What Is Prenatal Care?
Prenatal care is medical care during pregnancy. Visiting a prenatal care clinic or your doctor will put pregnancy on the right path. Prenatal care consists of screening and regular doctor visits to determine appropriate care tailored to your needs.
A healthy pregnancy can translate into a healthy birth. The best way to ensure a healthy pregnancy and birth is through prenatal care.
Prenatal Care Near Me
Women’s Care of Bradenton is a prenatal care clinic specializing in obstetrics and gynecology in Bradenton, Florida. Not only do we provide comprehensive personal care to women of all ages, but Women’s Care of Bradenton is there every step of the way to provide healthy and safe pregnancy.
Our board-certified OB-GYN and a team of health experts will provide compassionate care for you and your baby. Collaboration is critical for a healthy pregnancy. If you are pregnant or are thinking about pregnancy, book a consultation with us, and we would be happy to discuss the best prenatal care for you!
The Benefits of Prenatal Care
During pregnancy, it is vital to take care of yourself and the life that is growing inside of you. When women are planning to become pregnant, they will take essential vitamins to equip their bodies.
Many women have difficulty getting pregnant because their body is not in shape to support life. If a woman experiences an unplanned pregnancy, their care clinic will immediately provide essential supplements.
Pregnant women need to double up on nourishment to support two lives successfully. In addition to nourishing the growing life and the mother, supplements help ease erratic symptoms from hormonal changes.
Pregnancy can be risky. Complications can arise from physical changes. Prenatal care can help to reduce complications during or after pregnancy.
Pre-Pregnancy Care
If a woman is planning on getting pregnant or trying to conceive, there are specific steps she can take to prepare her body. The measures will prepare a woman for what is to come and make sure their body is in good shape for pregnancy. A woman who wants to have a healthy pregnancy should:
- Make sure to take at least 400mcg daily of folic acid daily.
- Plan for what reproductive life would look like for you.
- Control or manage other health conditions.
- Have a health workup to determine proper health or any medical conditions.
- Have all appropriate and recommended immunizations.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Stop drinking, smoking, or doing drugs.
- Address any mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
- Gather a family medical history from both you and your partner.
Prenatal Care Timeline
Women who think they are pregnant should visit their healthcare provider for prenatal care. The prenatal care timeline begins with checkups and regular visits with a doctor during the stages of pregnancy. A woman can expect urine samples, weight checks, and a physical exam from a prenatal care visit.
An ultrasound scan or blood and imaging tests may be administered depending on the stage of pregnancy. There may be a general discussion on health and your plans.
Prenatal care can detect problems that could arise during pregnancy. It is essential to diagnose any irregularities early to mitigate or recognize the severity through screening.
Screening consists of a variety of tests. A healthcare provider would recommend if you are a candidate based on symptoms or history. The screening can determine if your child will have specific health conditions or a chromosomal disorder.
Prenatal care is all about preventative measures. Prenatal care will help diagnose and address specific issues early before they become more severe or threatening. Regular prenatal care may consist of:
- The reduction of risky activities. Smoking, drinking, or drug use can cause complications in the fetus. Smoking while pregnant can lead the fetus to have Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause the risk of fetal spectrum disorders. Fetal spectrum disorders cause your child’s risk of abnormal facial features, intellectual disabilities, coordination problems, memory problems, kidneys, bones, and heart issues.
- Maintaining the mother’s health to reduce pregnancy complications. Pregnant women should follow a good diet and regular exercise. It is also important to limit exposure to harmful substances like lead and radiation. Pre-existing health conditions, like diabetes or blood pressure, need to be monitored and controlled. If a mother’s health is not optimal, there is a chance the child’s health could suffer. Pregnant women can experience complications and effects if their health is not maintained.
- Ensure all medication is safe for pregnancy. Your women’s healthcare provider should review all medications or supplements after they are aware of your pregnancy. Certain medications, even herbal ones, can harm both you and your child’s safety.
- Increase folic acid intake. Pregnant women need to have the proper intake of folic acid. Folic acid maintains pregnant health and reduces neural tube defects. Your prenatal care clinic can help determine which prenatal vitamins to opt for. Expectant mothers can consume folate found in leafy greens and orange juice as well. However, women must note that folate does not absorb as well as folic acid.
The Goals Benefits of Prenatal Care
Prenatal care reduces and limits complications during pregnancy. Women’s Care of Bradenton can help you build the most effective plan and strategy to have the safest and healthiest pregnancy possible. Prenatal care is so crucial for both you and your baby’s health.
Pregnant women should visit their doctor at least once a month during the first six months of pregnancy to ensure the pregnancy is on the right track. During the seventh and eighth months of pregnancy, women should schedule a doctor’s visit every two weeks. In the last month of pregnancy, women should go to their doctor every week.
High-risk pregnancies will need special care or more frequent doctor visits. During these doctor’s visits, a doctor will monitor the health of the pregnancy. Women can expect to have their health monitored. During doctor visits regarding pregnancy, women can expect:
- Weight gain to be measured.
- The doctor checks the heart rate and growth of the baby to be monitored frequently.
- Blood pressure checks.
- There will likely be a discussion on diet and exercise.
- A doctor may administer screens and tests to determine a baby’s specific health conditions.
- Some visits may monitor the child’s positioning as a woman’s body prepares for birth.
- Some doctors may suggest or offer classes on birthing or education on how to take care of a bay.
Women’s Care of Bradenton Is Here for You!
During the exciting time of pregnancy, Women’s Care of Bradenton will give you all the necessary support and healthcare for a safe pregnancy. Our experienced staff is here to provide the highest quality care.
Prenatal care is the foundation of a healthy pregnancy. We are here to help ensure you have the best care and advice possible! Reach out to us and schedule a consultation for the best obstetrics and gynecology service. It is our mission to care for women of all ages in the aspects of female well-being.