Title: Prenatal care | Office on Women's Health
Headings: Prenatal care
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Prenatal care
Prenatal care
What is prenatal care?
Why do I need prenatal care?
I am thinking about getting pregnant. How can I take care of myself?
I'm pregnant. What should I do — or not do — to take care of myself and my unborn baby?
Health care do's and don'ts
Food do's and don'ts
Lifestyle do's and don'ts
Environmental do's and don'ts
I don't want to get pregnant right now. Should I still take folic acid every day?
How often should I see my doctor during pregnancy?
What happens during prenatal visits?
I am in my late 30s and I want to get pregnant. Should I do anything special?
Where can I go to get free or reduced-cost prenatal care?
Did we answer your question about prenatal care?

Content: Why do I need prenatal care? Prenatal care can help keep you and your baby healthy. Babies of mothers who do not get prenatal care are three times more likely to have a low birth weight and five times more likely to die than those born to mothers who do get care. Doctors can spot health problems early when they see mothers regularly. This allows doctors to treat them early. Early treatment can cure many problems and prevent others. Doctors also can talk to pregnant women about things they can do to give their unborn babies a healthy start to life. I am thinking about getting pregnant. How can I take care of myself? You should start taking care of yourself before you start trying to get pregnant.