WHY IS PRENATAL CARE IMPORTANT?
Prenatal care is medical care you get during pregnancy. It is an important part of staying healthy during pregnancy.
We monitor your future baby's development and do routine testing to help find and prevent possible problems. These regular checkups are also a great time to learn how to ease any discomfort you may be having, and ask any other questions about your pregnancy and the birth of your future baby.
THE GOALS
The goal of prenatal care is not only to provide the best care for the pregnant woman and the unborn child, but also to prepare the mother-to-be for the delivery of a healthy baby. In addition, counseling and guidance are provided regarding various aspects of pregnancy, including weight gain, exercise, nutrition, and overall health. A typical prenatal visit may include any of the following measurements and procedures.
- Weight and Blood Pressure measurement
- Measurement of the uterus to check for proper growth of the fetus
- Physical examination of the mother to identify problems or discomforts
- Urine test to measure sugar and protein levels
- Fetal heart rate measurement
- Prenatal screening tests (such as blood tests to check for anemia)