Title: Pregnancy Care: Overview, Prenatal & Postnatal Care
Headings: Pregnancy Care
Pregnancy Care
Overview
Prenatal Care
During Pregnancy
Postpartum Care
Getting Enough Rest
Eating Right
Vaginal Care
The Takeaway

Content: Babies born to mothers who lack prenatal care have triple the chance of being born at a low birth weight. Newborns with low birth weight are five times more likely to die than those whose mothers received prenatal care. Prenatal care ideally starts at least three months before you begin trying to conceive. Some healthy habits to follow during this period include: quitting smoking and drinking alcohol
taking folic acid supplements daily (400 to 800 micrograms)
talking to your doctor about your medical conditions, dietary supplements, and any over-the-counter or prescription drugs that you take
avoiding all contact with toxic substances and chemicals at home or work that could be harmful
During Pregnancy
Once you become pregnant, you’ll need to schedule regular healthcare appointments throughout each stage of your pregnancy. A schedule of visits may involve seeing your doctor: every month in the first six months you are pregnant
every two weeks in the seventh and eighth months you are pregnant
every week during your ninth month of pregnancy
During these visits, your doctor will check your health and the health of your baby. Visits may include: taking routine tests and screenings, such as a blood test to check for anemia, HIV, and your blood type
monitoring your blood pressure
measuring your weight gain
monitoring the baby’s growth and heart rate
talking about special diet and exercise
Later visits may also include checking the baby’s position and noting changes in your body as you prepare for birth. Your doctor may also offer special classes at different stages of your pregnancy.