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Why is prenatal care so essential?
Prenatal care is the health care you get while you are pregnant.
It includes your checkups and prenatal testing.
Prenatal care can help keep you and your baby healthy.
It can also help prevent or treat any problems that may arise during your pregnancy.
In this informative article, we will explain what prenatal care is, why it is important, and what you can expect at your appointments.
What is prenatal care, and why is it important?
Prenatal care is when you get checkups from a doctor, nurse, or midwife throughout your pregnancy.
They will monitor your 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 baby.
Prenatal care is important because it can improve your chances of having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Some of the benefits of prenatal care are:
- It can reduce the risk of complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and low birth weight.
- It can help you get the right amount of folic acid, which can prevent neural tube defects in your baby.
- It can help you avoid or quit harmful habits, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or using drugs, which can affect your baby’s health.
- It can help you manage any chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or thyroid problems, that can affect your pregnancy.
- It can help you prepare for labor and delivery and make a birth plan that suits your preferences and needs.
What happens at a prenatal care appointment?
Your first prenatal care appointment is usually the longest.
You will have a physical exam, a pelvic exam, a Pap test, and blood tests. You will also have a urine test to check for infections and other problems.
Your doctor, nurse, or midwife will ask you about your medical history, family history, lifestyle, and any symptoms or concerns you may have.
They will also calculate your due date based on your last menstrual period or an ultrasound.
At each prenatal care visit, your doctor, nurse, or midwife will check your weight, blood pressure, and urine.
They will also measure your belly to see how your baby is growing.
You will be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat with a device called a Doppler.
Depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy, you may also have some prenatal tests, such as:
An ultrasound to see how your baby looks and moves and to check for any abnormalities.
A blood test to screen for genetic disorders such as Down syndrome or cystic fibrosis.
A glucose test to check for gestational diabetes.
A group B strep test to check for a common bacteria that can cause serious infections in newborns.
Your doctor, nurse, or midwife will also give you advice on how to take care of yourself and your baby during your pregnancy.
They will talk to you about nutrition, exercise, supplements, medications, vaccinations, and warning signs to watch out for.
They will also answer any questions you may have and help you make a birth plan.
How often do I need to have prenatal care visits?
How often you need to have prenatal care visits depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy and how high your risk is for complications.
The typical prenatal care schedule for someone who is 18–35 years old and healthy is:
- Every 4 or 6 weeks for the first 32 weeks
- Every 2 or 3 weeks for the 32nd–37th weeks
- Every week from the 37th week until delivery
- Your doctor may ask you to come in for checkups more often if you have a high-risk pregnancy.
- This may be the case if you:
- Are you younger than 18 or older than 35?
- Have twins or multiples?
- Have a history of miscarriage, preterm birth, or stillbirth.
- Have a chronic condition, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or thyroid problems.
- Have an infection, such as HIV, hepatitis B, or group B strep.
- Have a genetic disorder or a family history of one.
- Have complications during your pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, placenta previa, or fetal growth restriction.
Where can I get prenatal care?
You can get prenatal care from different types of healthcare providers in different settings.
Some of the options are:
- A doctor who specializes in pregnancy and childbirth (an obstetrician-gynecologist, or OB-GYN)
- A doctor who provides general medical care for people of all ages (a family physician)
- A nurse who has advanced training in pregnancy and childbirth (a nurse-midwife)
- A clinic that offers low-cost or free prenatal care, such as a community health center, a Planned Parenthood health center, or a Title X clinic.
- A hospital or birthing center that has a prenatal care program.
- You can choose the provider and settings that best suit your needs and preferences.
- You may also want to consider factors such as:
- The location and accessibility of the provider and setting
- The cost and coverage of the prenatal care services
- The availability and quality of the prenatal care staff and equipment
- The compatibility and communication with the provider and staff
- The policies and practices of the provider and setting regarding labor and delivery
- To find a prenatal care provider near you, you can:
- Ask your primary care provider for a referral.
- Ask your friends, family, or coworkers for recommendations.
- Search online for prenatal care providers in your area.
Conclusion:
Prenatal care is essential for your health and your baby’s health. It can help you have a safe and satisfying pregnancy and birth. Make sure you get early and regular prenatal care visits and follow the advice of your doctor, nurse, or midwife. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask them. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. You have a team of professionals and supporters who are here to help you and your baby.
References:
What is prenatal care and why is it important? | NICHD, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (n.d.) Retrieved July 22, 2023.
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What Is Prenatal Care? Health Care During Pregnancy (n.d.) Retrieved July 22, 2023.
Prenatal Care | Prenatal Testing | MedlinePlus (n.d.) Retrieved July 22, 2023.
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