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Prenatal care is the comprehensive care that women receive
and provide for themselves throughout their pregnancy. Women who begin prenatal care early
in their pregnancies have better pregnancy outcomes than women who receive little or no
care during their pregnancies. Prenatal care includes:
- Periodic, regular visits to a health
care provider
- Good nutrition
- Regular physical activity
- Awareness and monitoring of
warning
signs
- Avoidance of the use of unhealthy substances
What are some things to plan for before the baby
arrives?
In addition to good prenatal care, during pregnancy it is
also important to investigate and make plans for a variety of important postpartum
decisions, such as:
- Breastfeeding
- Postpartum family planning
- Finding a pediatrician
What are the unhealthy
substances to avoid during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, it is important to avoid certain substances
that could harm the developing fetus. Women should consult with their health care provider
before taking any prescription or non-prescription medications. The following substances
should be avoided:
- Alcohol
- Other Drug Use
- Cigarette smoking and other tobacco use
- X-rays
- Lead
- Common over-the-counter medications
- Other medications (such as those for seizures, cancer, acne)
Prenatal visits with a health care provider
Studies have shown that women who begin regular prenatal care
during the first trimester of pregnancy have better birth outcomes. Although good prenatal
care depends on self-care, it is also important to have periodic and regular visits with a
health care provider (usually a midwife or physician). Such visits can help women to
monitor their pregnancies and seek advice along the way. Health care providers can also
help to detect and manage any warning signs that might occur during pregnancy.
Health care providers can be important partners with women
and their families before, during, and after pregnancy. In many countries, there are
various alternatives for maternity care. Depending on where you live, you may be able to
choose your health care provider and birthplace. Different types of providers have unique
characteristics, and you should feel comfortable with the philosophy and background of the
provider that you choose. Midwives are trained to provide care for women with low-risk
pregnancies, whereas physicians (usually obstetricians) care for patients with both low
and high-risk pregnancies.
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