Learning you're pregnant is just the beginning of an amazing journey. One of the very first and most important steps you can take after confirming your pregnancy is starting prenatal care. Prenatal care is the regular medical care you receive from a doctor or midwife throughout your pregnancy. It’s a cornerstone of ensuring the best possible health outcomes for both you and your developing baby.
At iChoose, we want to empower you with the information you need for a healthy pregnancy. Let's explore why prenatal care is so vital and what you can generally expect during those important appointments.
Why is Prenatal Care So Important?
Think of prenatal care as a partnership between you and your healthcare provider, working together to keep you and your baby healthy. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office on Women's Health, regular prenatal care helps to:
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Monitor Your Baby's Growth: Your provider tracks your baby’s development and checks for any potential concerns early on.
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Keep You Healthy: They monitor your health, manage any pre-existing conditions, and watch for pregnancy-related issues like gestational diabetes or high blood pressure.
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Provide Education: You’ll learn about what to expect during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, as well as how to care for yourself and your baby.
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Answer Your Questions: Prenatal visits are your time to ask questions and discuss any worries you might have.
Starting prenatal care early and attending all your scheduled visits significantly increases the chances of a healthy pregnancy and birth.
What Happens During Prenatal Visits?
Your prenatal care schedule will likely involve visits about once a month for the first two trimesters, then more frequently as you get closer to your due date. While each visit might vary slightly, here's what you can generally expect according to healthcare resources like the Mayo Clinic:
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Medical History & Physical Exam: At your first visit, your provider will ask detailed questions about your health history and perform a physical exam.
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Regular Checkups: At each visit, they will typically check your weight, blood pressure, and urine. They will also measure your growing belly (fundal height) and listen to your baby's heartbeat.
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Screening Tests: Throughout your pregnancy, you’ll be offered various tests (like blood tests and ultrasounds) to check on your health and the baby's development, and to screen for certain conditions.
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Discussions and Education: Your provider will talk with you about healthy eating, safe exercise, what changes to expect in your body, preparing for labor, and much more. This is your chance to ask anything that’s on your mind!
How iChoose Helps You Get Started
Before you even see an OB-GYN or midwife, iChoose can be your confidential first step. We help you get the essential information you need to begin your prenatal journey:
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Free Pregnancy Confirmation: Our lab-quality pregnancy tests and limited ultrasounds confirm your pregnancy, determine how far along you are, and check if the pregnancy is viable and located in the uterus. Getting these facts early is crucial. You can learn about all our free services here.
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Community Referrals: We can connect you with local healthcare providers and resources, including information on applying for programs like Medicaid if needed, to help you establish prenatal care.
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Support and Information: We provide a safe space to discuss your situation, understand your choices, and get the support you need as you take these first important steps.
Wrapping Up
Prenatal care is a vital investment in your health and the health of your baby. It provides monitoring, education, and support throughout your pregnancy journey. Taking that first step to schedule care is one of the most loving things you can do.
If you think you might be pregnant or need help finding resources to start prenatal care, iChoose is here for you. Schedule an appointment online or contact us today for free, confidential support.