Prenatal Care

Prenatal care is vital to the health of both you and your baby. It encompasses low-risk pregnancies as well as high risk pregnancies involving gestational diabetes, cervical incompetence, hypertension, preeclampsia, or pre-term labor. 

Routine testing is an important part of prenatal care as it provides. information about the mother and the baby’s health.

Tests include:

• hCG – to diagnose pregnancy
• Alphafetoprotein screening – indicates risk of fetal neural tube defects
• Ultrasound – detects any abnormalities in the baby
• Glucose screening – checks for gestational diabetes

If you are over 35 years old and are a high-risk patient, your doctor may also recommend an amniocentesis or Chorionic Villus Sampling to detect any birth defects in your baby.

It is also important during this time to take prenatal vitamins and eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. While prenatal vitamins provide the supplements, such as iron and folic acid, needed during pregnancy, a well-balanced diet provides energy for the mother-to-be and nutrients for the baby.

Care for You & Your Baby

Throughout pregnancy, you can expect your prenatal provider to:

• Answer your questions and address your concerns
• Check on your and your baby’s health during routine exams
• Care for medical conditions you may have
• Provide education on nutrition, lifestyle habits, and pregnancy health
• Give guidance on medications, vitamins, or supplements that could affect your baby
• Help you develop a personalized birth plan, including a variety of options to ease pain during labor and delivery
• Support your choices and preferences in collaboration with your provider’s recommendations
• Connect you with breastfeeding services
• Provide postpartum care and support immediately after your baby is born

Prenatal Care Specialists

Choose one of these healthcare professionals to help you have a healthy pregnancy and childbirth.