Prenatal Care for a Healthy Baby
Congratulations on your pregnancy! Did you know that many things you do while you're pregnant can affect your baby's health? Do all you can to give your baby a good start in life. This includes:
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Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and drugs. These harm you and your baby. If you use any of these, ask your healthcare provider for help to quit now.
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Exercising daily. Exercise is good for you and your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about ways to get exercise.
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Eating the right foods. Eating well while you're pregnant helps your baby grow and be healthy. It also helps you gain a healthy amount of weight during your pregnancy. Your healthcare provider can tell you more.
What Is Prenatal Care?
Prenatal care is care during your pregnancy. It can include:
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Checkups and tests to make sure you and your baby are doing okay.
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Treatment for any health problems you have while you're pregnant.
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Help with eating healthier foods, getting enough exercise, or quitting smoking or drinking.
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Learning about pregnancy and preparing for labor and birth.
Why You Need Prenatal Care
Prenatal care helps you have a healthy baby. It also helps you stay healthy during pregnancy. Prenatal care:
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Reduces the risk of harm to you and your baby.
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Helps you learn ways to feel better while you're pregnant.
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Gives you support and advice on taking care of yourself and your baby.
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Can find certain problems that start during pregnancy (such as gestational diabetes) so they can be treated.
Questions for Your Healthcare Provider
Some questions to ask your healthcare provider include:
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How often should I come in for prenatal care?
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What changes should I make while I'm pregnant to keep my baby and me healthy?
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What can I do to prepare for my baby's birth?
To Learn More
The resources below can tell you more about staying healthy while pregnant.
