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: The doctor will give the patient information on following a healthy balanced diet, exercise and vitamin intake and will be able to identify potential risk factors such as smoking or excessive alcohol intake. Prenatal care is used to identify these risk factors in order for a pregnant mother or a woman trying to conceive can identify what changes they need to make to their lifestyle. Hospital consultations may be arranged by the doctor in cases of excessive alcohol intake or smoking, where further assistance may be required. What are the benefits of prenatal care? Prenatal care has considerable health benefits for a woman trying to conceive or a woman who is already pregnant. One of the many benefits of prenatal care is that women are introduced to taking vitamins such as folic acid which aids in protecting against spina bifida, a neural tube deficiency. Many women attending prenatal care are given the opportunity to ask questions and nullify any misconceptions about pregnancy that they may have. What does physical prenatal care consist of? The physical examination part of prenatal care normally consists of the following: An analysis of the mother’s medical history to establish any potential problems
Monitoring of blood pressure
Checking the height and weight of the mother
Pelvic examination
Blood and urine tests
Discussion with the mother regarding the pregnancy
When are prenatal appointments arranged?