and rubella
Your doctor might also talk with you about your diet and lifestyle, and prenatal vitamins. The most important vitamin you can take is folic acid, which ideally you would start taking before you’re even pregnant. Your doctor can give you advice about any changes you can make to have the healthiest pregnancy possible.
Some types of medicine are dangerous to use during your pregnancy. Tell your doctor about every medicine, supplement, or drug you’re using, and always check with your doctor before starting any new ones.