Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is the health care you get while pregnant. Schedule a prenatal
visit as soon as you think that you are pregnant. These visits help you have a
healthy pregnancy and can help find problems before they become serious for
you or your baby. Your doctor will want to see you every 4-6 weeks for the
first 6 months of pregnancy. You will need to see your doctor more often
during the last three months of pregnancy.
This is a guide. If you have problems, the doctor may want to see you more
often or do more tests.
What to Expect at Your Prenatal Visits
• Your first visit will be your longest visit. During this visit:
─ Your height, weight and blood pressure are checked.
─ Your blood is drawn to check for diseases and low iron levels. You will
be asked if you want to test for HIV.
─ You will need to give a urine sample to check for infection, sugar and
protein.
─ You will be given a due date, an estimate of the day your baby will be
born.
─ You will be asked questions about you, your partner, family members,
and medicines and herbs you are taking.
─ Your doctor will do a physical exam including a pelvic exam with pap
smear.
─ The doctor will tell you to start taking a prenatal vitamin with folic
acid.
─ Make an appointment for your next visit.
• At all prenatal visits:
─ Your blood pressure, weight, urine, and general health are checked.
─ Your baby’s heart rate and growth are checked.
─ Other tests such as a blood test or an ultrasound may be done.
─ Ask questions and share any concerns about yourself and your
baby.
• Tests
You may have the following tests:
─ Blood tests to check for:
○ Blood type