The importance of prenatal care: Preparing for a healthy pregnancy

Talking to your doctor is especially important. This article should not be considered medical or legal advice.

Think of your belly as a VIP lounge for your little one. So, let's dive into the world of prenatal pampering and ensure your little bundle of joy arrives in style!

What is prenatal care?

Prenatal care refers to healthcare specifically designed to monitor the health of both mom and baby throughout pregnancy. This includes regular checkups by a trained healthcare professional such as an ob-gyn, a family physician, a nurse practitioner, or a midwife.

Benefits of prenatal care

Prenatal care is crucial for a healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby. Infants born to mothers who receive prenatal care are significantly more likely to have a healthy birth weight and a much higher chance of survival.¹

The right care can prevent complications and guide you toward a healthy pregnancy. With regular prenatal check-ups with your doctor, you may:

• Detect potential health problems: identify common pregnancy issues like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or anemia.¹
• Reduce the risk of complications: promote the baby's growth and development, identifying any potential abnormalities earlier.²
• Learn about prenatal education: get accurate information based on your circumstances regarding proper prenatal nutrition, medications, activities to avoid, or lifestyle changes to make (like starting to take your prenatal vitamins if you haven’t started them already).²
• Locate resources for emotional support: address any concerns or fears you may have, answer questions as well as offer guidance.¹

The pregnancy test is positive. What’s next?

1st trimester, 1st visit (weeks 1–12)

So you just peed on a stick and have a bun in the oven. Take a deep breath...and then schedule your first check-up with a healthcare professional. During your initial visit, get ready to potentially answer a lot of questions about both you and your partner’s health, family medical history, and lifestyle. Your healthcare provider will most likely conduct a comprehensive assessment of your health, including a physical exam, weight check, and urine test. They will also order necessary blood tests and estimate your due date.³

Typically, during the first trimester, prenatal visits happen every four weeks and usually only last about 15 minutes. To help track your growing baby and your growing tummy, you will be weighed at each visit.

2nd trimester (weeks 13–27)

During this time, your prenatal checkups will continue to focus on your baby's development and your health. In addition to monitoring your weight, blood pressure and any additional tests specific to your care, your healthcare professional will also assess your baby's growth. Since each pregnancy is different, you may have already heard your baby’s heartbeat in the first trimester. If not, you will be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat now and possibly see the little peanut during your ultrasound. Don’t forget to ask for your copy of the picture!

Don’t be afraid to share any concerns you may have with your doctor. Any and all questions are valid.

3rd trimester (weeks 28–40 or until delivery)

You made it to the third and final trimester! Cue a happy dance (or happy squeal if you're too exhausted). During this trimester you will most likely be asked to come in more frequently – starting at week 32, your checkups may happen every two weeks and then every week at the beginning of your 36th week.¹ This is also the time you’ll be screened for additional conditions such as iron deficiency anemia and Group B Strep.⁴ In addition to monitoring your weight and blood pressure, your provider will check your baby's heartbeat and growth at each visit. As you near the end of your pregnancy, you will also be asked about your baby’s movements, and they will also check your baby’s position. The third trimester is also the time to talk about labor and delivery plans – what are your wishes, hopes, and thoughts for what the ideal birth plan would be? Having these conversations with your doctor now—and making plans should any complications arise—will help you be best prepared when delivery day arrives.

Taking care of you and your baby

We know that pregnancy can bring a mix of emotions, and sometimes things don't go exactly as planned. It's important to remember you're not alone, and regular check-ups are a key way to care for yourself and your little one. These visits provide an opportunity to address any questions or concerns you might have and work together towards a healthy pregnancy.

And remember mama, it's okay to kick your feet up, take some time for yourself, and enjoy your favorite simple pleasure while awaiting delivery day. You deserve it!

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