If you have just found out that you’re pregnant, congratulations! This is a special time filled with exciting changes, numerous questions and new experiences One of the best things you can do for yourself, and your baby is to start prenatal care early and continue with regular checkups.
Prenatal care helps ensure a healthy pregnancy, safe delivery and a strong start for your baby. Whether you choose to see an OBGYN specialist, family medicine physician or a midwife, depending on your preference and medical history, receiving early and regular prenatal care is key to having a healthy pregnancy.
The Importance of prenatal care
Receiving early and adequate prenatal care can help prevent pregnancy complications and reduce the risk of health issues for both mother and baby, however, the US Department of Health and Human Services Healthy People 2030 data shows that only about 75% of women received early and adequate prenatal care in 2022.
What does it mean to receive early and adequate prenatal care?
Early prenatal care means establishing care in the first trimester (within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy). This is important to ensure that any medications you’re taking are safe during pregnancy and to determine an accurate due date. Knowing your due date helps your providermake important decisions later in pregnancy, such as managing pre-term labor (birth before 37 weeks) or post-term pregnancies (birth after 40 weeks).
How many prenatal visits should you have?
Recommendations for prenatal care visits defined by the World Health Organization (WHO)include at least 8 prenatal visits and at least one ultrasound before 24 weeks, whereas other clinical guidelines recommend at least 12 prenatal visits and two ultrasounds. According to a 2016 report from the CDC National Center for Health Statistics, adequate prenatal care meansestablishing care in the first trimester and attending about 80% or more of the recommended prenatal visits.
What to expect at your appointments
- During your first visits, your provider will also take a detailed medical history and family history and get an understanding about your thoughts and plans for your pregnancy. These appointments are a time for guidance and reassurance to ensure that not only the pregnancy is healthy, but that you as a person are supported. Mood changes are common during pregnancy, but your provider will also screen to make sure you are not developing more serious mental health conditions. If you are struggling with addiction, your provider may recommend resources to treat this while you are pregnant.
- For uncomplicated pregnancies, you will see your provider about every four weeks up until 28 weeks gestation. Prenatal visit frequency increases to every two weeks between 28 weeks and 36 weeks. After 36 weeks, you will see your provider weekly until delivery.The visit schedule is individualized and tailored to each patient’s specific needs. It is important to go to these appointments even if you feel well and have no concerns.
- During these prenatal visits, you may have labs drawn and your vitals recorded. Your provider will monitor your blood pressure and check for anemia. You may receive screening tests, like those that screen for gestational diabetes or test to see if you carry a bacteria called Group B Strep that needs to be treated with antibiotics when you are in labor and about to deliver.
- The baby’s heartbeat will be monitored during each prenatal visit and the size of your uterus will be measured as you go beyond 20 weeks.
Getting early and regular prenatal care is essential to having a healthy pregnancy. The prenatal visits are designed to provide information, counseling and guidance. These appointments are an opportunity to have questions answered and concerns addressed, as well as discussing delivery preferences with your provider. Do your best to stay active, eat nutritious foods, and keep these appointments. This is an exciting time, and your provider is available to support you every step of the way.
To find an OB/GYN, visit https://ngpg.org/obgyn/pregnancy.