why is prenatal care important essay

What is prenatal care and why is it important? Find out everything you need to know about the benefits of prenatal care here to make sure you are doing what is best for you and your unborn baby.

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The Importance of Prenatal Care: Why You Need It

The importance of prenatal care during pregnancy cannot be overstated. Without it, expectant mothers risk both their own lives and the lives of the children they carry. Pregnancy is not a walk in the park, and having the guidance of an experienced medical professional along the way is invaluable.

But, with about 15 percent of women in the United States not receiving adequate prenatal care, the importance of prenatal care seems to not be as widely understood as it should be. While there are many factors that can restrict a woman’s ability to get prenatal care — including education, location and other socioeconomic conditions — a misunderstanding of the purpose of prenatal care can also play a huge role. It’s not enough to live a healthy life during pregnancy; prenatal care is necessary to protect an expectant mother and her unborn child.

Below, you can find out a bit more about the importance of prenatal care health — and why it is not optional for women like you.

Why is Prenatal Care Important?

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be unsure of whether you wish to carry your pregnancy to term. Whether or not you have decided on an unplanned pregnancy option yet, you should still receive prenatal care as soon as possible. If you have not been preparing for pregnancy, your doctor will need to look at the state of your pregnancy and your personal health to ensure continuing your pregnancy is even a safe option for you.

Personalized, professional prenatal care is important because every woman and her pregnancy is different. No two pregnancies are exactly the same, which means the risks and complications that one expectant mother may face may not be the same as another expectant mother. Only an experienced obstetrician can evaluate these risks and prevent the likelihood of future complications.

If you’re new to pregnancy, it’s normal to ask, “Why is prenatal care so important? Can’t I just take care of myself and everything else will work out?”

While beneficial, a healthy lifestyle cannot protect you from all the risks and complications of pregnancy. Consider the fact that women who receive inadequate prenatal care:

Are three times more likely to have a baby with a low birth weight
Give birth to babies who are five times more likely to die
Are more likely to give birth to babies with health complications
Can exacerbate existing physical and mental health conditions during their pregnancy

If you don’t take seriously the importance of early prenatal care and care throughout your pregnancy, you are exposing yourself and your unborn child to risks and complications that can seriously harm you both — and can even be fatal.

There is a reason why prenatal care is necessary in every pregnancy — because it works.

What are the Goals of Prenatal Care?

Now that we’ve established why prenatal care is important, you probably want to know exactly what prenatal care does that is so helpful . We understand; before you spend your time and money with a doctor, you want to know what you are getting into.

Before you choose an obstetrician and get started, it’s important to know what to expect from your prenatal care. This is an important part of understanding the purpose of prenatal care as a whole.

As mentioned, every woman will have a different prenatal care schedule and medical protocol, based on her own medical history and current situation. But, regardless of a woman’s personal situation, prenatal care is designed to :

Reduce the risk of pregnancy complications: Pregnancy comes with certain risks and possible complications for expectant mothers. Proper monitoring by a medical professional can identify and reduce any risk factors that exist. Medical guidance for topics such as substance abuse , exercise, diet and more are also part of this aspect of prenatal care.
Reduce the baby’s risk for complications, in and out of the womb: Medical professionals will also monitor the baby’s development inside the womb to ensure he or she is as healthy as possible. This will often include testing for certain diseases, disorders and conditions and educating a woman about the choices she can make (abstaining from alcohol and drugs, for example) to give her child the best start at life possible.
Ensure a woman’s medications are safe: Many women take medication as part of their everyday life, but not all of these medications are safe for a developing baby. As part of your prenatal care, your medical professional will evaluate your prescriptions and determine what kind of medical protocol you can continue to use to keep both you and your baby healthy. Without this knowledge, you could unknowingly harm your unborn child.

In addition, when you speak with your medical professional, he or she will likely identify personal goals for your prenatal care as well, including reducing any risks you may be prone to because of your personal situation. Your doctor will always explain the importance of prenatal care in your situation so you understand exactly why they suggest the things they do.

What are the Benefits of Prenatal Care?

Beyond the health advantages of prenatal care, there are a few reasons that a woman facing an unexpected pregnancy should receive prenatal care as soon as possible. If you are in this situation, you may not have a lot of experience with pregnancy and you probably aren’t prepared for the responsibilities and challenges that await you throughout the next nine months. Prenatal care can be comparable to the “introduction to pregnancy” class you may need.

While the importance of prenatal and postnatal care for your personal health should not be understated, there are a few other reasons you should receive prenatal care for your unplanned pregnancy:

Answers to your questions about pregnancy: If this pregnancy is your first, you probably have a lot of questions about what to expect. The answers to those questions may even play a role in which unplanned pregnancy option you decide to pursue. When you meet with a medical professional for a pregnancy appointment, they will be happy to answer all of your questions about what pregnancy is like , what it may be like for you and what you can expect moving forward.
Give you an update on your baby’s development: You know all of those wonderful sonogram photos that expectant parents like to gush over? You will receive those during your prenatal visits, if you so desire. Whether you choose to parent your baby or place them for adoption , it can be an amazing experience to watch them grow inside you and stay up to date on their development before they are born.
Prepare you for labor and delivery: Your medical professional can also play a crucial role in answering your questions about childbirth and helping you prepare for this life-changing experience. In many cases, the obstetrician who provides your prenatal care will be there for your delivery, too; they’ll support you through every step of this new journey.

The benefits of prenatal care are numerous, and we encourage every woman facing an unplanned pregnancy to contact a medical professional as soon as possible to receive the care she needs. Starting yourself off on the right foot will make all the difference in the next nine months to come.

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Healthy Pregnancy: The Importance of Prenatal Care

Prenatal care is key for a healthy pregnancy

Finding out you are pregnant is exciting news, often followed by many questions about what to expect and what comes next. Whether you are a first-time mom, or have multiple children, seeking prenatal care early in pregnancy is key to a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby.

What is prenatal care?

Prenatal care is the healthcare you receive while pregnant. Regular prenatal care throughout your pregnancy helps to catch potential concerns early and reduces the risk of pregnancy and birth complications.

As soon as you suspect you are pregnant, make an appointment with your OB/Gyn. If you don’t have one, call your health insurance to determine which obstetricians are covered by your insurance. (If you don’t have health insurance, reach out to your local community health center or county health department for your health care coverage options.)

You can expect to see your healthcare provider often and regularly throughout your pregnancy. Typically, you will be scheduled for your first prenatal appointment when you are at least 8 weeks pregnant. For pregnancies without complications, prenatal visits are usually scheduled as follows:

Up to week 28: 1 prenatal visit a month
Weeks 28 to 36: 1 prenatal visit every 2 weeks
Weeks 36 to 40: 1 prenatal visit every week

Your doctor will want to see you more often if you had any preexisting health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure before you became pregnant, if you are over the age of 35, or if problems develop during your pregnancy.

What to expect at your prenatal visits

At your first prenatal visit, your doctor or healthcare provider will review your medical history. She likely will perform a complete physical examination as well as urine and blood tests during this visit.

At each visit, your healthcare provider will check you and your baby. She will talk with you about the things you can do help you and your baby stay healthy, such as eating healthy foods, staying active and gaining the right amount of weight during pregnancy. Your healthcare provider may also order blood tests and imaging tests, such as an ultrasound.

Each prenatal visit is important for a healthy pregnancy

Even if you are farther along in your pregnancy, prenatal care is still important. It is not too late to begin to seek care, so call your doctor today to schedule a visit. Babies of mothers who do not get prenatal care are three times more likely to have a low birth weight and have birth complications. Seeing your doctor regularly helps ensure you have the healthiest pregnancy possible.

Kim Tustison, MD is a UCR Women’s Health OB/Gyn.

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The importance of prenatal care.

Dec 19, 2017 | Health , Latest

Before the big game, an athlete practices. Thespians rehearse months before the opening night. Students prepare for a whole semester before their final exams.

Why should you be any less prepared when it comes to your health?

The importance of prenatal care during pregnancy is huge. From eating certain foods, taking prenatal vitamins, and having regular checkups, prenatal care exists to ensure the least complications for both the mother and the baby through the entire nine months leading up to the birth.

Be responsible for your health and the bodily developments of you and your baby by knowing the importance of prenatal care and talking to your doctor as soon as you suspect or confirm you are pregnant.

Word Origins

What is prenatal care: prenatal care definition.

Prenatal care is the health care that both the woman and the baby receives before giving birth.

This is more than just a few doctor’s visits and an ultrasound or two. Prenatal care aims not only to observe gestational development to look for any risks or complications, it also seeks to improve the overall health and wellness of the mother, this directly influencing the health and development of the baby.

Some of the goals of prenatal care include:

Lowering the risk of any pregnancy complication This is achieved by regular, moderate exercise, a well-balanced diet, avoiding consuming or being around harmful substances, and maintaining good control on any preexisting health conditions, such as diabetes or low blood pressure.
Lowering the risk of complications for the fetus and future infant This is achieved by not consuming substances like tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol, when consumed during pregnancy, has been proven to cause a variety of disorders, both physical and intellectual, which could range from abnormal physical features, heart problems, or mental disabilities. Tobacco has been proven and increases the risk for S.I.D.S. in infants.
Taking prenatal vitamins to ensure proper nutrients for the woman and developing baby Prenatal vitamins are important to ensure that both the woman and the baby get the proper nutrients they need during the pregnancy. The main substance in a lot of prenatal vitamins is folic acid, which is found in many foods and can lower the risk for neural tube defects by as large a number as 70%.
Make sure the woman isn’t taking medication that is unsafe during pregnancy Certain medications, either prescribed or otherwise, can be harmful to the woman a fetus during pregnancy. This included many dietary and herbal supplements as well as some acne treatments.

How Often Should I Have Appointments?

Don’t leave your health and the health of your baby up to chance.

Meet with your doctor regularly or go to a pregnancy clinic as soon as you suspect you might be pregnant. According to WebMD on prenatal care , these are the average number of prenatal appointments you should have during your pregnancy:

Weeks 4 to 28: 1 prenatal visit a month
Weeks 28 to 36: 1 prenatal visit every 2 weeks
Weeks 36 to 40: 1 prenatal visit every week

Women with serious pre-existing medical conditions or high-risk pregnancy will need to have more appointments than typical of prenatal care.

Never undervalue the importance of prenatal care and talk to your doctor or prenatal health care specialist to make a plan and schedule your check-ups.

Prenatal Care Timeline

Prenatal care begins during the first 8-12 weeks of pregnancy. At this point, the doctors will look at your medical history and perform a series of physical exams. They will also look at your blood type, check for sexually transmitted infections, and do a PAP test, if you’re due for one. You might also be able to hear the baby’s heartbeat!

Related: First Trimester Pregnancy Tips

During the first two trimesters, prenatal visits will continue roughly every 4-6 weeks. Aside from routinely taking down your blood pressure and weight, the doctor will also check your baby for genetic and spinal abnormalities and gestational diabetes.

Related: Pregnancy Tips for the Second Trimester

After the 28 week mark, you’ll need to check in with your doctor or midwife every 2-3 weeks, until week 36 . They will track your baby’s growth, listen to his or her heartbeat, and make sure your little one is in right position for delivery.

Between weeks 36 and 40, your doctor or midwife will do a pelvic exam . They may also offer to check your cervix for dilation, as the due date approaches. If your baby still isn’t positioned right, they might also suggest exercises to help.

Birth! This is where prenatal care ends and neonatal care begins. Congratulations on the birth of your little one!

Take a look at our Three Phases of Pregnancy blog post for more information on taking care of yourself and your baby during pregnancy.

No woman should have to go through an unplanned pregnancy alone.

Here at White Rose Women’s Center , our experienced staff is committed to explaining all of your available pregnancy options and help you make the choice that’s best for you.

White Rose is proud to offer women a FREE pregnancy test (and give you the results as you wait) as well as FREE and confidential counseling.

Some other services which White Rose Women’s Center provides:

FREE ultrasound for qualified clients
Information on abortion procedures
Referrals for prenatal care
Clinic referrals
Post-abortion guidance
Adoption referrals

Call us for help. All visits are confidential.

No appointment required. Free services.

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White Rose Women's Center is a non-profit organization assisting women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. We offer confidential and free counseling about pregnancy, adoption and abortion. Our center is located in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area in Texas.

New clients must arrive 2 hours prior to closing.

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The Importance of Prenatal Care

Every woman wants to have a healthy pregnancy. Putting as little stress on the baby while it’s in the womb is important, and it starts with excellent prenatal care. Learn more about the importance of prenatal care from Peconic Bay Medical Center.

Reduce the Risk of Complications

Prenatal care reduces complications during pregnancy and prevents problems during delivery. Regular medical care during pregnancy provides you with vital information about changes in your body that could put the pregnancy or your health at risk. Ideally, you want to get prenatal care early in the pregnancy and regular care throughout.

Prenatal care is especially crucial for women with high-risk pregnancies. Pregnancies with a greater chance of complications are called high-risk. These factors may increase the risk of problems during pregnancy:

Very young age or over age 35.
Overweight or underweight.
Problems in previous pregnancies.
Pregnancies with twins, triplets, etc.
Current or past health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, HIV, and autoimmune disorders.

If your pregnancy is considered high-risk, you’ll need to see your doctor more often to prevent further complications during pregnancy and labor. Even though you’re meeting with your doctor weekly, if you suspect there’s something wrong with your baby, go to the nearest medical health center immediately.

What Happens during Prenatal Visits

At your first visit, your doctor will ask you questions about prior pregnancies, previous operations, and any diseases. Providing your doctor with a complete health history during early prenatal visits gives him or her the information needed to make sure you get the best care possible during your pregnancy. Your doctor will perform a physical exam, take your blood and urine for lab tests, and check your weight, height, and blood pressure. Your doctor might also do a breast exam, pelvic exam to check your uterus, and a cervical exam, including a Pap test. Subsequent visits will include checking your blood pressure and weight and checking your baby’s heart rate and growth. You will also get to hear your baby’s heartbeat and ask questions about your pregnancy during your prenatal appointments.

Regular prenatal care is important because during your routine visits, your doctor will check for anemia, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and other harmful infections that may affect your pregnancy, health, and baby’s health. During your prenatal care, your baby will be monitored for problems that may affect his/her health.

When Is the Right Time to Schedule a Prenatal Visit?

You want to schedule prenatal visits as soon as possible. Most ob-gyns recommend scheduling your first prenatal appointment 8 weeks from your last menstrual cycle. Most women don’t know they’re pregnant until between 4-6 weeks after conception. Before your prenatal visit, it’s normal for your doctor to order blood work. So, be prepared to schedule this appointment as part of your first prenatal visit.

It can be overwhelming searching for a doctor or medical center to deliver your baby. Get started early in your pregnancy to find the right facility for you, so you’re not stressed about your baby’s care or delivery. To learn more about prenatal care and to find a physician, contact Peconic Bay Medical Center for a list of family medical centers in Suffolk County, NY .

Importance of Prenatal Care

Table of Contents

Prenatal care is extensively acknowledged as a type of preventative healthcare vital in enhancing pregnancy results. Prenatal care helps monitor the pregnancy development cycle that begins from conception and stops at birth. During this period, healthcare professionals gather details such as a pregnant mother’s social, medical, and family history. The significance of prenatal care is entrenched in its efforts to guarantee safety and good health for pregnant women by looking out for risks. During antenatal treatment, medical practitioners put extensive effort into increasing a pregnant mother’s health and reducing the chances of risks throughout the pregnancy and at the time of birth. While prenatal care ensures that the mother and fetus are healthy and free from complications, pregnant mothers must constantly visit healthcare professionals to seek guidance and education on keeping their pregnancy healthy.

Maintaining the Health of the Mother and the Fetus

Prenatal care helps keep a pregnant woman and the unborn baby healthy. Whereas most pregnancies usually progress without problems, prenatal visits are necessary. Prenatal care is a foundation for a healthy gestation, labor, and the unborn child. The reason is that, during pregnancy, prenatal examinations are used to guarantee that both the mother and fetus are progressing as required. Mothers who fail to seek prenatal care put their offspring at a higher risk of losing lives and having a lower weight at birth than women who get prenatal care (Pearl & Howell, 2021). Besides, pregnant women that do not get prenatal care are seven times more likely to produce premature offspring and five times as likely to experience newborn loss. In this respect, the tests done during prenatal care help detect potential problems, such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preeclampsia, which are consequently treated. Similarly, prenatal care help keep track of the baby’s development by measuring a pregnant mother’s belly from the sternum to the uppermost part of the pubic bone. Therefore, seeking timely and consistent prenatal care can help a pregnant mother have a full-term and healthy gestation.

Preventing Complications Associated With Pregnancies

Prenatal care averts the difficulties and complications of pregnancy and parturition. Nevertheless, certain pregnancy complications emerge, even in mothers with low risks. To prevent these problems, prenatal care providers ensure that the process has achieved various goals. First, prenatal care providers encourage a healthy lifestyle. Such include a consistent, balanced diet, moderate exercise, evading consumption or being around dangerous substances, and upholding proper control of any preexistent health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes (Milcent & Zbiri, 2018). Second, prenatal care providers ensure appropriate treatment and medical care. Healthcare professionals offer prenatal vitamins during prenatal care to warrant suitable nutrients for the developing baby and the mother. Notably, folic acid, also found in most foods, is the primary substance in most vitamins. Chedid and Phillips (2019) denote that folic acid can reduce the risk of neural tube deficiencies by up to 70 percent. Lastly, depending on a pregnant mother’s age, family and medical history, and family history, a prenatal care provider such as an obstetrician or gynecologist may suggest some medical examinations. For instance, amniocentesis is a standard medical test done in the second trimester (Flanagan et al., 2018). The test is mainly used to examine genetic anomalies like Down syndrome, inspect the fetus’s health if the mother has Rh sensitization, or confirm if the baby’s lungs have matured. Consequently, an expectant mother should ensure she regularly visits the doctor and uses the necessary medication to experience a complications-free pregnancy.

Educating Expectant Mothers About Their Health

Moreover, prenatal care is vital in counseling and educating pregnant mothers concerning their health conditions. Expectant mothers need constant support and guidance from healthcare professionals regarding their health status. As such, healthcare professionals teach and guide pregnant mothers through the prenatal treatment procedure. First, mothers-to-be are taught nutrition and dietary habits. A pregnant mother’s diet may need modifications to meet the nutritional requirements of the fetus. Healthcare professionals may give the expectant mother detailed information about recommended nutritional intake exclusive for her throughout the pregnancy, comprising what she must not eat (Errico et al., 2018). For instance, an expectant mother only needs around 350 additional daily calories for a single fetus. Second, an expectant mother always gets to learn about labor and childbirth. Finally, the mother-to-be and the partner must make labor and parturition plans.

Nevertheless, laying down the plan often depends on the mother’s knowledge regarding labor and parturition processes (Masjoudi et al., 2020). The prenatal visits allow a mother-to-be to deliberate these processes, possible scenarios, inquiries, and worries with the doctor. The mother-to-be also learns about the benefits and risks of each treatment and intervention available in every scenario.

Prenatal care is widely recognized as an essential element in improving pregnancy outcomes. Some of the benefits of prenatal care include keeping the mother-to-be and the fetus healthy, preventing and minimizing difficulties throughout the pregnancy term and at the time of childbirth, and providing counseling and education to the mother on nutrition and lifestyle habits as labor and delivery processes. As a result, an expecting mother must seek prenatal care as soon as possible to ensure minimal or complications-free pregnancy and childbirth.

Chedid, R. A., & Phillips, K. P. (2019). Best practices for the design, implementation, and evaluation of prenatal health programs. Maternal and Child Health Journal , 23 (1), 109-119. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-018-2600-4
Errico, L. D. S. P. D., Bicalho, P. G., Oliveira, T. C. F. L. D., & Martins, E. F. (2018). The work of nurses in high-risk prenatal care from the perspective of basic human needs. Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem , 71 , 1257-1264. https://doi.org/10.1590/0034-7167-2017-0328
Flanagan, T., Alabaster, A., McCaw, B., Stoller, N., Watson, C., & Young-Wolff, K. C. (2018). Feasibility and acceptability of screening for adverse childhood experiences in prenatal care. Journal of Women’s Health , 27 (7), 903-911. https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2017.6649
Masjoudi, M., Aslani, A., Khazaeian, S., & Fathnezhad-Kazemi, A. (2020). Explaining the experience of prenatal care and investigating the association between psychological factors with self-care in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed method study protocol. Reproductive Health , 17 (1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-020-00949-0
Milcent, C., & Zbiri, S. (2018). Prenatal care and socioeconomic status: effect on cesarean delivery. Health Economics Review , 8 (1), 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13561-018-0190-x
Pearl, A. F., & Howell, J. D. (2021). The evolution of prenatal care delivery guidelines in the United States. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology , 224 (4), 339–347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2020.12.016
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Prenatal care

Prenatal care is the health care you get while you are pregnant.

What is prenatal care?

Prenatal care is the health care you get while you are pregnant. Take care of yourself and your baby by:

Getting early prenatal care. If you know you're pregnant, or think you might be, call your doctor to schedule a visit.
Getting regular prenatal care. Your doctor will schedule you for many checkups over the course of your pregnancy. Don't miss any — they are all important.
Following your doctor's advice.

Why do I need prenatal care?

Prenatal care can help keep you and your baby healthy. Babies of mothers who do not get prenatal care are three times more likely to have a low birth weight and five times more likely to die than those born to mothers who do get care.

Doctors can spot health problems early when they see mothers regularly. This allows doctors to treat them early. Early treatment can cure many problems and prevent others. Doctors also can talk to pregnant women about things they can do to give their unborn babies a healthy start to life.

I am thinking about getting pregnant. How can I take care of myself?

You should start taking care of yourself before you start trying to get pregnant. This is called preconception health. It means knowing how health conditions and risk factors could affect you or your unborn baby if you become pregnant. For example, some foods, habits, and medicines can harm your baby — even before he or she is conceived. Some health problems also can affect pregnancy.

Talk to your doctor before pregnancy to learn what you can do to prepare your body. Women should prepare for pregnancy before becoming sexually active. Ideally, women should give themselves at least 3 months to prepare before getting pregnant.

The five most important things you can do before becoming pregnant are:

Take 400 to 800 micrograms (400 to 800 mcg or 0.4 to 0.8 mg) of folic acid every day for at least 3 months before getting pregnant to lower your risk of some birth defects of the brain and spine. You can get folic acid from some foods. But it's hard to get all the folic acid you need from foods alone. Taking a vitamin with folic acid is the best and easiest way to be sure you're getting enough.
Stop smoking and drinking alcohol. Ask your doctor for help.
If you have a medical condition, be sure it is under control. Some conditions include asthma , diabetes , depression , high blood pressure , obesity , thyroid disease, or epilepsy . Be sure your vaccinations are up to date.
Talk to your doctor about any over-the-counter and prescription medicines you are using. These include dietary or herbal supplements. Some medicines are not safe during pregnancy. At the same time, stopping medicines you need also can be harmful.
Avoid contact with toxic substances or materials at work and at home that could be harmful. Stay away from chemicals and cat or rodent feces.

I'm pregnant. What should I do — or not do — to take care of myself and my unborn baby?

Follow these do's and don'ts to take care of yourself and the precious life growing inside you:

Health care do's and don'ts

Get early and regular prenatal care. Whether this is your first pregnancy or third, health care is extremely important. Your doctor will check to make sure you and the baby are healthy at each visit. If there are any problems, early action will help you and the baby.
Take a multivitamin or prenatal vitamin with 400 to 800 micrograms (400 to 800 mcg or 0.4 to 0.8 mg) of folic acid every day. Folic acid is most important in the early stages of pregnancy, but you should continue taking folic acid throughout pregnancy.
Ask your doctor before stopping any medicines or starting any new medicines. Some medicines are not safe during pregnancy. Keep in mind that even over-the-counter medicines and herbal products may cause side effects or other problems. But not using medicines you need could also be harmful.
Avoid x-rays. If you must have dental work or diagnostic tests, tell your dentist or doctor that you are pregnant so that extra care can be taken.
Get a flu shot. Pregnant women can get very sick from the flu and may need hospital care.

Food do's and don'ts

Eat a variety of healthy foods. Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, calcium-rich foods, and foods low in saturated fat. Also, make sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
Get all the nutrients you need each day, including iron. Getting enough iron prevents you from getting anemia, which is linked to preterm birth and low birth weight . Eating a variety of healthy foods will help you get the nutrients your baby needs. But ask your doctor if you need to take a daily prenatal vitamin or iron supplement to be sure you are getting enough.
Protect yourself and your baby from food-borne illnesses, including toxoplasmosis (TOK-soh-plaz-MOH-suhss) and listeria (lih-STEER-ee-uh). Wash fruits and vegetables before eating. Don't eat uncooked or undercooked meats or fish. Always handle, clean, cook, eat, and store foods properly.
Don't eat fish with lots of mercury, including swordfish, king mackerel, shark, and tilefish.

Lifestyle do's and don'ts

Gain a healthy amount of weight. Your doctor can tell you how much weight gain you should aim for during pregnancy.
Don't smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs. These can cause long-term harm or death to your baby. Ask your doctor for help quitting.
Unless your doctor tells you not to, try to get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week. It's best to spread out your workouts throughout the week. If you worked out regularly before pregnancy, you can keep up your activity level as long as your health doesn't change and you talk to your doctor about your activity level throughout your pregnancy. Learn more about how to have a fit pregnancy .
Don't take very hot baths or use hot tubs or saunas.
Get plenty of sleep and find ways to control stress.
Get informed. Read books, watch videos, go to a childbirth class, and talk with moms you know.
Ask your doctor about childbirth education classes for you and your partner. Classes can help you prepare for the birth of your baby.

Environmental do's and don'ts

Stay away from chemicals like insecticides , solvents (like some cleaners or paint thinners), lead, mercury, and paint (including paint fumes). Not all products have pregnancy warnings on their labels. If you're unsure if a product is safe, ask your doctor before using it. Talk to your doctor if you are worried that chemicals used in your workplace might be harmful.
If you have a cat, ask your doctor about toxoplasmosis . This infection is caused by a parasite sometimes found in cat feces. If not treated toxoplasmosis can cause birth defects. You can lower your risk of by avoiding cat litter and wearing gloves when gardening.
Avoid contact with rodents, including pet rodents, and with their urine, droppings, or nesting material. Rodents can carry a virus that can be harmful or even deadly to your unborn baby.
Take steps to avoid illness, such as washing hands frequently.
Stay away from secondhand smoke.

I don't want to get pregnant right now. Should I still take folic acid every day?

Yes! Birth defects of the brain and spine happen in the very early stages of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. By the time she finds out she is pregnant, it might be too late to prevent those birth defects. Also, half of all pregnancies in the United States are not planned. For these reasons, all women who are able to get pregnant need 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid every day.

How often should I see my doctor during pregnancy?

Your doctor will give you a schedule of all the doctor's visits you should have while pregnant. Most experts suggest you see your doctor:

About once each month for weeks 4 through 28
Twice a month for weeks 28 through 36
Weekly for weeks 36 to birth

If you are older than 35 or your pregnancy is high risk, you'll probably see your doctor more often.

What happens during prenatal visits?

During the first prenatal visit, you can expect your doctor to:

Ask about your health history including diseases, operations, or prior pregnancies
Ask about your family's health history
Do a complete physical exam, including a pelvic exam and Pap test
Take your blood and urine for lab work
Check your blood pressure, height, and weight
Calculate your due date
Answer your questions

At the first visit, you should ask questions and discuss any issues related to your pregnancy. Find out all you can about how to stay healthy.

Later prenatal visits will probably be shorter. Your doctor will check on your health and make sure the baby is growing as expected. Most prenatal visits will include:

Checking your blood pressure
Measuring your weight gain
Measuring your abdomen to check your baby's growth (once you begin to show)
Checking the baby's heart rate

While you're pregnant, you also will have some routine tests. Some tests are suggested for all women, such as blood work to check for anemia, your blood type, HIV, and other factors. Other tests might be offered based on your age, personal or family health history, your ethnic background, or the results of routine tests you have had. Visit the pregnancy section of our website for more details on prenatal care and tests .

I am in my late 30s and I want to get pregnant. Should I do anything special?

As you age, you have an increasing chance of having a baby born with a birth defect. Yet most women in their late 30s and early 40s have healthy babies. See your doctor regularly before you even start trying to get pregnant. She will be able to help you prepare your body for pregnancy. She will also be able to tell you about how age can affect pregnancy.

During your pregnancy, seeing your doctor regularly is very important. Because of your age, your doctor will probably suggest some extra tests to check on your baby's health.

More and more women are waiting until they are in their 30s and 40s to have children. While many women of this age have no problems getting pregnant, fertility does decline with age. Women over 40 who don't get pregnant after six months of trying should see their doctors for a fertility evaluation.

Experts define infertility as the inability to become pregnant after trying for one year. If a woman keeps having miscarriages, it's also called infertility. If you think you or your partner may be infertile, talk to your doctor. Doctors are able to help many infertile couples go on to have healthy babies.

Where can I go to get free or reduced-cost prenatal care?

Women in every state can get help to pay for medical care during their pregnancies. This prenatal care can help you have a healthy baby. Every state in the United States has a program to help. Programs give medical care, information, advice, and other services important for a healthy pregnancy.

To find out about the program in your state:

Call 800-311-BABY (800-311-2229). This toll-free telephone number will connect you to the Health Department in your area code.
For information in Spanish, call 800-504-7081.
Contact your local Health Department.

Did we answer your question about prenatal care?

For more information about prenatal care, call womenshealth.gov at 800-994-9662 (TDD: 888-220-5446) or contact the following organizations:

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Phone: 202-638-5577
American Pregnancy Association Phone: 972-550-0140
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, HHS Phone: 800-370-2943 (TDD: 888-320-6942)
March of Dimes Phone: 914-997-4488
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, CDC, HHS Phone: 800-232-4636 (TDD: 888-232-6348)
John W. Schmitt, M.D., Associate Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Virginia Medical School
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Pre-Pregnancy Care and Prenatal Care

Pre-Pregnancy care is the health care a woman gets before she becomes pregnant. Prenatal care is the health care a woman gets during pregnancy . Early and regular prenatal visits with a health care provider are important for the health of both the mother and the fetus. Pre-Pregnancy care from a health care provider is also important to help a woman have as healthy a pregnancy as possible.

About Pre-Pregnancy Care and Prenatal Care

What is pre-pregnancy care.

Pre-Pregnancy care is the health care a woman receives before she gets pregnant to help promote a healthy pregnancy.

Taking steps to make sure you are healthy and avoiding exposure to harmful behaviors and toxins before you get pregnant can decrease the chance of problems during pregnancy and improve the health of your child.

What is prenatal care?

Prenatal care is the health care a woman gets during pregnancy. Prenatal care should begin as soon as a woman knows or thinks she is pregnant. Early and regular prenatal visits are important for the health of both the mother and the fetus.

Research shows that prenatal care makes a difference for a healthy pregnancy. Women who do not seek prenatal care are three times as likely to deliver a low birth weight infant. Lack of prenatal care can also increase the risk of infant death. 1

Womenshealth.gov. (2009, March 6). Publications: Prenatal care fact sheet. Retrieved April 12, 2012, from http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/prenatal-care.html

Can you promote a healthy pregnancy before getting pregnant?

For women who are thinking about getting pregnant, following a health care provider's advice can reduce the risk of problems during pregnancy and after birth. A health care provider can recommend ways to get the proper nutrition and avoid habits that can have lasting harmful effects on a fetus.

For example, taking a supplement containing at least 400 micrograms of folic acid before getting pregnant can reduce the risk of complications such as neural tube defects (NTDs) —abnormalities that can occur in the brain, spine, or spinal column of a developing fetus and are present at birth. 1 , 2

A pre-pregnancy care visit with your health care provider can improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy. A health care provider will likely recommend that you do the following:

Develop a plan for your reproductive life.

This plan includes your and your partner’s plans for the number and timing of pregnancies based on your values and life goals. Sharing your life plan with your health care provider can help address any potential problems before you conceive. 2

Adopt a healthy diet and lifestyle.

You can reduce the chance that you will be diagnosed with gestational diabetes (high blood sugar diagnosed during pregnancy) by taking steps to improve your diet and lifestyle before you get pregnant. Gestational diabetes can increase the risk to your health as well as your infant's. In addition, pre-pregnancy exercise is also associated with lower risk for gestational diabetes, and the benefit increases with more vigorous levels of exercise.

Here are some specific dietary suggestions for women who are planning for a pregnancy: 3 , 4 , 5 , 6

Increase your intake of fiber. Eating 10 more grams of fiber in the form of cereals, fruits, and vegetables is associated with 26% lower risk of gestational diabetes. 18
Reduce consumption of sugar-sweetened cola. Women who drank five or more such beverages per week before they got pregnant were at greater risk of gestational diabetes.
Eat less red meat, processed meats, and animal fats and cholesterol. Eating less of these foods before pregnancy can decrease the chances of developing diabetes when you are pregnant.
Replace animal protein with protein from nuts to lower your risk of gestational diabetes. Studies have shown that substituting vegetable protein for animal protein before pregnancy can decrease risk of gestational diabetes by about half.

Increase your intake of folic acid.

Folic acid is a B vitamin (B9). It helps produce and maintain new cells. 7 This is especially important during times when the cells are dividing and growing rapidly such as infancy and pregnancy. 8

The United States Public Health Service recommends that all pregnant women and “women of childbearing age [15 to 44 years] in the United States who are capable of becoming pregnant should consume [a supplement containing] 0.4 mg of folic acid per day for the purpose of reducing their risk of having a pregnancy affected with spina bifida or other NTDs.” 9

Although a related form of folic acid (called folate) is present in orange juice and leafy, green vegetables (such as kale and spinach), folate is not absorbed as well as folic acid. 10 Studies show that taking folic acid for 3 months before getting pregnant and for 3 months after conceiving can reduce the risk of NTDs such as spina bifida 11 , 12 by up to 70%. 13

Get up to date on vaccines.

Ask your health care provider if you need a booster for any vaccines. Some vaccines can be given during pregnancy, but the rubella (German measles) and varicella (chicken pox) vaccines are recommended before you get pregnant.

Talk to your health care provider about your diabetes or other medical conditions.

Many health problems affect not only the pregnant woman but also the developing infant. Some examples are diabetes , hypertension (high blood pressure), infections, asthma, seizure disorders, and maternal phenylketonuria (an inherited condition in which the pregnant woman’s body can’t break down the amino acid phenylalanine [pronounced fen-l-AL-uh-neen ], resulting in high levels in her blood). Getting health problems under control before and during pregnancy reduces the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth as well as other health problems for the infant. 11

Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking drugs.

During pregnancy, these behaviors can increase the risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) , preterm birth , fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, and NTDs. 14 If you are trying to quit smoking, drinking, or doing drugs and you need help, talk to your health care provider about support groups or about medications.

Advice, tips, and support to help women quit smoking (including expecting mothers) are available through the Smokefree Women website.

Strive to reach a healthy weight before trying to get pregnant.

Obesity may make it more difficult to become pregnant. 15 Being overweight or obese also puts you at risk for complications during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia , gestational diabetes , and stillbirth , and increases the chances of cesarean delivery .

NICHD researchers have found that obesity can increase your child’s risk of a congenital (pronounced kon-JEN-ih-tal ) heart defect (a problem with the heart that is present at birth) by 15%. 16 Research has also uncovered a link between obesity and NTDs. 16

Talk to your health care provider about what a healthy weight is for you and about a plan to help you achieve it.

Learn your family’s health history.

Your health care provider will ask for information about your family’s genetic and health history. You may be referred for genetic counseling if certain conditions run in your family or if a family member was born with a physical abnormality or an intellectual and developmental disability . 13

Get mentally healthy.

Good mental health means you feel good about your life and value yourself. It’s natural to worry or feel sad, anxious, or stressed at times. However, if these feelings do not go away and they interfere with your daily life, it’s important to seek help before you get pregnant. 14 Hormonal changes and other situations during pregnancy can worsen depression.

Many people are familiar with the phrase “postpartum depression,” meaning depression that occurs after the birth of a baby. But we now know that it’s not just during the postpartum period, and it’s not just depression.

Women experience depression and anxiety, as well as other mental health conditions, during pregnancy and after the baby is born. These conditions can have significant effects on the health of the mother and her child. Getting mentally healthy before you get pregnant can help minimize the effects of these conditions.

Learn more about how Moms’ Mental Health Matters .

NICHD.(2010). Healthy native babies: Workbook and toolkit. Retrieved May 23, 2012, from http://www1.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/Documents/ healthy_native_babies_workbook.pdf (PDF 3.59 MB)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2006). A report of the CDC/ATSDR Preconception Care Work Group and the Select Panel on Preconception Care. Retrieved May 18, 2012, from http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5506a1.htm
Zhang, C., Liu, S., Solomon, C. G., & Hu, F. B. (2006). Dietary fiber intake, dietary glycemic load, and the risk for gestational diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Care, 29 (10), 2223–2230. Retrieved August 26, 2016, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17003297
Chen, L.,Hu, F. B., Yeung, E., Willett, W., & Zhang, C. (2009). Prospective study of pre-gravid sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Care, 32 (12), 2236–2241. Retrieved August 26, 2016, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19940226
Zhang, C., Schulze, M. B., Solomon, C. G., & Hu, F. B. (2006). A prospective study of dietary patterns, meat intake and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus. Diabetologia, 49 (11), 2604–2613. Retrieved August 26, 2016, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16957814
Bao, W., Bowers, K., Tobias, D. K., Hu, F. B., & Zhang, C. (2013). Prepregnancy dietary protein intake, major dietary protein sources, and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: A prospective cohort study. Diabetes Care, 36 (7), 2001–2008. Retrieved August 26, 2016, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23378620
Kamen, B. (1997). Folate and antifolate pharmacology. Seminars in Oncology, 24(5 Suppl 18), S18-30–S18-39. PMID: 9420019
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. (2016). Dietary supplement fact sheet: Folate. Retrieved July 10, 2012, from http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/
Centers for Disease Control. (1992). Recommendations for the use of folic acid to reduce the number of cases of spina bifida and other neural tube defects. MMWR Recommendations and Reports,41 (No. RR-14), 1–7. PMID: 1522835 . Retrieved July 31, 2013, from http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00019479.htm
Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. (1998). Dietary reference intakes: Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, biotin, and choline. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2005). The importance of preconception care in the continuum of women's health care [ACOG Committee Opinion].Retrieved April 12, 2012, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16135611/
MRC Vitamin Study Research Group. (1991). Prevention of neural tube defects: Results of the Medical Research Council Vitamin Study. Lancet, 338 (8760), 131–137. PMID: 1677062 and see Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011, February). National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities strategic plan 2011–2015. Retrieved June 26, 2012, from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/aboutus/strategic-plan.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Preconception care and health care: Planning for pregnancy. Retrieved January 5, 2016, from http://www.cdc.gov/preconception/planning.html
Pasquali, R., Patton, L., & Gambineri, A. (2007). Obesity and infertility. Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity, 14, 482–487. PMID: 17982356
NIH. (2010). Risk of newborn heart defects increases with maternal obesity [news release]. Retrieved May 19, 2012, from http://www.nichd.nih.gov/news/releases/Pages/ 040710-newborn-heart-defects.aspx
Womenshealth.gov.(2009). Publications:Depression during and after pregnancy fact sheet. Retrieved June 12, 2012, from http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/depression-pregnancy.html
NICHD. (2014). Healthy Pre-Pregnancy Diet and Exercise May Reduce Risk of Gestational Diabetes. Retrieved May 18, 2018, from https://www.nichd.nih.gov/news/resources/spotlight/082114-pregnancy-GDM

What pre-pregnancy tests might I need?

Talking to your health care provider about your health history and lifestyle habits is important. This information may prompt your health care provider to give you certain tests to find out if you have problems that could harm you or your fetus.

Your health care provider may test you for the following:

A blood test can determine whether you are vaccinated against rubella (also called German measles). Getting rubella while you are pregnant can harm the fetus. You should be vaccinated against rubella before you get pregnant. 1

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

STIs such as gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and HIV can make it hard for you to get pregnant and can also harm you and your infant. HIV can be passed from a woman to her infant during pregnancy or delivery. This risk is less than 2% if certain HIV medications are taken during pregnancy. 2 Learn more about infections that can affect your pregnancy .

Genetic disorders

What can I do to promote a healthy pregnancy?

Once you're pregnant, early and regular prenatal care is important to keep yourself and your developing infant healthy.

During your first prenatal visit, your health care provider may talk to you about the following ways to help have a healthy pregnancy: 1

Take folic acid.

Begin or continue to get at least 400 micrograms of folic acid by taking vitamin supplements every day to reduce your child's risk of neural tube defects . In the United States, enriched grain products such as bread, cereal, pasta, and other grain-based foods are fortified with folic acid. A related form, called folate, occurs naturally in leafy, green vegetables and orange juice, but folate is not absorbed as well as folic acid. 2 Also, it can be difficult to get all the folic acid you need from food alone. 3 Most prenatal vitamins contain 400 micrograms of folic acid. 4 If you have had a child with an NTD before, taking a larger daily dose of folic acid (4 mg) before and during early pregnancy can reduce the risk for recurrence in a subsequent pregnancy.

Do not use alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.

Myth:I can have an occasional drink during pregnancy without harming my baby. Fact: There is no safe amount of alcohol you can drink during pregnancy.

FASDs are a variety of effects on the fetus that result from the mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy. The effects range from mild to severe, and they include intellectual and developmental disabilities ; behavior problems; abnormal facial features; and disorders of the heart, kidneys, bones, and hearing. FASDs last a lifetime although early intervention services can help improve a child's development. FASDs are completely preventable: If a woman does not drink alcohol while she is pregnant, her child will not have an FASD. 7 Currently, research shows that there is no safe amount of alcohol to drink while pregnant. According to one recent study supported by the NIH, infants can suffer long-term developmental problems even with low levels of prenatal alcohol exposure. 8

Other research shows that smoking tobacco, smoking marijuana, exposure to second-hand smoke, and taking drugs during pregnancy can also harm the fetus and affect infant health. One study showed that smoking tobacco or marijuana and using illegal drugs doubled or even tripled the risk of stillbirth , fetal death after 20 weeks of pregnancy. 9 Likewise, drinking alcohol, smoking tobacco, and exposure to second-hand smoke during pregnancy increases the risk of SIDS, the sudden, unexplained death of an infant younger than 1 year old. 10 Research also shows that smoking marijuana during pregnancy can interfere with normal brain development in the fetus, possibly causing long-term problems. 11 For more information, visit https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/substance-use-in-women/ substance-use-while-pregnant-breastfeeding .

Your health care provider can be a source of help if you find it hard to quit smoking or drinking on your own. You can also visit http://smokefree.gov/ for plans and information about quitting smoking. The Rethinking Drinking website provides resources and information related to quitting alcohol use. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a services locator through its website at https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/ . SAMHSA also has a confidential hotline through which people can find assistance: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Talk to your health care provider about medications.

According to the CDC, most women take at least one medication during pregnancy. 12 The majority of medications have not been specifically studied for use in pregnancy. Talk to your health care provider about over-the-counter and prescription medications and herbal and vitamin supplements. Certain medications to treat acne and epilepsy and some dietary or herbal supplements can harm the fetus during pregnancy.

Taking prescription pain medications, specifically opioids, during pregnancy can pose serious risks to the fetus. Taking these medications during pregnancy doubles or even triples the risk for stillbirth. 9 If taken regularly during pregnancy, the baby may go through withdrawal after birth, a situation called neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Babies with NAS face a variety of symptoms and problems, some of them severe. 13 The best way to protect your baby from these problems is to stop taking these medications during pregnancy.

Avoid exposure to toxic substances.

During pregnancy, exposure to radiation, pesticides, some metals, and certain chemicals can cause birth defects, premature birth, and miscarriage. 14 If you're not sure if something might be harmful to you or your fetus, avoid contact with it until you check with your health care provider.

If you work in a job on a farm, a dry cleaner, a factory, a nail or hair salon, you might be around or come into contact with potentially harmful substances. Talk to your health care provider and your employer about how you can protect yourself before and during pregnancy. You may need extra protection at work or a change in your job duties to stay safe. 14

A few examples of exposures that are known to be toxic to the developing fetus are:

Lead: Lead is a metal that may be present in house paint, dust, and garden soil. Any home built before 1978 may have lead paint. Exposure can occur when removing paint in old buildings (or if the paint is peeling) and working in some jobs (for example, manufacturing automotive batteries). Lead is also present in some well water and in water that travels through lead pipes. High levels of lead during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight, and premature delivery, as well as learning and behavior problems for the child. 15 Women who had exposure to lead in the past should have1 their blood levels checked before and during pregnancy. 15 Call the National Lead Information Center for information about how to prevent exposure to lead at: 800-424-LEAD.

Radiation: Radiation is energy that travels through space. It can be in the form of X-rays, radio waves, heat, or light, or it can come from "radioactive" materials like dust, metals, or liquids that give off energy called radioactivity. Low exposures to radiation from natural sources (such as from the sun) or from microwave ovens or routine medical X-rays are generally not harmful. Because the fetus is inside the mother, it is partially protected from radiation's effects. 14 , 16 Pregnant women or women who might be pregnant should make sure their dentists and doctors are aware of this so appropriate precautions can be taken with medical scans (X-rays or CT scans) or treatments that involve radiation. 14 Pregnant women who may be exposed to radiation in the workplace should speak with their employer and health care provider to make sure the environment is safe during their pregnancy. Nuclear or radiation accidents, while rare, can cause high radiation exposures that are extremely dangerous, especially to the developing fetus.

Solvents: Solvents are chemicals that dissolve other substances. Solvents include alcohols, degreasers, and paint thinners. Some solvents give off fumes or can be absorbed through the skin and can cause severe health problems. During pregnancy, being in contact with solvents, especially if you work with them, can be harmful. Solvents may lead to miscarriage, slow the growth of the fetus, or cause preterm birth and birth defects. 14 Pregnant women who may be exposed to solvents in the workplace should speak with their employer and health care provider to make sure the environment is safe during their pregnancy. 17 Whenever you use solvents, be sure to do so in a well-ventilated area, wear safety clothes (such as gloves and a face mask), and avoid eating and drinking in the work area. 14

Many chemicals are commonly found in the blood and body fluids of pregnant women and their infants. However, much remains unknown about the effects of fetal exposure to chemicals. 18 It's best to be cautious about chemical exposure when you are planning to get pregnant or if you are pregnant. Talk to your health care provider if you live or work in or near a toxic environment. 17

Follow a healthy diet.

Choose a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products to help ensure the developing fetus gets all the nutrients it needs. Make sure you also drink plenty of water. An online tool called the Daily Checklist for Moms can help you plan your meals so that you get the right foods in the right amounts according to your personal characteristics and your stage of pregnancy.

Eat a safe diet.

Avoid certain foods such as raw fish, undercooked meat, deli meat, and unpasteurized cheeses (for example, certain types of feta, bleu cheese, and Mexican-style soft cheeses). 19 Always check the label to make sure the cheese is pasteurized.

Some pregnant women are concerned about the amount of fish they can safely consume. Certain fish contain methylmercury, when certain bacteria cause a chemical change in metallic mercury. Methylmercury is found in foods that fish eat, and it remains in the fish's body after it is eaten. Methylmercury in fish eaten by pregnant women can harm a fetus's developing nervous system.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), pregnant women can eat up to 12 ounces a week of fish and shellfish that have low levels of methylmercury (salmon, canned light tuna, and shrimp). Albacore ("white") tuna has more methylmercury than canned light tuna; pregnant women should consume 6 ounces or less in a week. Avoid fish with high levels of methylmercury (swordfish, king mackerel, and shark). For more information on methylmercury and pregnancy, see the FDA Food Safety for Moms-to-Be . 19

Limit caffeine intake.

Some studies suggest that too much caffeine can increase the risk of miscarriage. Talk to your health care provider about the amount of caffeine you get from coffee, tea, or soda. Your health care provider might suggest a limit of 200 milligrams (the amount in about one 12-ounce cup of coffee) per day. Keep in mind, though, that some of the foods you eat, including chocolate, also contain caffeine and contribute to the total amount you consume each day. 20

Talk to your health care provider about physical activity.

Most women can continue regular levels of physical activity throughout pregnancy. Regular physical activity can help you feel better, sleep better, and prepare your body for birth. After your child is born, it can help get you back to your pre-pregnancy shape more quickly. 21 Talk to your health care provider about the amount and type of physical activity that is right for you.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Gaining too much or too little weight during pregnancy increases the risk of problems for both the mother and the infant. Following a healthy diet and getting regular physical activity can help you stay within the recommended weight gain guidelines set by the Institute of Medicine.

The amount of weight you should gain during pregnancy depends on your pre-pregnancy weight and body mass index (BMI) , which is your weight in kilograms divided by the square of your height in meters (kg/m 2 ). The following guidelines are for women who are pregnant with one fetus. The recommendations are different if you are pregnant with more than one fetus (such as twins). 22 , 23

Women who are underweight (BMI less than 18.5) should gain between 28 and 40 pounds.
Women at a normal weight (BMI between 18.5 and 24.9) should gain between 25 and 35 pounds.
Overweight women (BMI 25 to 29.9) should gain between 15 and 25 pounds.
Obese women (BMI more than 30) should gain between 11 and 20 pounds.

In a recent NICHD study of more than 8,000 pregnant women, 73% gained more than the recommended amount of weight. The study found that excessive weight gain during pregnancy increases the risk for gestational high blood pressure, cesarean section, and large-for-gestational-age infants. 24

Talk to your health care provider about the right amount of weight gain for you based on your pre-pregnancy weight.

Talk to your health care provider about your nutrition status, including vitamin B12 and iron levels.

Iron-deficiency anemia—when the body doesn't have enough iron—is common during pregnancy and is associated with preterm birth and low birth weight. Your health care provider may screen you for iron-deficiency anemia and, if you have it, may recommend iron supplements. 25 Your health care provider may also recommend a vitamin B12 supplement if you are a vegan. 26 , 27 (Vegetarians normally get enough vitamin B12 by eating eggs and dairy products.)

Get regular dental checkups.

Your gums are more likely to become inflamed or infected because of hormonal changes and increased blood flow during pregnancy. 28 Make sure you tell your dentist if you think you could be pregnant, but keeping up your regularly scheduled checkups is important. Some women may fear getting dental work during pregnancy, but a 2006 study and 2011 follow-up study showed no increase in preterm births or other adverse outcomes for pregnant women who received dental care. 29

Prevent infections that can affect your pregnancy.

Certain infections can affect pregnancy or the developing fetus. It's important to take steps to prevent such infections or get medical treatment before or during pregnancy.

Vaccinations can protect against many infections that can affect the mother's health, the pregnancy, the fetus, and even her newborn child. Some vaccines need to be given before pregnancy, so it's a good idea to review your vaccination history with your health care provider as part of your pre-pregnancy care. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides recommendations about timing of vaccinations to help ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Learn more about how infections can affect pregnancy and which infections can cause problems during pregnancy .

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. (2016). Dietary supplement fact sheet: Folate. Retrieved January 5, 2016, from http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/
Womenshealth.gov. (2012). e Publications: Prenatal care fact sheet. Retrieved June 27,2017, from https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/prenatal-care
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Preconception health and health care: Planning for pregnancy. Retrieved January 5, 2016, from http://www.cdc.gov/preconception/planning.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs): Facts about FASDs. Retrieved January 5, 2016, from http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/facts.html
Eckstrand, K. L., Ding, Z., Dodge, N. C., Cowan, R. L., Jacobson, J. L., Jacobson, S.W., et al. (2012). Persistent dose-dependent changes in brain structure in young adults with low-to-moderate alcohol exposure in utero. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 36 (11), 1892–1902. PMID: 22594302
NICHD.(2013). Tobacco, drug use in pregnancy can double risk of stillbirth. Retrieved November 9, 2016, from https://www.nichd.nih.gov/news/releases/Pages/ 121113-stillbirth-drug-use.aspx
NICHD.(2016). Ways to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related causes of infant death . Retrieved June 2, 2016, from https://www.nichd.nih.gov/sts/about/risk/Pages/reduce.aspx
NICHD.(2016). Prenatal exposure to marijuana may disrupt fetal brain development, mouse study suggests. Retrieved November 9, 2016, from https://www.nichd.nih.gov/news/releases/Pages/ 031516-prenatal-exposure-marijuana.aspx
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Treating for Two: Medicine and Pregnancy. Retrieved May 16, 2018, from https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/meds/treatingfortwo/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Cancer and long-term health effects of radiation exposure and contamination. Retrieved January 5, 2016, from https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/emergencies/cancer.htm
Lanphear, B. P., Vorhees, C. V., & Bellinger, D. C. (2005). Protecting children from environmental toxins. PLOS Medicine, 2 (3), e61.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2014). Food safety for moms-to-be: While you're pregnant—methylmercury. Retrieved January 6, 2016, from https://www.fda.gov/food/people-risk-foodborne-illness/food-safety-moms-be
Johnson, J., Clifton, R. G., Roberts, J. M., Myatt. L., Hauth, J. C., Spong, C. Y., et al. (2013). Pregnancy outcomes with weight gain above or below the 2009 Institute of Medicine guidelines. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 121 (5), 969–975. PMID: 23635732
U.S.Department of Agriculture & U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2010). Dietary guidelines for Americans 2010. Retrieved May 21, 2012, from https://health.gov/sites/default/files/2020-01/DietaryGuidelines2010.pdf (PDF 2.89 MB)
NICHD. (2010). Pregnancy and healthy weight. Retrieved April 10, 2012, from http://www.nichd.nih.gov/news/resources/spotlight/Pages/040710-pregnancy-healthy-weight.aspx
National Child and Maternal Oral Health Resource Center. (n.d.) Oral Health Care During Pregnancy: A Consensus Statement. Retrieved June 24, 2020, from https://www.mchoralhealth.org/materials/consensus_statement.php .

What happens during prenatal visits?

What happens during prenatal visits varies depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy.

Schedule your first prenatal visit as soon as you think you are pregnant, even if you have confirmed your pregnancy with a home pregnancy test. Early and regular prenatal visits help your health care provider monitor your health and the growth of the fetus.

The First Visit

Your first prenatal visit will probably be scheduled sometime after your eighth week of pregnancy. Most health care providers won't schedule a visit any earlier unless you have a medical condition, have had problems with a pregnancy in the past, or have symptoms such as spotting or bleeding, stomach pain, or severe nausea and vomiting. 1

You've probably heard pregnancy discussed in terms of months and trimesters (units of about 3 months). Your health care provider and health information might use weeks instead. Here's a chart that can help you understand pregnancy stages in terms of trimesters, months, and weeks.

Because your first visit will be one of your longest, allow plenty of time.

During the visit, you can expect your health care provider to do the following: 1

Answer your questions. This is a great time to ask questions and share any concerns you may have. Keep a running list for your visit.
Check your urine sample for infection and to confirm your pregnancy.
Check your blood pressure, weight, and height.
Calculate your due date based on your last menstrual cycle and ultrasound exam.
Ask about your health, including previous conditions, surgeries, or pregnancies.
Ask about your family health and genetic history.
Ask about your lifestyle, including whether you smoke, drink, or take drugs, and whether you exercise regularly.
Ask about your stress level.
Perform prenatal blood tests to do the following:
Determine your blood type and Rh (Rhesus) factor. Rh factor refers to a protein found on red blood cells. If the mother is Rh negative (lacks the protein) and the father is Rh positive (has the protein), the pregnancy requires a special level of care. 2
Do a blood count (e.g., hemoglobin, hematocrit).
Test for hepatitis B, HIV, rubella, and syphilis.
Do a complete physical exam, including a pelvic exam, and cultures for gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Do a Pap test or test for human papillomavirus (HPV) or both to screen for cervical cancer and infection with HPV, which can increase risk for cervical cancer. The timing of these tests depends on the schedule recommended by your health care provider.
Do an ultrasound test, depending on the week of pregnancy.
Offer genetic testing: screening for Down syndrome and other chromosomal problems, cystic fibrosis, other specialized testing depending on history.

Prenatal Visit Schedule

If your pregnancy is healthy, your health care provider will set up a regular schedule for visits that will probably look about like this: 1

Later Prenatal Visits

As your pregnancy progresses, your prenatal visits will vary greatly. During most visits, you can expect your health care provider to do the following:

Check your blood pressure.
Measure your weight gain.
Measure your abdomen to check your developing infant's growth—"fundal height" (once you begin to "show").
Check the fetal heart rate.
Check your hands and feet for swelling.
Feel your abdomen to find the fetus's position (later in pregnancy).
Do tests, such as blood tests or an ultrasound exam.

Talk to you about your questions or concerns. It's a good idea to write down your questions and bring them with you.

Several of these visits will include special tests to check for gestational diabetes (usually between 24 and 28 weeks) 3 and other conditions, depending on your age and family history.

In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics released new vaccine guidelines for 2013 , including a recommendation for pregnant women to receive a booster of whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine. The guidelines recommend the shot be given between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. 4

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Updated recommendations for use of tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccine (TDAP) in pregnant women―Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2012. Retrieved September 20, 2013, from http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6207a4.htm

What tests might I need during pregnancy?

Every woman has certain tests during pregnancy. Some women, depending on their age, family history, or ethnicity, may undergo additional testing.

Some tests are screening tests, and others are diagnostic tests. If your health care provider orders a screening test, keep in mind that such tests do not diagnose problems. They evaluate risk. So a screening test result that comes back abnormal does not mean there is a problem with your infant. It means that more information is needed. Your health care provider can explain what the test results mean and possible next steps.

The types of tests you may have during pregnancy include: 1

Routine Tests

Glucose challenge screening. Usually given between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, this screening assesses your risk for gestational diabetes. You will consume a sugary drink and get a blood test 1 hour later to measure your blood sugar levels. If you are at high risk—for example, if you have a family history of diabetes, are obese, had a large baby in a previous pregnancy, or are having twins—you should discuss this with your health care provider get a test for blood glucose earlier in your pregnancy.

Group B streptococcus (pronounced STREP-tuh-KOK-uhss ) infection screening. This test is performed between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy to look for bacteria (GBS) that can cause pneumonia or other serious infections in your infant. Swabs will be used to take cells from your vagina and rectum. Women who test positive for GBS will need antibiotics when in labor.

Ultrasound exam. You will likely have an ultrasound exam between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy to check for any problems with the developing fetus. During an ultrasound exam, gel is spread on your belly and a special tool is moved over it to create a "picture" of the fetus on a monitor.

Urine test. At each prenatal visit, you will give a urine sample, which will be tested for signs of diabetes, urinary tract infections, and preeclampsia.

Screening for Chromosomal and Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) and Other Conditions

Nuchal translucency (pronounced NOO-kuhl trans-LOO-sen-see ) screening. This screening test uses ultrasonography to measure the thickness of the back of the fetus's neck between 11 and 14 weeks. This information, combined with the mother's age and the results of the serum screen, helps health care providers determine the fetus's potential risk for chromosomal abnormalities and other problems.

First trimester screen. Blood is drawn to test for PAPP-A and free beta-hCG (or hCG) and may be combined with performing a nuchal translucency ultrasound. This test will provide the risk for Down syndrome as well as other chromosomal problems.

Maternal serum screen (also called quad screen, triple test, triple screen, multiple marker screen, or AFP). Blood is drawn to measure the levels of certain substances that determine the risk of the fetus having chromosomal abnormalities and NTDs. This screening test is done between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Chorionic villus (pronounced KOR-ee-ON-ihk VIL-uhss ) sampling (CVS). If your fetus is at risk for a chromosomal defect or other genetic disorders, your doctor may recommend this test when you are between 10 and 13 weeks pregnant. In this test, a needle is inserted through the cervix or the abdomen to remove a small sample of cells from the placenta.

Amniocentesis (pronounced AM-nee-oh-sen-TEE-sis ). Given between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, this test is used to diagnose chromosomal disorders, such as Down syndrome and your infant's risk for NTDs, such as spina bifida. After a local anesthetic is given, a thin needle is inserted into the abdomen to draw out a small amount of amniotic fluid and cells from the sac surrounding the fetus. The fluid is sent to a lab for testing. 2

Cell-free fetal DNA. A new, noninvasive test uses the mother's blood to look for increased amounts of material from chromosomes 21, 18, and 13. This test can be given as early as 10 weeks to women whose age, family history, or standard screening results put them at higher risk for having a child with a chromosome disorder. The test is not recommended for women who are at low risk or are carrying multiple fetuses. 3

Carrier screening for cystic fibrosis (CF). A blood or saliva test determines if you and your partner are carriers for this genetic disease that affects breathing and digestion. Both parents must be a carrier for their child to get CF.

Additional Testing that Your Health Care Provider May Recommend

Glucose tolerance test. If the 1-hour glucose challenge screening is above a certain level, your health care provider may order this test. You will fast for at least 8 hours before the test. Your blood is drawn to test your "fasting blood glucose level." You will consume a sugary drink, and your blood will be taken every hour for 3 hours to see how your body reacts to the sugar. You may then be diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

Non-stress test. This test is performed in the third trimester (28 weeks or later) to monitor the fetus's health. A belt placed around your belly measures the fetal heart rate while the fetus is at rest and while the fetus is moving or kicking. This test can determine if the fetus is getting enough oxygen.

Biophysical profile (BPP). This test, given in the third trimester of pregnancy, monitors the fetus's breathing, movement, muscle tone, and heart rate as well as the amount of amniotic fluid to determine fetal well-being. The BPP includes an ultrasound test and a non-stress test. 5

Anderson, C. L., & Brown, C. L. (2009). Fetal chromosomal abnormalities: Antenatal screening and diagnosis. American Family Physician, 79, 11–123.

What health problems can develop during pregnancy?

Regular prenatal visits help the health care provider identify potential health problems early and take steps to manage them, to protect the health of the mother and the developing fetus. Being aware of the symptoms of these conditions and getting regular prenatal care can prevent health problems and help you get treatment as early as possible.

These problems include: 1

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Anemia occurs when your red blood cell count (hemoglobin or hematocrit) is low. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia. Iron is part of the hemoglobin that allows blood to carry oxygen. Pregnant women need more iron than normal for the increased amount of blood in their body and for their developing child. 2 Symptoms of iron deficiency include feeling tired or weak, looking pale, feeling faint, or experiencing shortness of breath. Your health care provider may recommend iron and folic acid supplements. 3

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are found to be too high during pregnancy. The exact number of women affected by gestational diabetes is unknown because of different diagnostic criteria and risk profiles. 4 Most often the condition is discovered using a two-step procedure: screening with the glucose challenge screening test around 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy, followed by a diagnostic test called the oral glucose tolerance test. Gestational diabetes increases the risk of a baby that is too large (macrosomia), preeclampsia (pronounced pree-i-KLAMP-see-uh , a condition marked by a sudden increase in a pregnant woman's blood pressure along with the presence of protein in the urine after the 20th week of pregnancy), and cesarean birth . Treatment includes controlling blood sugar levels through a healthy diet and exercise, and through medication if blood sugar values remain high. 5

Depression and Anxiety

Many people are familiar with the phrase "postpartum depression," meaning depression that occurs after the birth of a baby. But we now know that it's not just during the postpartum period, and it's not just depression.

The NICHD-led Moms' Mental Health Matters initiative is designed to educate consumers and health care providers about who is at risk for depression and anxiety during and after pregnancy, the signs of these problems, and how to get help. The initiative also includes Information for Partners, Family, and Friends on ways to help.

There is no single cause of depression or anxiety during and after pregnancy, but hormonal changes, stress, family history, and changes in brain chemistry or structure may all play a role. 6 Women who have complications during pregnancy are at higher risk for postpartum depression than are women who do not have complications. 7

Depression can harm the developing fetus if you do not take care of yourself during pregnancy, including attending regular prenatal visits and avoiding alcohol and tobacco smoke. Talk to your health care provider if you feel overwhelmed, sad, or anxious. Even though they are serious conditions, depression and anxiety are treatable.

Fetal Problems

Possible problems in the fetus include decreased movement after 28 weeks of pregnancy and being measured as smaller than normal. These pregnancies often require closer follow-up including more testing such as ultrasound exams, non-stress testing and biophysical profiles as well as possible early delivery.

High Blood Pressure Related to Pregnancy

Pregnant women who develop high blood pressure will need to be monitored closely for preeclampsia .

Infections, including some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , may occur during pregnancy and/or delivery and may lead to complications for the pregnant woman, the pregnancy, and the baby after delivery. Learn more about how infections can affect pregnancy and which infections can cause problems during pregnancy. For the latest information on COVID-19 and pregnancy, visit CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/pregnant-people.html .

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

(Pronounced HEYE-pur-EM-uh-suhss grav-uh-DAR-uhm ). Some women experience severe, persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy beyond the typical "morning sickness." Medication may be prescribed to help with the nausea. Women with hyperemesis gravidarum may need hospitalization to get the fluids and nutrients they need through a tube in their veins. Often, the condition lessens by the 20th week of pregnancy.

Miscarriage

Pregnancy loss from natural causes before the 20th week is considered a miscarriage. It is hard to estimate exactly how many pregnancies end in miscarriage because they may occur before a woman even knows she is pregnant. 8 The most common cause of first trimester miscarriage is chromosomal problems. Symptoms can include cramping or bleeding. Spotting early in pregnancy is common and does not mean that a miscarriage will occur.

Placenta Previa

This condition occurs when the placenta covers part of the opening of the cervix inside the uterus. It can cause painless bleeding during the second and third trimesters. The health care provider may recommend bed rest. Hospitalization may be required if bleeding is heavy or if it continues. Placental problems may affect how the baby is delivered.

Placental Abruption

In some women, the placenta separates from the inner uterine wall. This separation, or abruption, can be mild, moderate, or severe. If severe, the fetus cannot get the oxygen and nutrients needed to survive. Placental abruption can cause bleeding, cramping, or uterine tenderness. Treatment depends on the severity of the abruption and how far along the pregnancy is. Severe cases may require early delivery.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a quick or sudden onset of high blood pressure after the 20th week of pregnancy. This condition causes high blood pressure, swelling of the hands and face, abdominal pain, blurred vision, dizziness, and headaches. In some cases, seizures can occur—this is called eclampsia (pronounced ih-KLAMP-see-uh ). The only definite cure for preeclampsia and eclampsia is to deliver the baby. If this would result in a preterm birth , then the maternal and fetal risks and benefits of delivery need to be balanced with the risks associated with the infant being born prematurely.

Preterm Labor

Infants do best if they are born after 39 or 40 weeks of pregnancy (full term). The fetus's lungs, liver, and brain go through a crucial period of growth between 37 weeks and 39 weeks of pregnancy.

Going into labor before 37 weeks of pregnancy is a major risk factor for complications for the infant and for future preterm births for the mother. Sometimes, when there is a health risk to the mother or baby, planned deliveries before 39 weeks are necessary. However, in a healthy pregnancy, it's best to wait until at least 39 weeks. Learn more about why it's worth it to wait until at least 39 weeks to deliver for healthy pregnancies.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Pregnancy Complications. Retrieved January 6, 2016, from http://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/ maternalinfanthealth/pregcomplications.htm
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. (2015). Dietary supplement fact sheet: Iron. Retrieved January 6, 2016, from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/
MedlinePlus. (2015). Iron deficiency anemia. Retrieved January 6, 2016, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000584.htm
DeSisto, C. L., Kim, S. Y., & Sharma, A. J. (2014). Prevalence estimates of gestational diabetes mellitus in the United States, Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring Systems (PRAMS), 2007–2010. Preventing Chronic Disease, 11, E104.
NICHD. (2012). Fact sheet: Am I at risk for gestational diabetes? NIH Publication No. 12-4818. Retrieved January 6, 2016 from https://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/Documents/gestational_diabetes_2012.pdf (PDF 187 KB)
Womenshealth.gov. (2012). e Publications: Depression during and after pregnancy fact sheet. Retrieved January 6, 2016, from http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/depression-pregnancy.html
Milgrom, J., Gemmill, A. W., Bilszta, J. L., Hayes, B., Barnett, B., Brooks, J., et al. (2008). Antenatal risk factors for postnatal depression: A large prospective study. Journal of Affective Disorders, 108 (1–2), 147–157.
MedlinePlus. (2014). Miscarriage. Retrieved January 6, 2016, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001488.htm

Who is at increased risk of health problems during pregnancy?

Some women are at increased risk for health problems during pregnancy.

Important risk factors include the following:

Overweight and obesity. 1 Having overweight or obesity increases the risk for complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia . Infants of mothers with overweight or obesity also have an increased risk of having neural tube defects (NTDs) or congenital heart defects and being stillborn or being large for their gestational age.
Young or old maternal age. According to the CDC, more women age 35 and older are giving birth than ever before. 2 While common, pregnancy after age 35 does increase the risk for complications during pregnancy such as stillbirth and for NTDs. 3 In addition, teenage mothers are more likely to deliver early, putting their infant at risk for complications. 4
Problems in previous pregnancies. Women who have experienced preeclampsia, stillbirth, or preterm labor before or who have had an infant born small for gestational age are at increased risk for problems during the current pregnancy.
Existing health conditions. Certain health conditions increase the risk for complications during pregnancy, including high blood pressure, diabetes , and HIV .
Pregnancy with twins or other multiples. Women who are expecting more than one baby are at increased risk for preeclampsia and preterm birth .

Women with high-risk pregnancies may need more frequent care and may need care from a team of health care providers to help promote healthy pregnancy and birth. 5

For the latest information on COVID-19 and pregnancy, visit CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/pregnant-people.html .

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2012). Do you know some of the health risks of being overweight? Retrieved January 6, 2016, from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/adult-overweight-obesity/health-risks
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Births in the United States, 2016. Retrieved May 16, 2018, from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db287.htm
MedlinePlus. (2016). Teenage pregnancy. Retrieved September 8, 2016, from https://medlineplus.gov/teenagepregnancy.html
NICHD. (2013). What is a high-risk pregnancy? Retrieved January 6, 2016, from https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pregnancy/conditioninfo/Pages/high-risk.aspx

Will stress during pregnancy affect my baby?

It is normal to feel some stress during pregnancy. Your body is going through many changes, and as your hormones change, so do your moods.

Too much stress can cause you to have trouble sleeping, headaches, loss of appetite, or a tendency to overeat—all of which can be harmful to you and your developing baby.

High levels of stress can also cause high blood pressure, which increases your chance of having preterm labor or a low-birth-weight infant. 1

You should talk about stress with your health care provider and loved ones. If you are feeling stress because of uncertainty or fear about becoming a mother, experiencing work-related stress, or worrying about miscarriage, talk to your health care provider during your prenatal visits.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Pregnancy

PTSD is a more serious type of stress that can negatively affect your baby. PTSD occurs when you have problems after seeing or going through a painful event, such as rape, abuse, a natural disaster, or the death of a loved one. You may experience: 2

Flashbacks and upsetting memories
Strong physical reactions to situations, people, or things that remind you of the event
Avoidance of places, activities, and people you once enjoyed
Feeling more aware of things

PTSD during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. PTSD also increases the risk for behaviors such as smoking and drinking, which contribute to other problems. 1

Reducing stress is important for preventing problems during your pregnancy and for reducing your risk for health problems that may affect your developing child. Identify the source of your stress and take steps to remove it or lessen it. Make sure you get enough exercise (under a doctor's supervision), eat healthy foods, and get lots of sleep.

Some women experience extreme sadness and/or anxiety during pregnancy and after giving birth. Many sources of information and support are available to help women experiencing depression or anxiety. Moms' Mental Health Matters explains some signs of these problems and provides an action plan for getting help. Talk to your health care provider if you feel overwhelmed, sad, or anxious. Treatment and counseling can help.

Read the story of how a new mother was affected by depression after giving birth, and the steps she took with her care provider to overcome it.

National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). NIH Publication No. 08-6388. Retrieved January 6, 2016, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml

NICHD Pre-Pregnancy Care and Prenatal Care Research Goals

Promoting a healthy pregnancy is paramount to NICHD, which leads and supports studies to increase awareness of the need for pre-pregnancy and prenatal care.

Studies include efforts focused on:

Preparing for a healthy pregnancy. NICHD supports pre-pregnancy care to help promote the health of all women of reproductive age before conception to improve pregnancy-related outcomes.
Preventing neural tube defects. Research from NICHD and other organizations led the U.S. Public Health Service to recommend that all women capable of becoming pregnant get at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. Taking folic acid prior to conception can reduce the risk for neural tube defects, a primary goal of NICHD research.
Reducing the risk of complications during pregnancy. NICHD seeks to understand maternal physiology, genetic and environmental variables, and conditions and treatments during pregnancy that contribute to adverse outcomes. Research is focused on discovering the mechanisms involved in the pathophysiological states of pregnancy such as preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and stillbirth, as well as the health impact of pregnancy-related disorders on the mother and infant and the effect of maternal infections on fetal development. The researchers aim to improve treatment and prevention, learn more about the effects of maternal medications and the mother's use and abuse of drugs on fetal development, and understand more about the complications that pregnant adolescents may encounter.
Supporting studies related to the probable causes of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). These studies include the association between prenatal exposure to alcohol and tobacco, with the goal of improving prenatal screening tools to identify infants at risk for SIDS and ultimately decreasing fetal and infant mortality.

Pre-Pregnancy Care and Prenatal Care Research Activities and Advances

Pre-Pregnancy care and prenatal care are critical components of promoting a healthy pregnancy. NICHD supports and conducts a broad range of research projects to increase the likelihood of a healthy birth. Short descriptions of this research are included below.

Institute Activities and Advances

NICHD conducts and supports many studies that confirm and reinforce the importance of pre-pregnancy care and prenatal care for a healthy pregnancy. Several organizational units focus their research on ways that pre-pregnancy and prenatal care can reduce complications during pregnancy and reduce the effects of environmental and lifestyle factors on the developing fetus.

The Pregnancy and Perinatology Branch (PPB) seeks to extend and enhance research in prevention of preterm birth, preeclampsia, fetal surgery, stillbirth, periconceptional exposure to alcohol, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), health disparities, and perinatal genetics. PPB research related to pre-pregnancy care and prenatal care includes the following:

Examining the causes of SIDS, stillbirth, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, and other adverse outcomes related to prenatal exposure to alcohol. The Safe Passage Study, part of the Prenatal Alcohol and SIDS and Stillbirth (PASS) Network, seeks to decrease fetal and infant mortality and improve child health in communities at high risk for prenatal maternal consumption of alcohol.
Supporting clinical trials in maternal-fetal medicine and obstetrics , particularly with respect to the continuing problem of preterm birth. The trials are conducted through the Maternal Fetal Medicine Units (MFMU) Network , which is composed of 14 sites across the United States and a data coordinating center. Current studies include a randomized clinical trial of antibodies from pooled human plasma for preventing congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) and an observational trial of hepatitis C in pregnancy
Examining how community, family, and individual level influences interact with biological influences to affect allostatic load (physiologic consequences as a result of stress), and how resiliency factors operate to alter allostatic load. The Community Child Health Network (CCHN) study studies the effects of allostatic load on perinatal outcomes and on health disparities in pregnancy outcomes.
Studying the causes of stillbirth, improving the reporting of stillbirth, and developing preventive interventions for stillbirth through the Stillbirth Collaborative Research Network (SCRN).
Studying the mechanism and prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes in nulliparous women (women in their first pregnancy). The aim of the Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study Monitoring Mothers-to-be (nuMoM2b) study is to determine factors/tests in the first and early second trimesters that will identify women at the highest risk for preterm birth, preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and stillbirth in 10,000 women. In addition, a study of sleep disordered breathing during pregnancy is being conducted.

The Perinatal and Obstetrical Research Group , within the Division or Intramural Research, examines the genetic and environmental etiologies and mechanisms of spontaneous preterm birth. Using state-of-the-art molecular approaches, such as genome-wide association studies and global serum protein profiling, the Group aims to identify new biomarkers that increase the risk of a preterm delivery and to delineate molecular mechanisms responsible for a preterm birth.

The Division of Intramural Population Health Research (DIPHR) conducts studies on the following:

Neural Tube Defects (NTDs). The Division currently supports studies examining the role of abnormal folate metabolism in NTDs. Researchers are also studying the role of genetics in spina bifida and other NTDs.
Gestational diabetes. Ongoing research through the Diabetes and Women's Health Study in the area of perinatal epidemiology is investigating etiology, risk factors, and short- and long-term health implications of gestational diabetes on both women and their children through their life spans. A number of pre-pregnancy risk factors have been identified that may allow for the prevention of gestational diabetes. Women with gestational diabetes were demonstrated to have significantly increased risk of type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Researchers are also studying genetic and non-genetic determinants for the progression from gestational diabetes to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders after pregnancy and for the elevated risk or childhood obesity among children born from pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes.
Alcohol use during pregnancy. Researchers are studying the mechanisms by which prenatal exposure to alcohol causes slow growth in infants and children.
Leptin signaling. Leptin signaling is being studied as the mechanism by which maternal obesity influences the risk for spina bifida.
Measurement of fetal growth as a critical part of a healthy pregnancy, through the NICHD Fetal Growth Studies—Singletons and Twins (see PMID: 26410205 and PMID: 27143399 ) and the Fetal 3D Study .
The relationship between high levels of folic acid and vitamin B12. Increased folate can mask vitamin B12 deficiencies. Researchers studied the effects of consuming foods fortified with folate on people with low levels of vitamin B12.
Investigating the long-term health implications of pregnancy and neonatal complications through the Collaborative Perinatal Project Mortality Linkage Study .

The Obstetric and Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics Branch promotes research to improve the safety and efficacy of pharmaceuticals and to ensure centralization and coordination of research, clinical trials, and drug development activities for obstetric and pediatric populations. Much of this work is conducted through the Maternal and Pediatric Precision in Therapeutics (MPRINT) Hub , which the Branch funds.

The Maternal and Pediatric Infectious Disease Branch (MPIDB) supports both domestic and international research into the epidemiology, natural history, pathogenesis, transmission, treatment, and prevention of HIV infection and its complications in infants, children, adolescents, pregnant women, mothers, women of childbearing age, and the family unit as a whole. Branch-supported research efforts seek to enhance knowledge about the elevated risk of transmitting HIV to infants among women who acquire HIV during pregnancy.

In addition, the MPIDB supports and conducts research into other important infectious diseases . For example, NICHD, along with several other NIH Institutes, is prioritizing Zika virus research as it relates to the mother-infant dyad and the effects of infection. The Branch is supporting a wide range of research activities, including the trans-NIH Zika in Infants and Pregnancy (ZIP) study , a large epidemiologic study of pregnant women in areas affected by Zika virus. Another observational study of pregnant women in Brazil will help improve understanding of the effects of Zika virus infection on reproductive health and the developing fetus.

The Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Branch supports studies focused on developing safe and accurate techniques for making prenatal diagnoses for various intellectual and developmental disabilities and other conditions that might have long-term effects on health and well-being.

Other Activities and Advances

To better understand pre-pregnancy care and prenatal care and how they can promote a healthy pregnancy, NICHD supports a variety of other activities. Some of these activities are managed through the components listed above; others are part of NIH-wide or collaborative efforts in which NICHD participates. Some of these activities are listed below.

The Birth Defects Research Group is a multicenter, multidisciplinary group led by NICHD's DIPHR to investigate the etiology of birth defects, particularly neural tube defects. The National Human Genome Research Institute, the Health Research Board of Ireland, and the Department of Biochemistry, Trinity College, Dublin, also collaborate on this effort.
The Human Placenta Project is a collaborative research initiative launched by NICHD to understand and monitor the development of the human placenta during pregnancy. The project will support the development of new technologies to assess the health of the placenta as it grows and matures, with the ultimate goal of improving the health of mothers and children.
The Maternal-Fetal Surgery Network was created in 2001 through the PPB to investigate surgical treatment for spina bifida, specifically in utero surgery as compared with postnatal surgery for myelomeningocele.
The Reproductive Medicine Network , funded through the NICHD Fertility and Infertility (FI) Branch , currently leads several clinical trials to determine whether specific pre-pregnancy care activities in women with polycystic ovary syndrome can help them conceive and deliver a healthy infant.
The Maternal and Pediatric Precision in Therapeutics (MPRINT) Hub , supported by the Obstetric and Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics Branch , provides the infrastructure and expertise needed to test therapeutic drugs during pregnancy. It allows researchers to conduct safe, technically sophisticated, and complex studies that will help clinicians protect women's health, improve birth outcomes, and reduce infant mortality.
Is It Worth It?—the Initiative to Reduce Elective Deliveries Before 39 Weeks of Pregnancy
The Know Your Terms Initiative
The Moms' Mental Health Matters initiative to raise awareness about depression and anxiety during and after pregnancy

Home — Essay Samples — Life — Development — Prenatal Development: The Incredible Journey Before Birth

Prenatal Development: The Incredible Journey before Birth

Categories: Development Universal Health Care

About this sample

Words: 668 |

Published: Sep 12, 2023

Words: 668 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

The germinal stage, the embryonic stage, the fetal stage, factors influencing prenatal development, the importance of prenatal care.

Maternal Nutrition: Adequate maternal nutrition is essential for proper fetal development. A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals is crucial for the growth of the fetus.
Maternal Health: Maternal health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and infections, can affect prenatal development. Regular prenatal care helps identify and manage these conditions.
Substance Use: Smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use during pregnancy can harm the developing fetus and lead to a range of physical and cognitive problems.
Environmental Toxins: Exposure to environmental toxins, such as lead, mercury, and certain chemicals, can have detrimental effects on prenatal development.
Stress and Mental Health: Maternal stress and mental health can impact fetal development. Chronic stress and untreated mental health conditions may lead to adverse outcomes.

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J Perinat Educ
v.17(2); Spring 2008

Prenatal Care: The Adolescent's Perspective

Certified childbirth educators have the ideal preparation for prenatal education, but they likely need to enhance their approach for adolescent clients. First, young mothers in the United States are presenting with increasingly diverse backgrounds, requiring cultural awareness of childbirth educators and others who wish to effectively meet their prenatal health care and education needs. In addition, adolescents who become pregnant are an extremely vulnerable group and, therefore, require special concern. Pregnant adolescents are unique from other groups of pregnant women in all major aspects of assessment: their social environment; their personal, social, and psychological development; and their physical response. Therefore, prenatal care and childbirth education designed for the typical population are unlikely to best serve the pregnant adolescent.

READER'S QUESTION

I have taught childbirth classes for several years at a local hospital. Now, they want me to offer childbirth preparation classes for pregnant teenagers. I am not sure that I am qualified to do that. What changes do I need to make in my regular classes for the adolescent class?

An LCCE educator in the Washington, DC, area

COLUMNISTS' REPLY

Certified childbirth educators have the ideal preparation for prenatal education, but they likely need to enhance their approach for adolescent clients to most effectively prepare young mothers for birth and early parenting. The increasingly diverse backgrounds of expectant women in the United States challenge prenatal educators and others who strive to provide health education and care. Professionals need to equip themselves with awareness, knowledge, and skills to best meet the needs of these different groups. Adolescents who become pregnant are an extremely vulnerable group and, therefore, require special concern. Pregnant adolescents are different from other groups of pregnant women in all major aspects of assessment: their social environment; their personal, social, and psychological development; and their physical response. Therefore, prenatal care, including childbirth education designed for the typical population, is unlikely to best serve the needs of the pregnant adolescent.

Although the rate of pregnancy and birth among adolescents in the United States has been declining, the numbers remain significant. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, in 2004, the birth rate for females 15–19 years of age was 41.1 births per 1,000, which represents a decline of 30% from previous years, with a peak rate in 1991 of 62 births per 1,000 ( Martin et al., 2006 ). Pregnant adolescents in our culture typically have the fewest resources, because adolescents have not had the time needed to get the education or experience required to be self-supporting or even to best identify their own outside supports.

The Social Environment and Adolescent Pregnancy

Pregnant adolescents do not mirror the social makeup of our society at large. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, in 2004, Hispanic adolescents had the highest adolescent birth rate at 82.6 live births per 1,000, twice the national average ( Hamilton, Ventura, Martin, & Sutton, 2005 ). African American adolescents 15–19 years of age had the second highest rate of live births, at 62.7 per 1,000. They also had the highest number of pregnancies at 151 per 1,000. Although a decline from 1990, this is considerably higher than the rate of 26.8 births for white females of the same age ( Hamilton et al., 2005 ). The data on how all of these pregnancies ended is not available; however, statistics tell us that professionals working with pregnant adolescents are addressing the needs of young women who are members of the more vulnerable populations in our society and that the higher the representation of vulnerable populations, the earlier in pregnancy the care should begin.

With the initiation of early and frequent prenatal care, research demonstrates a decrease in fetal death and other maternal complications ( Vintzileos, Ananth, Smulian, Scorza, & Knuppel, 2002a , 2002b ). Healthy People 2010 ( U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2000 ) offers a set of 467 specific health objectives for the United States to achieve over the first decade of the new century. The objectives are used by a vast array of health-care providers and organizations. The purpose of Objective Number 16.6 is to increase the proportion of pregnant women who receive early and adequate prenatal care. According to reports in Healthy People 2010 , in 1998, mothers in 83% of live births received care beginning in the first trimester of pregnancy, and 74% received what was considered early and adequate prenatal care. In 1998, only 73% of African American mothers received care beginning in the first trimester of pregnancy, and 67% received what was considered early and adequate prenatal care. Only 69% of pregnant adolescents aged 15–19 years old received care beginning in the first trimester of pregnancy, and 64% received what was considered early and adequate prenatal care. The target percentage of 90% compliance in 2010 is the same for all age groups, race, and ethnicity.

Adolescents suffer the most in not receiving early and adequate prenatal care. Between 2002 and 2004, only 65.4% of females who were under the age of 18 years old received prenatal care within the first trimester of pregnancy ( Centers for Disease Control/National Center for Health Statistics, 2005 ). Furthermore, 58.6% of African American females under the age of 18 years received prenatal care within the first trimester, as compared to 67.5% of their White counterparts ( Centers for Disease Control/National Center for Health Statistics, 2005 ). Prenatal educators need to recognize and be part of the response to this disparity. Pregnant adolescents and their families are all likely to have fewer resources and supports than the average expectant woman. Financial constraints, lack of health insurance, and language and cultural barriers are likely to create challenging barriers to care. Anyone focusing on the care of pregnant adolescents must study the cultural variables and become culturally competent to ensure positive outcomes for this population.

Neither adolescents nor any other population group responds well to health educators or caregivers who do not understand and appreciate their cultural environment and values. The urban community obviously needs more resources directed toward these aspects of prenatal care. Involving the community in planning and implementing programs is critical. Educators increasingly recognize ethnic churches as social networks in the community, and they work with ethnic church leaders to identify opportunities to provide effective service. The location of childbirth education is also important. Sessions or classes in a hospital may be convenient for the educator, but classes in a local church may be more convenient and reassuring to young mothers.

Neither adolescents nor any other population group responds well to health educators or caregivers who do not understand and appreciate their cultural environment and values.

Physical Response in Adolescent Pregnancy

The physical impact of pregnancy on an adolescent is also different from the average population of expectant mothers. Young adolescents who have not completed their own growth are at higher risk for cesarean birth and metabolic challenges, including toxemia ( Klein & The Committee on Adolescence, American Academy of Pediatrics, 2005 ). African Americans have the highest incidence of preterm labor, infants of low birth weight, and infant mortality ( LaVeist, Keith, & Gutierrez, 1995 ). Any professional working with adolescents needs to maintain current expertise in the unique physical challenges and risks of pregnancy in the very young woman, as well as in health risks related to the interaction of youth and of life in a vulnerable minority community.

Any professional working with adolescents needs to maintain current expertise in the unique physical challenges and risks of pregnancy in the very young woman.

Adolescent Development and Prenatal Care

Adolescents are more influenced by outside factors such as peer pressure and social status than by their older sisters and mothers. Knowledge about the adolescent developmental stage is important in understanding adolescents' responses to prenatal education and care. Adolescents' perception about prenatal care could be based upon the influence of peers or parents, which may have an effect on their perception of its relevance, importance, or need. Prenatal educators who identify this perception may find that working with the adolescent's peers (especially other pregnant adolescents) and with parents is an effective way to build a support network for these young clients.

One way to work toward the best practices in childbirth education for adolescents is to ask them what they would like to know and to learn directly from them what their values are. Cox et al. (2005) implemented a qualitative study with focus groups of six pregnant adolescents and 10 parenting adolescents, ages 16–21 years old, of African American, Latina, and Haitian descent. The researchers collected data over a 6-month period. The teens receiving prenatal care stated they desired comprehensive health care (i.e., care for themselves and their children) in one setting. They also felt most cared for and comfortable if they saw the same provider at each visit. Among the prenatal teens, basic reproductive information, including fetal development and prenatal medical health, was especially important.

Daniels, Noe, and Mayberry (2006) conducted a qualitative study to identify attitudinal and psychosocial determinants of early prenatal care among African American adolescents who were of low socioeconomic status, aged 16–36 years old, and were attending or had attended local clinics for prenatal care within the past 2 years. The researchers found that early initiators of prenatal care possessed “positive attitudes towards pregnancy, were knowledgeable about pregnancy signs and symptoms and thought prenatal care was important” (p. 192), while late initiators perceived clinical staff to be “insensitive” (p.192). Using the term insensitivity is a way to describe care that is not culturally competent.

Childbirth educators can play a primary role in promoting, advocating for, and providing care to two especially vulnerable and needy groups today: pregnant adolescents and, in turn, their infants. Certified childbirth educators who decide to focus on serving pregnant adolescents need to ensure they have assessed the culture of their adolescent population, maintained current knowledge of the unique health risks of pregnancy in adolescence, and evaluated the adolescent and her stage of development. In this way, childbirth educators can provide an extremely valuable and effective service where it is greatly needed and make a positive difference in the lives of young mothers and their babies.

Childbirth educators can play a primary role in promoting, advocating for, and providing care to two especially vulnerable and needy groups today: pregnant adolescents and, in turn, their infants.

Resources for childbirth educators who want to develop essential skills to enhance their service to pregnant adolescents are readily available. Lamaze International ( www.lamaze.org ) offers an excellent workshop on developing programs for pregnant teens, titled “Creativity, Connection, and Commitment: Supporting Teens During the Childbearing Year.” Additionally, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Minority Health recently released a new Web-based education program, titled “Culturally Competent Nursing Care: A Cornerstone of Caring,” to promote the highest quality of care to diverse populations. The course is designed to help caregivers integrate cultural competency awareness, knowledge, and skills to more effectively treat increasingly diverse patient populations. It is available free online ( www.thinkculturalhealth.org ).

NOTE TO READERS

“Ask an Expert” answers are not official Lamaze International positions and are not intended to substitute for consulting with your own certified professional. Nayna Philipsen, coordinator of the “Ask an Expert” column, welcomes your questions or your own expertise on various topics. Please send them to “Ask an Expert,” Lamaze International, 2025 M Street NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20036-3309, or via email to moc.loa@momanyan .

Centers for Disease Control/National Center for Health Statistics. 2005. Prenatal care: US/State, 2002–2004 [Table]. Retrieved February 29, 2008, from http://209.217.72.34/HDAA/TableViewer/tableView.aspx?ReportID=225 .
Cox J. E, Bevill L, Forsyth J, Missal S, Sherry M, Woods E. R. Youth preferences for prenatal and parenting teen services. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. 2005; 18 (3):167–174. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
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Vintzileos A. M, Ananth C. V, Smulian J. C, Scorza W. E, Knuppel R. The impact of prenatal care in the United States on preterm births in the presence and absence of antenatal high-risk conditions. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2002a; 187 (5):1254–1257. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
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What is prenatal care and why is it important?
Having a healthy pregnancy is one of the best ways to promote a healthy birth. Getting early and regular prenatal care improves the chances of a healthy pregnancy. This care can begin even before pregnancy with a pre-pregnancy care visit to a health care provider.
The Importance of Prenatal Care: Why You Need It
The Importance of Prenatal Care: Why You Need It. The importance of prenatal care during pregnancy cannot be overstated. Without it, expectant mothers risk both their own lives and the lives of the children they carry. Pregnancy is not a walk in the park, and having the guidance of an experienced medical professional along the way is invaluable ...
Healthy Pregnancy: The Importance of Prenatal Care
Regular prenatal care throughout your pregnancy helps to catch potential concerns early and reduces the risk of pregnancy and birth complications. As soon as you suspect you are pregnant, make an appointment with your OB/Gyn. If you don't have one, call your health insurance to determine which obstetricians are covered by your insurance.
The Importance of Prenatal Care: What You Need to Know
The importance of prenatal care during pregnancy is huge. From eating certain foods, taking prenatal vitamins, and having regular checkups, prenatal care exists to ensure the least complications for both the mother and the baby through the entire nine months leading up to the birth. Be responsible for your health and the bodily developments of ...
Essay The Importance of Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is defined as care of a pregnant woman during the time in the maternity cycle that begins with conception and ends with the onset of labor. A medical, surgical, gynecologic, obstretic, social and family history is taken (Mosby's Medical, Nursing, and Allied Health Dictionary, 1998). It is important for a pregnant woman as well as ...
The Importance of Prenatal Care
Prenatal care reduces complications during pregnancy and prevents problems during delivery. Regular medical care during pregnancy provides you with vital information about changes in your body that could put the pregnancy or your health at risk. Ideally, you want to get prenatal care early in the pregnancy and regular care throughout.
PDF The Importance of Prenatal Care: Nurturing Healthy Beginnings
the developing infant. Prenatal care, encompassing regular medical check-ups, screenings, and educational support, plays a pivotal role in ensuring a healthy pregnancy and a positive start to life for the infant. In this article, we will delve into the significance of prenatal care, highlighting its benefits and
Why Prenatal Care is Important for Mom and Baby
Pregnant women should take extra care of themselves during this special time to make sure that they have the healthiest pregnancy possible. Prenatal care is the foundation of a healthy pregnancy, labor and delivery. Early and regular prenatal care is very important to the health of your baby and to your own health during pregnancy.
Importance of prenatal care in reducing stillbirth
Nevertheless, although prenatal care can help reduce stillbirth, preventing stillbirth has rarely been one of its primary goals. As prenatal care continued to expand, based on the belief that doctors often recommended too many visits and investigations without benefit, studies evaluated the content, frequency, timing and costs of prenatal care.
Importance of Prenatal Care Essay [848 Words] GradeMiners
The significance of prenatal care is entrenched in its efforts to guarantee safety and good health for pregnant women by looking out for risks. During antenatal treatment, medical practitioners put extensive effort into increasing a pregnant mother's health and reducing the chances of risks throughout the pregnancy and at the time of birth.
Why Is Prenatal Care Important
Prenatal care is the health care you receive when you are pregnant. Doctors are able to spot health problems early when mothers are seen regularly. Mothers who do not receive prenatal care are more likely to have a low birth weight babies and babies are five times more likely to die than those born to mothers who receive prenatal care.
Prenatal care
Prenatal care is the health care you get while you are pregnant. Take care of yourself and your baby by: Getting early ... information, advice, and other services important for a healthy pregnancy. To find out about the program in your state: Call 800-311-BABY (800-311-2229). This toll-free telephone number will connect you to the Health ...
Prenatal Care Essays: Examples, Topics, & Outlines
PAGES 4 WORDS 1317. Prenatal care is an important aspect of pregnancy and can result in positive outcomes for both mother and infant. Low-risk pregnancies have different recommendations for prenatal care than high-risk pregnancies. Low risk pregnancies begin with medical checkups that include screening tests.
What Is Prenatal Care?
Prenatal care is an important part of staying healthy during pregnancy. Your doctor, nurse, or midwife 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 ...
Pre-Pregnancy Care and Prenatal Care
What is prenatal care? Prenatal care is the health care a woman gets during pregnancy. Prenatal care should begin as soon as a woman knows or thinks she is pregnant. Early and regular prenatal visits are important for the health of both the mother and the fetus. Research shows that prenatal care makes a difference for a healthy pregnancy.
PDF The Importance of Prenatal Care: Nurturing Healthy Beginnings
Prenatal care Prenatal care is the term used to describe the assistance and medical treatment given to pregnant women throughout their pregnancy. It entails a series of routine examinations, screenings, tests, and informational sessions with the goal of keeping track of the mother's and developing foetus's health. Usually begin-
Women's Experience of Prenatal Care: An Integrative Review
Prenatal care is one of the most common health interventions in the United States. 1, 2 With approximately 50 million prenatal visits annually, 2 it is often viewed as indispensable for assuring healthy pregnancy outcomes. 3-5 Nonetheless, prenatal care (PNC) has produced disappointing results for the U.S., 1, 6 including an international ranking of 29 th among industrialized nations in infant ...
The Prenatal Primary Nursing Care Experience of Pregnant Wom ...
DURING the prenatal period, women receive nursing care through primary care services. 1 Primary care is integrated, accessible, and accountable for addressing a large majority of personal health care needs, enabling the development of a sustained partnership with pregnant women. 2 Prenatal care may contribute to optimizing pregnancy and birth outcomes. 3 Nurses play a key role by improving ...
Why Is Prenatal Care Important
The Importance of Prenatal Care There's an estimated 353,000 babies born each day all around the world, every baby that's born is impacted in the womb by its mother's lifestyle choices. Many people are familiar with the saying "healthy mom, healthy baby.". Most women that are expecting, are warned that drinking alcohol, smoking and ...
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The physical and emotional changes of pregnancy and, then, labor, birth, and breastfeeding play vital roles in guiding women on the journey of becoming a mother. Standard prenatal care and medicalized labor and birth interfere in powerful ways with nature's plan and, consequently, women's ability to negotiate this journey.
Prenatal Development: The Incredible Journey Before Birth: [Essay
The Importance of Prenatal Care. Prenatal care plays a pivotal role in monitoring and promoting the health of both the expectant mother and the developing fetus. Regular prenatal check-ups allow healthcare providers to identify and address any potential issues, provide guidance on proper nutrition, and offer support for maternal mental health.
Prenatal Care: The Adolescent's Perspective
Knowledge about the adolescent developmental stage is important in understanding adolescents' responses to prenatal education and care. Adolescents' perception about prenatal care could be based upon the influence of peers or parents, which may have an effect on their perception of its relevance, importance, or need.
Why Prenatal Care Is Important
Prenatal care involves all healthcare services provided to moms that promote the health and wellness of mom and baby during her pregnancy (Lowdermilk, 2012). However, health disparities, low social economic status and the lack of prenatal care awareness continue to prevent access to care to many individuals and families within Southeastern ...
The Importance of Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is defined as care of a pregnant woman during the time in the maternity cycle that begins with conception and ends with the onset of labor. A medical, surgical, gynecologic, obstretic, social and family history is taken (Mosby's Medical, Nursing, and Allied Health Dictionary, 1998). It is important for a pregnant woman as well as ...

The Importance of Prenatal Care: Why You Need It

Why is Prenatal Care Important?

What are the Goals of Prenatal Care?

What are the Benefits of Prenatal Care?

Healthy Pregnancy: The Importance of Prenatal Care

Prenatal care is key for a healthy pregnancy

What is prenatal care?

What to expect at your prenatal visits

Each prenatal visit is important for a healthy pregnancy

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The Importance of Prenatal Care

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Importance of Prenatal Care

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Prenatal care

What is prenatal care?

Why do I need prenatal care?

I am thinking about getting pregnant. How can I take care of myself?

I'm pregnant. What should I do — or not do — to take care of myself and my unborn baby?

I don't want to get pregnant right now. Should I still take folic acid every day?

How often should I see my doctor during pregnancy?

What happens during prenatal visits?

I am in my late 30s and I want to get pregnant. Should I do anything special?

Where can I go to get free or reduced-cost prenatal care?

Did we answer your question about prenatal care?

Pre-Pregnancy Care and Prenatal Care

About Pre-Pregnancy Care and Prenatal Care

What is prenatal care?

Can you promote a healthy pregnancy before getting pregnant?

Develop a plan for your reproductive life.

Adopt a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Increase your intake of folic acid.

Get up to date on vaccines.

Talk to your health care provider about your diabetes or other medical conditions.

Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking drugs.

Strive to reach a healthy weight before trying to get pregnant.

Learn your family’s health history.

Get mentally healthy.

What pre-pregnancy tests might I need?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Genetic disorders

Other problems

What can I do to promote a healthy pregnancy?

Take folic acid.

Do not use alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.

Talk to your health care provider about medications.

Avoid exposure to toxic substances.

Follow a healthy diet.

Eat a safe diet.

Limit caffeine intake.

Talk to your health care provider about physical activity.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Talk to your health care provider about your nutrition status, including vitamin B12 and iron levels.

Get regular dental checkups.

Prevent infections that can affect your pregnancy.

What happens during prenatal visits?

The First Visit

Prenatal Visit Schedule

Later Prenatal Visits

What tests might I need during pregnancy?

Routine Tests

Screening for Chromosomal and Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) and Other Conditions

Additional Testing that Your Health Care Provider May Recommend