What is Prenatal Care?
Prenatal Care is the health care you receive while pregnant. You can take care of yourself and your baby by:
Why do I need prenatal care?
Prenatal care helps to keep both you and your baby healthy. Babies of mothers who do not get prenatal care are 3 times more likely to have a low birth weight and 5 times more likely to die than those born to mothers who do get care.
Doctors and nurses can spot health problems early when they see mothers on a regular basis, allowing for early intervention if necessary. Early treatment can cure many problems and prevent others. Your health care team can also talk to pregnant women about things they can do to give their babies a healthy start to life, such as information on healthy diet, nutritional supplementation, and lifestyle advice.
Information on Social Justice
African-American women are 3-4 more likely than white women to die of pregnancy-related complications. African-American women are more likely to die from ectopic pregnancies and preeclampsia. African-American women are also more likely to leak amniotic fluids during pregnancy, which can lead to infection. For African-American women, the risk of pregnancy-related death goes up greatly with age. We are unsure as to why African-American women have such high rates of pregnancy-related death. One study suggests that limited access to health care may be one contributing factor, stating that pregnant African-American women were more than 2 times as likely as white women to get late or no prenatal care. Most of the women in the study said they wanted earlier prenatal care, but could not get it due to lack of money, insurance, or not being able to get an appointment.
What if I can't afford prenatal care?
If you are unable to financially pay for treatment, don't worry. Women in every state can get help to pay for medical care during their pregnancies for free or at a cost-reduced rate. Prenatal care is vital and can help you stay healthy, as well as 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.
To find out about the program in your state:
Prenatal Care is the health care you receive while pregnant. You can take care of yourself and your baby by:
- Seeking early prenatal care. If you know you're pregnant, or think you might be, call your doctor to schedule an appointment
- Seeking regular prenatal care. Your doctor will schedule many checkups for you over the course of your pregnancy.
- Don't miss any appointments... they are all important! Most experts suggest you see your doctor:
- About once each month for weeks 4 through 28
- Twice a month for weeks 28 through 36
- Weekly for weeks 36 to birth
- About once each month for weeks 4 through 28
- Following your doctor's advice
- Maintaining good oral health by regular dental check ups and good oral hygiene practices
- Seeking treatment for back or pelvic pain. Physical therapy can help alleviate these symptoms.
- Seeking counseling if you are in distress. Help is available and you are not alone.
Why do I need prenatal care?
Prenatal care helps to keep both you and your baby healthy. Babies of mothers who do not get prenatal care are 3 times more likely to have a low birth weight and 5 times more likely to die than those born to mothers who do get care.
Doctors and nurses can spot health problems early when they see mothers on a regular basis, allowing for early intervention if necessary. Early treatment can cure many problems and prevent others. Your health care team can also talk to pregnant women about things they can do to give their babies a healthy start to life, such as information on healthy diet, nutritional supplementation, and lifestyle advice.
Information on Social Justice
African-American women are 3-4 more likely than white women to die of pregnancy-related complications. African-American women are more likely to die from ectopic pregnancies and preeclampsia. African-American women are also more likely to leak amniotic fluids during pregnancy, which can lead to infection. For African-American women, the risk of pregnancy-related death goes up greatly with age. We are unsure as to why African-American women have such high rates of pregnancy-related death. One study suggests that limited access to health care may be one contributing factor, stating that pregnant African-American women were more than 2 times as likely as white women to get late or no prenatal care. Most of the women in the study said they wanted earlier prenatal care, but could not get it due to lack of money, insurance, or not being able to get an appointment.
What if I can't afford prenatal care?
If you are unable to financially pay for treatment, don't worry. Women in every state can get help to pay for medical care during their pregnancies for free or at a cost-reduced rate. Prenatal care is vital and can help you stay healthy, as well as 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.
To find out about the program in your state:
- Call 800-311-BABY (800-311-2229). This toll-free telephone number will connect you to the Health Department in your area code.
- For information in Spanish, call 800-504-7081.
- Contact your local Health Department.