Prenatal Care During Pregnancy

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) nearly 4 million women give birth each year. Out of those 4 million, nearly one third of them will have some kind of pregnancy related complication. While some complications occur from actions that are out of the mother’s control, many happen simply because the mother is unaware of the type of care she needs. If you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, it’s important that you learn how to properly care for yourself and your child before and after delivery.

What is Prenatal Care?

Prenatal care is the health care you receive while you are pregnant. The best way to ensure a healthy mother and baby is to get the care you need early on in the pregnancy. Whether you are three weeks pregnant or three months, call your doctor to schedule a visit. After your initial doctor’s visit, expect your physician to schedule you for many checkups over the course of your pregnancy. Do your best not to miss any appointments, as they are all important. You need to know if your baby is developing normally and on schedule, and to allow room for any advice your doctor may have for you.

Why do I Need Prenatal Care?

Prenatal care is needed to help keep you and your baby healthy. Mothers who do not receive prenatal care are more likely to give birth to babies with a low birth weight, and are also more likely to have other complications during their pregnancy. Seeing your doctor regularly will help him or her to spot complications early, and treat them before they develop further. Regular visits will also help prevent any future problems. Your physician can also provide you with valuable tips and information about things you can do to give your baby a healthy start to life. From what to eat, exercise routines and emotional advice, frequent doctor’s visits are crucial to a healthy pregnancy.