While pregnancy is a natural and beautiful process and not an illness, it is important to involve your health care provider in that process in order to make sure that things are going as they should. After all, you should do anything you can to ensure you have a healthy, problem-free pregnancy.
Why is Prenatal Care So Important?
There are so many reasons why you should be getting prenatal care. Visiting your health care provider regularly through out your pregnancy helps to catch problems early to prevent serious complications. It allows you to ask your provider questions as they arise. It also gives your doctor or midwife a chance to make sure that you are not taking any medications or making lifestyle choices that could harm your baby. Finally, it can provide a unique opportunity to bond with the life you are carrying. Being able to see your baby on an ultrasound or hear a heart beat can be magical.
What Happens During a Check-Up?
Your first visit is likely to be a little more involved than the rest. You will be asked to submit a urine sample as well as having blood drawn. Your height, blood pressure and weight will be recorded. You will also probably have a full physical including pelvic exam. They will calculate your due date and give you the chance to ask questions.
Later examinations usually do not take as long. Mostly, these will include checking the progression of your weight, measuring your abdomen and listening to your baby’s heart beat. It will also be an opportunity to keep your health care provider up to date on any new developments.
It is in your best interest and the best interest of your baby to begin prenatal care as soon as you find out you are pregnant. Prenatal care is nothing of which you need be afraid. On the contrary, it can help to prevent complications and ensure you have a healthy baby. And isn’t a happy, healthy baby the goal?
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