Before you get pregnant
- Take good care of yourself. Eat healthy foods, get plenty of exercise.
- Get a physical exam & ask your provider any questions you might have.
- If you smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs, STOP! Get help if you need to.
- Ask your provider about taking folic acid. It may help to prevent some birth defects.
- If you have diabetes, talk to your provider about the risks of getting pregnant.
- Get prenatal care RIGHT AWAY . as soon as you learn that you are pregnant!
During your first pregnancy visit your provider will:
- Take a complete medical history
- Do a urine and blood test to make sure you are healthy
- Do tests to make sure you do not have any sexually transmitted diseases (STD's)
- Complete a physical and pelvic exam
- Review any medications and vitamins you are taking
- Discuss how to take care of yourself while you are pregnant
- Determine your expected delivery date
During pregnancy follow-up visits
Your provider will schedule your visits to meet your needs. Plan to see your provider for all scheduled visits and call the office if you can't keep an appointment. As you get closer to your delivery date, the visits will be more frequent. The recommended schedule of visits is:
| First visit |
Call your provider to schedule your first prenatal visit AS SOON AS YOU FIND OUT YOU ARE PREGNANT! |
| 6 to 28 weeks |
Monthly |
| 28 to 36 weeks |
Every two weeks |
| 36 to 40 weeks |
Every week |
| Over 40 weeks |
At least weekly |
| Note: Visits may be more often if your provider feels it necessary or if you are high risk. |
After you have had your baby
You will need to make an appointment to get a check up after you have your baby. Call your provider right away and schedule your "Postpartum check up". It is important that you do not miss your check up!
| Within 3 to 6 weeks after you have your baby |
Postpartum (after delivery) check up |
- Any questions or problems you may be having
- Postpartum activity and exercise
- Eating healthy foods especially if you are breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding support
- If you are feeling sad or if you have "the baby blues"
- How to take care of your new baby
- Infant car seat use
- Birth control and planning future pregnancies