Prenatal care

Prenatal care is the healthcare a woman receives when she is pregnant. It includes care given by her healthcare provider and the care she gives herself. The first visit with a healthcare provider should be scheduled when pregnancy is suspected.

A woman's first prenatal visit may be as long as an hour. It will provide information that can be used to help monitor for any problems that may develop as her pregnancy progresses. The provider will ask questions to obtain a thorough medical history and will include a complete physical exam with a Pap test.

Good care during pregnancy includes regularly scheduled prenatal exams. The provider will schedule visits monthly up to the seventh month and then every 1 to 2 weeks during the eighth and ninth months. Regular prenatal visits include the following checks:

• weight
• blood pressure
• urine test for sugar, protein, or bacteria
• the baby's heartbeat and
• measuring the size of the uterus to be sure the baby is growing well

At different times during the pregnancy, additional exams and tests are performed. While some are routine, others are only done when a problem is suspected or the woman has a risk factor for a problem.

Self-care is the prenatal care that a woman gives herself every day during her pregnancy. This includes:

• eating healthy meals that include protein foods, grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables
• drinking 8 glasses or more of water each day
• taking vitamins and supplements as recommended by the provider
• getting regular exercise
• relaxing by taking breaks from work or chores
• releasing emotions by sharing joys and fears with others
• learning more about pregnancy, labor, and delivery and
• preparing for the lifestyle changes a new baby will bring

Use your prenatal visits to discuss your pregnancy concerns or problems with your provider. Write down questions before each visit so that you will not forget about certain concerns or problems you have.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File PREG4892.RF2 VRS# 4892 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999-2000, 2002 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.