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Pregnancy care

Getting good care before, during, and after your pregnancy is very important. It can help your baby grow and develop and keep you both healthy. It is the best way to be sure your little one gets a head start on a healthy life.

Pregnancy care - Animation

It's always important to take good care of your health, but never more so than when you're pregnant. You're not only caring for your own body, you're also nurturing and growing a new human being. Let's talk about pregnancy care. During the nine or so months of your pregnancy, you'll see a lot of your ob/gyn. In fact, you should visit your doctor once a month during the first seven months of your pregnancy. Then you should see your doctor once every 2 or 3 weeks until your ninth month, and finally every week until you deliver. You might also see your regular doctor, a nurse midwife, or, if you have any complications, a perinatologist who specializes in high-risk pregnancies. That might sound like a lot of visits, but the goal is to keep a close eye on both you and your growing baby. Your doctor will check your baby's heart rate, and measure how quickly you're gaining weight. You'll likely have at least one ultrasound, where you can actually get to see your baby and find out the gender, unless you want it to be a surprise. Throughout your pregnancy, your doctor will monitor you for any health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. At your regular prenatal visits, your doctor can give you advice about what to eat and how much to exercise. You can also ask about all those weird symptoms you've been having, like morning sickness, food cravings, and the constant urge to use the bathroom. There are a few things you need to do while you're pregnant to make sure you and your baby are healthy. First, you have to take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day. Folic acid is especially important right before you get pregnant, and during the first trimester of your pregnancy because it helps your baby's brain and spinal cord form. Taking folic acid can help prevent birth defects like spina bifida. One thing you need to avoid is alcohol. When you're craving a glass of wine or beer, have some sparkling water, grape juice, or ginger ale instead. Alcohol can be very dangerous for your baby. Also don't take any medicines without talking to your doctor first. That includes over-the-counter medicines like aspirin and cold relievers. Caffeine is okay, but only in moderation. Limit yourself to one cup of coffee, instead of your regular two or three. Don't smoke and stay away from anyone who is smoking. Cigarette smoke deprives your baby of oxygen. It can stunt your child's growth, and lead to birth defects such as a cleft lip or palate. If you're pregnant and you haven't seen a doctor yet, now is the time to call. The sooner you get prenatal care, the more likely that your baby will be born healthy. Let your doctor know if you have a condition like diabetes, seizures, or high blood pressure, or if you've been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection, chemicals, or radiation. Get medical help right away during your pregnancy if you have a fever, painful urination, vaginal bleeding, or severe stomach pain. Call if your water breaks, or you're not feeling your baby moving and it's near the end of your pregnancy.

PRENATAL CARE

Good prenatal care includes good nutrition and health habits before and during pregnancy. Ideally, you should talk with your health care provider before you start trying to become pregnant. Here are some things you will need to do:

Choose a provider: You will want to choose a provider for your pregnancy and childbirth. This provider will provide prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum services.

Take folic acid: If you are considering becoming pregnant, or are pregnant, you should take a supplement with at least 600 micrograms (0.6 mg) of folic acid every day. Taking folic acid will decrease the risk for certain birth defects. Prenatal vitamins almost always contain more than 600 micrograms (0.6 mg) of folic acid per capsule or tablet.

You should also:

  • Talk with your provider about any medicines you take. This includes over-the-counter medicines. You should only take medicines your provider says are safe to take while you are pregnant.
  • Avoid all alcohol and recreational drug use and limit caffeine.
  • Quit smoking, if you smoke.

Go for prenatal visits and tests: You will see your provider many times during your pregnancy for prenatal care. The number of visits and types of exams you receive will change, depending on where you are in your pregnancy:

Talk with your provider about the different tests you may receive during your pregnancy. These tests can help your provider see how your baby is developing and if there are any problems with your pregnancy. These tests may include:

  • Ultrasound tests to see how your baby is growing and help establish a due date
  • Glucose tests to check for gestational diabetes
  • Blood test to check for normal fetal DNA in your blood
  • Fetal echocardiography to check the baby's heart
  • Amniocentesis to check for birth defects and genetic problems
  • Nuchal translucency test (vaginal ultrasound) to check for problems with the baby's genes
  • Tests to check for sexually transmitted disease
  • Blood type testing such as Rh and ABO
  • Blood tests for anemia
  • Blood tests to follow any chronic illness you had before becoming pregnant

Depending on your family history, you may choose to screen for genetic problems. There are many things to think about before doing genetic testing. Your provider can help you decide if this is right for you.

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you may need to see your provider more often and have additional tests.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING PREGNANCY

Your provider will talk with you about how to manage common pregnancy complaints such as:

No two pregnancies are the same. Some women have few or mild symptoms during pregnancy. Many women work their full term and travel while they are pregnant. Others may have to cut back on their hours or stop working. Some women require bed rest for a few days or possibly weeks to continue with a healthy pregnancy.

POSSIBLE PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS

Pregnancy is a complex process. While many women have normal pregnancies, complications can occur. However, having a complication does not mean you will not have a healthy baby. It means your provider will monitor you closely and take special care of you and your baby during the remainder of your term.

Common complications include:

It can be scary to think about possible problems. But it is important to be aware so you can tell your provider if you notice unusual symptoms.

LABOR AND DELIVERY

Talk with your provider about what to expect during labor and delivery. You can make your wishes known by creating a birth plan. Talk with your provider about what to include in your birth plan. You may want to include things like:

It is also a good idea to make a list of things to bring to the hospital. Pack a bag ahead of time so you have it ready to go when you go into labor.

As you get close to your due date, you will notice certain changes. It is not always easy to tell when you will go into labor. Your provider can tell you when it is time to come in for an exam or go to the hospital for delivery.

Talk with your provider about what happens if you pass your due date. Depending on your age and risk factors, your provider may need to induce labor around 39 to 42 weeks.

Once labor begins, you can use a number of strategies to get through labor.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOUR CHILD IS BORN

Having a baby is an exciting and wonderful event. It is also hard work for the mother. You will need to take care of yourself in the first few weeks after delivery. The type of care you will need depends on how you delivered your baby.

If you had a vaginal delivery, you will likely spend 1 to 2 days in the hospital before you go home.

If you had a C-section, you will stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 days before going home. Your provider will explain how to care for yourself at home as you heal.

If you are able to breastfeed, there are many benefits to breastfeeding. It can also help you lose your pregnancy weight.

Be patient with yourself as you learn to breastfeed. It can take 2 to 3 weeks to learn the skill of nursing your baby. There is a lot to learn, such as:

If you need help, there are many resources for new mothers.

WHEN TO CALL YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

Call your provider if you are pregnant or think you are pregnant and:

  • You take medicines for diabetes, thyroid disease, seizures, depression, or high blood pressure or any other medical condition
  • You are not getting prenatal care
  • You cannot manage common pregnancy symptoms without medicines
  • You might have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection, chemicals, radiation, or unusual pollutants

Call your provider immediately if you are pregnant and you:

  • Have a fever, chills, or painful urination
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Severe belly pain
  • Physical or severe emotional trauma
  • Have your water break (membranes rupture)
  • Are in the last half of your pregnancy and notice the baby is moving less or not at all

Test Your Pregnancy Knowledge

  • You should see your doctor before you get pregnant.

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is true. To help ensure a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby, see your health care provider for a prepregnancy visit. This is care you receive before you get pregnant. Your health care provider will check for any problems that might affect you and your baby. You'll also learn what you can do to have a healthy baby. 

  • You should take a prenatal vitamin with at least ____ of folic acid every day.

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is 400 micrograms. Folic acid helps reduce the risk of birth defects in a baby's brain and spine. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, take at least 400 micrograms of folic acid every day. Pregnant women may need even higher levels of folic acid. Ask your health care provider which amount is best for you.

  • The goals of prenatal care include:

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is all of the above. Regular prenatal visits help your health care provider check your health and your baby's health. Prenatal care can help you manage any problems that may come up during your pregnancy. Talk with your health care provider about how many prenatal visits you'll need during your pregnancy.

  • Pregnant women should avoid:

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is A, B, and C. Pregnant women should avoid all alcohol and drug use and not smoke. These habits can harm both you and your baby. Talk with your health care provider if you need help stopping. It's fine to have caffeine as long as you don't have more than 200 mg per day, which is equal to one 12-ounce (340 ml) cup of coffee.

  • Some medicines and herbal remedies can harm your baby.

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is true. Some medicines and herbal remedies may interfere with your baby's development. This includes both prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Ask which medicines are safe during pregnancy. Don't stop taking any medicine before talking with your health care provider.

  • Pregnant women should not exercise.

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is false. It's true that some women with high-risk pregnancies may need to limit their activities. But as long as your doctor gives the go-ahead, it's safe to exercise while you are pregnant. Walking, cycling, and swimming are good choices. Avoid contact sports and activities that put you at risk for falling.

  • Which of the following is NOT a common pregnancy symptom?

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is bleeding from the vagina. This may be a sign that you are going into labor early (preterm labor), so tell your health care provider right away if you notice bleeding. Other common pregnancy symptoms include swelling in your legs, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and shortness of breath.

  • You should call your doctor for which of the following symptoms:

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is any of the above. You should also call your doctor if you are in the last half of your pregnancy and notice the baby is moving less or not at all.

  • Which of the following can lead to a high-risk pregnancy?

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is any of the above. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, your health care provider will monitor you closely throughout your pregnancy. Doing so can help make sure you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

  • A woman can always tell when she goes into labor.

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is false. It isn’t always easy to know when you’re going into labor. The steps leading up to labor can last for days. You may have false labor a month or even a day before true labor starts. Call your health care provider if you think you may be going into labor. He or she can tell you whether to come in for an exam.
Review Date: 1/1/2023

Reviewed By

John D. Jacobson, MD, Professor Emeritus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Internal review and update on 02/06/2024 by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

References

Greenberg JM, Narendran V, Brady JM, Nathan AT, Haberman BB. Neonatal morbidities of prenatal and perinatal origin. In: Lockwood CJ, Copel JA, Dugoff L, et al, eds. Creasy and Resnik's Maternal-Fetal Medicine: Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 73.

Gregory KD, Ramos DE, Jauniaux ERM. Preconception and prenatal care. In: Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 5.

Kumar G. Early pregnancy care. In: Layden EA, Thomson A, Owen P, Madhra M, Magowan BA, eds. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Limited; 2023:chap 6.

Disclaimer

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Pregnancy care - Animation

It's always important to take good care of your health, but never more so than when you're pregnant. You're not only caring for your own body, you're also nurturing and growing a new human being. Let's talk about pregnancy care.

During the nine or so months of your pregnancy, you'll see a lot of your ob/gyn. In fact, you should visit your doctor once a month during the first seven months of your pregnancy. Then you should see your doctor once every 2 or 3 weeks until your ninth month, and finally every week until you deliver. You might also see your regular doctor, a nurse midwife, or, if you have any complications, a perinatologist who specializes in high-risk pregnancies.

That might sound like a lot of visits, but the goal is to keep a close eye on both you and your growing baby. Your doctor will check your baby's heart rate, and measure how quickly you're gaining weight. You'll likely have at least one ultrasound, where you can actually get to see your baby and find out the gender, unless you want it to be a surprise. Throughout your pregnancy, your doctor will monitor you for any health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

At your regular prenatal visits, your doctor can give you advice about what to eat and how much to exercise. You can also ask about all those weird symptoms you've been having, like morning sickness, food cravings, and the constant urge to use the bathroom.

There are a few things you need to do while you're pregnant to make sure you and your baby are healthy. First, you have to take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day. Folic acid is especially important right before you get pregnant, and during the first trimester of your pregnancy because it helps your baby's brain and spinal cord form. Taking folic acid can help prevent birth defects like spina bifida.

One thing you need to avoid is alcohol. When you're craving a glass of wine or beer, have some sparkling water, grape juice, or ginger ale instead. Alcohol can be very dangerous for your baby. Also don't take any medicines without talking to your doctor first. That includes over-the-counter medicines like aspirin and cold relievers. Caffeine is okay, but only in moderation. Limit yourself to one cup of coffee, instead of your regular two or three. Don't smoke and stay away from anyone who is smoking. Cigarette smoke deprives your baby of oxygen. It can stunt your child's growth, and lead to birth defects such as a cleft lip or palate.

If you're pregnant and you haven't seen a doctor yet, now is the time to call. The sooner you get prenatal care, the more likely that your baby will be born healthy. Let your doctor know if you have a condition like diabetes, seizures, or high blood pressure, or if you've been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection, chemicals, or radiation.

Get medical help right away during your pregnancy if you have a fever, painful urination, vaginal bleeding, or severe stomach pain. Call if your water breaks, or you're not feeling your baby moving and it's near the end of your pregnancy.

 

Pregnancy care - Animation

It's always important to take good care of your health, but never more so than when you're pregnant. You're not only caring for your own body, you're also nurturing and growing a new human being. Let's talk about pregnancy care.

During the nine or so months of your pregnancy, you'll see a lot of your ob/gyn. In fact, you should visit your doctor once a month during the first seven months of your pregnancy. Then you should see your doctor once every 2 or 3 weeks until your ninth month, and finally every week until you deliver. You might also see your regular doctor, a nurse midwife, or, if you have any complications, a perinatologist who specializes in high-risk pregnancies.

That might sound like a lot of visits, but the goal is to keep a close eye on both you and your growing baby. Your doctor will check your baby's heart rate, and measure how quickly you're gaining weight. You'll likely have at least one ultrasound, where you can actually get to see your baby and find out the gender, unless you want it to be a surprise. Throughout your pregnancy, your doctor will monitor you for any health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

At your regular prenatal visits, your doctor can give you advice about what to eat and how much to exercise. You can also ask about all those weird symptoms you've been having, like morning sickness, food cravings, and the constant urge to use the bathroom.

There are a few things you need to do while you're pregnant to make sure you and your baby are healthy. First, you have to take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day. Folic acid is especially important right before you get pregnant, and during the first trimester of your pregnancy because it helps your baby's brain and spinal cord form. Taking folic acid can help prevent birth defects like spina bifida.

One thing you need to avoid is alcohol. When you're craving a glass of wine or beer, have some sparkling water, grape juice, or ginger ale instead. Alcohol can be very dangerous for your baby. Also don't take any medicines without talking to your doctor first. That includes over-the-counter medicines like aspirin and cold relievers. Caffeine is okay, but only in moderation. Limit yourself to one cup of coffee, instead of your regular two or three. Don't smoke and stay away from anyone who is smoking. Cigarette smoke deprives your baby of oxygen. It can stunt your child's growth, and lead to birth defects such as a cleft lip or palate.

If you're pregnant and you haven't seen a doctor yet, now is the time to call. The sooner you get prenatal care, the more likely that your baby will be born healthy. Let your doctor know if you have a condition like diabetes, seizures, or high blood pressure, or if you've been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection, chemicals, or radiation.

Get medical help right away during your pregnancy if you have a fever, painful urination, vaginal bleeding, or severe stomach pain. Call if your water breaks, or you're not feeling your baby moving and it's near the end of your pregnancy.

 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
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