The Importance of Prenatal Care

Prenatal care is vital to having a smooth pregnancy and a healthy baby. It’s also one of the most frequently used healthcare services in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

However, some women do not receive prenatal care during their pregnancy – perhaps due to their lack of believing that a doctor can truly help before the delivery. Let’s talk about some of the key ways in which a skilled obstetrician can help you avoid pregnancy complications, and where you can go for essential medical advice during your pregnancy.

TRACK YOUR PREGNANCY AND KNOW YOUR DUE DATE

There are certain changes you can expect to your body and your baby’s growth each trimester. During the first trimester, you will likely experience nausea, fatigue, frequent urination, tender breasts, and food cravings caused by a spike in hormones.

In the second trimester, you’ll probably have less severe symptoms. However, you will start to feel heavier because of your baby’s growth. In the third trimester, you may notice shortness of breath, back pain, and even varicose veins and spider veins.

Knowing when you are due to give birth is an essential matter. Pregnancy due dates don’t predict the exact date of when you’ll give birth, but they do give you a practical timeline of when you’ll be 40 weeks pregnant so that you can monitor the stages of your pregnancy. Prenatal care allows a doctor to track these changes and to give you medical advice along the way, especially if you encounter any difficulties.

MONITOR YOUR HEALTH DURING PREGNANCY

With the various developments during each trimester, pregnancy will bring many changes to your health and lifestyle. You will have to know about all the dos and don’ts regarding food, medication, physical activity, and other factors. Your doctor will need to know about your health history, diet, medicine, and lifestyle to guide you through your pregnancy.

There is also a pregnancy weight gain timeline you should follow. Staying within the prescribed weight range per trimester will ensure that your baby has a healthy weight.

During your prenatal checkups, your doctor may order laboratory tests to determine whether you may need to take specific supplements to keep your nutrient levels up to par. For example, getting enough folic acid early on helps build your baby’s brain and spine, so you will be tested for your folic acid levels.

Ultrasound exams will also help monitor your health and your baby’s health, including your baby’s physical growth. Blood tests for the Rh factor are also crucial for your baby’s health, so that your body does not mistakenly reject the fetus and cause a miscarriage. This is particularly true if your blood type is Rh-negative (O-, A-, B-, or AB-) and the baby’s blood is Rh-positive. If this is true for you and your baby, your doctor will give you the treatment that will prevent a miscarriage from occurring.

PRENATAL CARE IN WOOSTER, OH

Here at Wooster Community Hospital, we have the exclusive Women’s Pavilion to provide you with the prenatal care you need during your pregnancy. Our healthcare providers are committed to giving you personalized care and helping you and your baby stay in good health before, during, and after pregnancy.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, call us today at (330) 263-8100. You may also request an appointment via our online form. We look forward to serving you!