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62 million American women are in their reproductive years, between the ages of 15 to 44. 7 out of 10 of these women are sexually active and do not want to become pregnant.
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Advancing women's health by creating an environment in which the public and elected officials confidently support women's health policy.

Prenatal Care

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Prenatal care is the care you get while you are pregnant. This care can be provided by a doctor, midwife or other health care professional.

The goal of prenatal care is to monitor the progress of a pregnancy and to identify potential problems before they become serious for either mom or baby.

Five Ways To Have A Healthy Pregnancy and Baby

1. See a doctor or other health care provider from the start of your pregnancy.

2. Don’t drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes or take drugs.

3. Eat healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, low-fat milk, eggs, cheese, and grains.

4. Take good care of your health and exercise sensibly.

5. Have your baby checked by a doctor or health care provider right after birth and throughout childhood.
  • As soon as you think you are pregnant, call your health care provider to find out when you should come in for your first prenatal care appointment.
  • During your pregnancy, make sure you attend all of your prenatal care appointments, even if you’re feeling fine.
  • Sometimes getting to an appointment may be difficult or it may seem like a waste of time. For the sake of your baby, though, make getting prenatal care a priority.
  • Ideally, it's best to see your provider before you become pregnant. This is called a preconception visit. This visit can address concerns and issues before you get pregnant.
A Typical Prenatal Care Schedule
A typical prenatal care schedule for a low-risk woman with a normally progressing pregnancy is:

Weeks 4 to 28: 1 visit per month (every 4 weeks)
Weeks 28 to 36: 2 visits per month (every 2 to 3 weeks)
Weeks 36 to birth: 1 visit per week

A woman with a chronic medical condition or a “high-risk” pregnancy may have to see her health care provider more often. Make sure you go to all your prenatal care appointments, even if you’re feeling fine.

Helpful Links

March of Dimes Prenatal Care Information

A Healthy Start: Begin Before Baby's Born

Wisconsin Association for Perinatal Care

womenshealth.gov Prenatal Care Information

First Breath - a program to help pregnant women quit smoking

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