When do i need prenatal care

Women can help to promote a healthy pregnancy and birth of a healthy baby by taking the following steps before they become pregnant: 1. Women who suspect they may be pregnant should schedule a visit to their health care provider to begin prenatal care. Prenatal visits to a health care provider usually include a physical exam, weight checks, and providing a urine sample. Depending on the stage of the pregnancy, health care providers may also do blood tests and imaging tests, such as ultrasound exams.

These visits also include discussions about the mother's health, the fetus's health, and any questions about the pregnancy. Pre-Pregnancy and prenatal care can help prevent complications and inform women about important steps they can take to protect their infant and ensure a healthy pregnancy.

With regular prenatal care women can:. Learn more about prenatal and pre-pregnancy care. Pre-Pregnancy Care. Women can help to promote a healthy pregnancy and birth of a healthy baby by taking the following steps before they become pregnant: 1 Develop a plan for their reproductive life. Depending on your health and preferences, you can pick an OB-GYN for your pregnancy , you can choose a certified nurse midwife for pregnancy care , or you may be able to see your primary care doctor.

If your pregnancy is uncomplicated, some clinics may encourage you to see as many different people as possible throughout your pregnancy, including OB-GYNs, certified nurse midwives and nurse practitioners.

At many clinics, you also have the option to see the same person for every visit. This is an important question to ask during your first visit. In some clinics, the same person you see during your prenatal visits will also be the one delivering your baby. Each situation has its own advantages. To help care givers understand your birth wishes, concerns and preferences, you could also write a birth plan using a template.

Your top priority is keeping you and your baby healthy. Women should prepare for pregnancy before becoming sexually active. Ideally, women should give themselves at least 3 months to prepare before getting pregnant. Birth defects of the brain and spine happen in the very early stages of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. By the time she finds out she is pregnant, it might be too late to prevent those birth defects.

Also, half of all pregnancies in the United States are not planned. For these reasons, all women who are able to get pregnant need to mcg of folic acid every day. Your doctor will give you a schedule of all the doctor's visits you should have while pregnant. Most experts suggest you see your doctor:. If you are older than 35 or your pregnancy is high risk, you'll probably see your doctor more often.

At the first visit, you should ask questions and discuss any issues related to your pregnancy. Find out all you can about how to stay healthy. Later prenatal visits will probably be shorter. Your doctor will check on your health and make sure the baby is growing as expected. Most prenatal visits will include:. While you're pregnant, you also will have some routine tests. Some tests are suggested for all women, such as blood work to check for anemia, your blood type, HIV, and other factors. Other tests might be offered based on your age, personal or family health history, your ethnic background, or the results of routine tests you have had.

Visit the pregnancy section of our website for more details on prenatal care and tests. As you age, you have an increasing chance of having a baby born with a birth defect.

Yet most women in their late 30s and early 40s have healthy babies. See your doctor regularly before you even start trying to get pregnant. She will be able to help you prepare your body for pregnancy. She will also be able to tell you about how age can affect pregnancy. During your pregnancy, seeing your doctor regularly is very important. Because of your age, your doctor will probably suggest some extra tests to check on your baby's health.

More and more women are waiting until they are in their 30s and 40s to have children. While many women of this age have no problems getting pregnant, fertility does decline with age. Women over 40 who don't get pregnant after six months of trying should see their doctors for a fertility evaluation.

Experts define infertility as the inability to become pregnant after trying for one year. If a woman keeps having miscarriages, it's also called infertility. If you think you or your partner may be infertile, talk to your doctor. Doctors are able to help many infertile couples go on to have healthy babies.

Women in every state can get help to pay for medical care during their pregnancies. This prenatal care can help you have a healthy baby. Every state in the United States has a program to help.

Programs give medical care, information, advice, and other services important for a healthy pregnancy. For more information about prenatal care, call womenshealth. Department of Health and Human Services. Prenatal care: 1st trimester visits Pregnancy and prenatal care go hand in hand. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information.

Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Lockwood CJ, et al. Prenatal care: Initial assessment.

Accessed July 9, Prenatal care and tests. Office on Women's Health. Cunningham FG, et al. Prenatal care. In: Williams Obstetrics. New York, N. Lockwood CJ, et al. Prenatal care: Second and third trimesters. WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience.

World Health Organization. Bastian LA, et al.