What is prenatal care?

Prenatal care is the act of having a healthy lifestyle while you are pregnant. This includes making good choices and going to the doctor for regular visits. You are more likely to have a healthy birth if you maintain a healthy pregnancy.

Schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as you find out you are pregnant. Your doctor will start by reviewing your medical history. They also will want to know about your symptoms. At each visit, the doctor will record your weight and blood pressure. These measurements help to track your health during pregnancy.

Urine and blood samples will be taken on the first visit and again at later visits. Urine tests check for bacteria, high sugar levels (which can be a sign of diabetes), and high protein levels (which can be a sign for preeclampsia, a type of high blood pressure during pregnancy). Blood tests check for blood cell count, blood type, low iron levels (anemia) and infectious diseases (such as syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis).

The doctor may do other tests at your first visit. These may vary based on your background and risk for problems. Tests can include:

• A pelvic exam to check the size and shape of your uterus (womb).
• A Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer.
• An ultrasound to view your baby’s growth and position. An ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image of your baby on a video screen.

After your first visit, you will have a prenatal visit every 4 weeks. In months 7 and 8, you will have a visit every 2 weeks. In your last month of pregnancy, the visits will occur each week until you deliver your baby. At each visit, the doctor will check your weight and blood pressure and test your urine. The doctor will listen to your baby’s heartbeat and measure the height of your uterus in your abdomen after the 20th week. You should always discuss any issues or concerns you have with your doctor.