Title: Prenatal Care | Pregnancy Guide
Headings: 
Prenatal Care
The Aims of Prenatal Care
What are the benefits of prenatal care?
What does physical prenatal care consist of?
When are prenatal appointments arranged?
When can I hear my baby’s first heartbeat?
Choosing a prenatal care doctor or midwife
Other types of prenatal care providers include:
What questions should I be asking my doctor or midwife?
When to call my doctor or midwife

Content: Prenatal care appointments are arranged before conception and after becoming pregnant. A pregnant woman will normally have their prenatal appointments on a monthly basis during the first two trimesters of their pregnancy. Once a pregnant mother has reached 28 weeks they may only have prenatal appointments every fortnight. In the last trimester, prenatal appointments are increased to once every week. When can I hear my baby’s first heartbeat? When a pregnant mother is 8-12 weeks into her pregnancy she may be able to hear her baby’s heartbeat for the very first time. The midwife will use a Doppler machine to listen to the fetal heartbeat. This prenatal appointment is often an exciting time for many expectant mothers, who anxiously wait to hear the heartbeat of their baby. Choosing a prenatal care doctor or midwife
Many women are given the opportunity to see specialised health care staff, especially if they are considered to be having a high risk pregnancy. On your booking visit you may be assessed on whether your pregnancy is low risk or high risk and your doctor may advise you on who would be best able to handle your pregnancy care.