Prenatal Care

Best for you. Best for your baby. Women who receive prenatal care early and often are more likely to have a healthy pregnancy and safe birth.

Understand what to expect.

Prenatal care is the care you receive from your health care provider throughout your pregnancy.

A typical prenatal visit may include:

• Listen to your baby’s heartbeat
• Measure your weight and belly to chart the baby’s growth
• Check for signs of complications like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, substance use and preterm labor

Follow your recommended schedule of visits.

Start as early as possible. Make an appointment with your OB/GYN or primary care provider (PCP) when you find out or think you might be pregnant.

If your pregnancy is low-risk, plan to see your doctor:

• Once a month through your 28th week of pregnancy
• Than twice a month between weeks 29 and 36
• Than once a week until delivery

This schedule is only a guide. Your doctor may require more appointments with less time between visits if you have a high-risk pregnancy.

Reduce your risk of premature birth.

Healthy babies are worth the wait. Babies born prematurely (before 37 weeks) are more likely to have health problems.

You can lower your chances of premature birth by:

• Seeking prenatal care early in your pregnancy
• Eating a balanced diet
• Being active every day
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Getting medical conditions under control
• Avoiding substance use

See your doctor early and regularly in your pregnancy for prenatal care. If you need help finding a doctor, please call our OB Outreach and Case Management team at 1-800-888-2264, TTY 711.