Prenatal Care – Why it matters

You’ve checked and double checked – and then checked again just to be sure. And all the home pregnancy tests agree: You’re pregnant!

Now it’s time for a flurry of phone calls to share the news with family and friends. Just be sure at least one of those calls is to The Women’s Clinic – it’s time to make an appointment for your first prenatal checkup.

The Best Start

Prenatal checkups are essential for both you and your baby. Getting regular prenatal care can:

• Help you have a healthy baby.
• Decrease your risk of having your baby too early.
• Help your doctor find and treat potential problems early.

In general, you’ll have about one prenatal checkup per month for the first several months of pregnancy. As you get closer to your due date – or if you have any health conditions that need to be monitored more closely – you’ll need more frequent checkups.

During prenatal visits, your doctor will:

• Determine the baby’s due date.
• Check the baby’s heartbeat and growth.
• Check your weight and blood pressure.
• Check you for problems, such as anemia, infections or gestational diabetes.
• Discuss healthy habits, such as eating well, getting enough folic acid, and not smoking or drinking during your pregnancy.
• Answer your questions and concerns.
• Establish long –term friendship, not just a nine-month relationship.