Title: Prenatal care in the United States - Wikipedia
Headings: Prenatal care in the United States
Prenatal care in the United States
Contents
Background
Schedule
Pre-conception counseling
Vaccination
Influenza vaccination
Rubella
Varicella
Tetanus and pertussis
Attitudes towards prenatal care
Positive influences
Negative influences
Disparities in accessibility
Low-socioeconomic areas
Minorities' access
Latina paradox
Contributing factors
Unintended pregnancy
Health insurance
Formal education
Consequences from lack of prenatal care
Delivery complications
Low birth weight
Congenital malformations
Infant mortality
Improving prenatal care
Preventing unintended pregnancy
Connection between physicians and patients
Increase insurance
Community outreach programs
See also
References

Content: Prenatal care in the United States - Wikipedia
Prenatal care in the United States
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Main article: Prenatal care
Overview of the prenatal care system in the United States of America
Prenatal care in the United States is a health care preventive care protocol recommended to women with the goal to provide regular check-ups that allow obstetricians - gynecologists or midwives to detect, treat and prevent potential health problems throughout the course of pregnancy while promoting healthy lifestyles that benefit both mother and child. Patients are encouraged to attend monthly checkups during the first two trimesters and in the third trimester gradually increasing to weekly visits. Women who suspect they are pregnant can schedule pregnancy tests prior to 9 weeks gestation. Once pregnancy is confirmed an initial appointment is scheduled after 8 weeks gestation. Subsequent appointments consist of various tests ranging from blood pressure to glucose levels to check on the health of the mother and fetus. If not, appropriate treatment will then be provided to hinder any further complications. Prenatal care in the United States started as a preventive measure against preeclampsia, which included program visits during which medical professionals conducted physical, history, and risk evaluations. Over the last century, prenatal care has shifted focus to low birth weight and other preventive conditions in order to decrease the rate of infant mortality. Increased use of prenatal care was found to decrease the rates of birth-weight-related mortality and other preventable medical ailments such as post-partum depression and infant injuries.