The Importance of Prenatal Care

Whether this is your first pregnancy or your fifth pregnancy, prenatal care visits are vital to your health and the health of your growing baby. Getting pregnant can be exciting and a bit nerve-wracking for mothers as they try to ensure the healthiest pregnancy possible.

A healthy pregnancy means a healthy baby. Prenatal care visits can help support both. According to the US Office of Women’s Health, babies of mothers who don’t receive prenatal care are three times more likely to have a low birth weight, which can lead to health complications for your child. 

At Mira Women’s Health & Midwifery, located in Boca Raton, Florida, our compassionate and knowledgeable prenatal health team and midwives offer personalized care to help you through one of the most exciting and important nine months of your family’s life. 

Read on to find out why prenatal care visits are so important and what you can expect at them. 

First visit

You should schedule your first prenatal visit as soon as you know you’re pregnant. This visit will likely be the longest, so please come prepared with all your questions. You’ll also share your and your family’s health history, any medications you’re taking, and any allergies you have. 

We conduct a physical exam and ultrasound, weigh you, and take your blood to run a series of tests. This is your chance to get to know the team and the midwife who will help deliver your baby. 

Education

Now that you’re eating for two, there are certain things you should be eating, such as foods rich in folic acid, and certain things you should avoid, such as fish with high amounts of mercury. 

Prenatal visits can help educate you on how to lead a healthy lifestyle to maximize your chances of a healthy pregnancy and baby. Even if you already live a healthy lifestyle, you may need to make changes during your pregnancy. 

Screenings

You’ll be offered many prenatal tests and screenings during your pregnancy to help detect health issues and support a healthy pregnancy. Some of these screenings may include:

• Amniocentesis
• Gestational diabetes
• Chorionic villus
• Glucose screening
• Group B streptococcus
• Maternal serum screen

Depending on age, family history, and health risks, your provider will recommend tests and screenings.

Follow-up visits and schedules

After your first visit, you’ll schedule regular meetings with your provider and midwife so they can monitor your health and your baby’s development. They’ll also take your weight, blood pressure, and heart rate at every visit and blood and urine on certain visits.

You’ll learn how your baby is growing at every visit with measurements of your stomach and ultrasound technology. Expect to visit with your midwife for prenatal visits about once per month during your first trimester, twice a week during the second trimester, and once per week in the weeks before delivery. 

Are you expecting? Call Mira’s Women's Health & Midwifery to schedule your first prenatal visit, or request an appointment online. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.