The Importance of Prenatal Care Part 1 – Why Should You See a Doctor?

So you just found out you’re pregnant – congratulations! As you make your list of family and friends to call, don’t forget to add your doctor! Yep, your doctor should be one of the first people you call with the news. Why? Early and regular prenatal care improves the chance you will have a healthy pregnancy, and a healthy pregnancy is one of the best ways you can promote a healthy birth!

Let’s look at 10 reasons you should make a doctor’s appointment as soon as you see that + sign on your pregnancy test. (ps – keep reading for information on affording prenatal appointments if that is a concern.)

10 Reasons You Should Make and Keep Prenatal Appointments

• Babies who don’t receive prenatal care are 3 times more likely to have low birth weight and 5 times more likely to die. Low birth weight can cause many problems, including learning disorders, neurological disorders, attention disorders, and language delays. Early and regular prenatal care may help mitigate many issues associated with infant mortality.
• Prenatal care can help doctors diagnose and treat developmental problems. Doctors can often spot a problem in a pregnancy early if you have early and regular prenatal care. And when doctors can spot a problem early, they may be able to fix it.
• Prenatal care decreases the rate of complications. Taking care of yourself early in your pregnancy will help give your baby a healthy start in life. Your doctor will suggest nutritional and exercise guidelines that are right for you. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising appropriately, and avoiding harmful substances will lower risks for problems during pregnancy and improve fetal health and development.
• Prenatal care helps doctors diagnose and treat maternal problems that could impact your baby’s growth and development. Doctors will check for issues such as anemia, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and harmful infections that could all be dangerous for you and your baby.
• Prenatal care is important if you have existing health conditions. Controlling existing conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, is important in preventing serious complications for you and your baby. Your doctor will help you control existing conditions and evaluate your medications to make sure they’re safe for your baby.
• Prenatal care helps you get more of the good stuff you need… Your doctors will likely recommend that you take folic acid to decrease the risk for neural tube defects and other vitamins to help keep you and your baby healthy. (But always check with your doctor before taking any vitamin or supplement!)
• …and stay away from the stuff you don’t... If some supplements are good, does that mean more are better? Absolutely not. There are some herbal supplements and medications you should definitely avoid while you’re pregnant. Your doctor can help you know what to take – and what to stay away from – so you and your baby have the nutrients you both need. (Your doctor can also recommend safe over-the-counter medication if you need some for allergies, colds, and nausea.)
• …and that includes tobacco and alcohol. Did you know smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol during pregnancy increase the risk for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)? Alcohol use also increases the risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, which can include abnormal facial features, small head, poor coordination, poor sensory skills, intellectual disabilities, and heart, kidney, or bone issues.
• Prenatal visits increase your comfort level about labor and delivery. Most moms will tell you pregnancy is exciting – but also scary. Many of us have heard horror stories about long labors, episiotomies, and more. Your doctor or nurse will help you learn what to expect when your due date nears. From learning the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and “real” labor to options for pain control when you’re ready to deliver, your doctor/nurse team will teach you what you need to know to help you feel more at ease with the labor and delivery process.
• Prenatal visits help you make a plan and get support when needed. Your doctor/nurse team is there to support you throughout your pregnancy and your baby’s birth. They can help you make a labor and delivery plan; give you resources for help with breastfeeding, parenting lessons, or counseling; and refer you to organizations such as One by One for mentoring and other support.

Sadly, studies show that about 25% of pregnant women never receive prenatal care or don’t seek care until they’re at least 6 months pregnant; many women say that’s because they can’t afford it. The good news is that every state has a program that will help moms find free or low-cost medical care during pregnancy to help ensure babies are born healthy. Call 800.311.BABY to get connected to your local health department which can help you get the care you need. (For information in Spanish, call 800.504.7081.)

Of course One by One is here as well. We would love to match you with a trained mentor who will be by your side throughout your pregnancy and the first year of your baby’s life. Your mentor will support you, help you get resources you need, and teach you skills you need to be a good mom. To request a mentor, click here.

Be sure to check back for Part 2 of The Importance of Prenatal Care where we’ll look at what to expect at your prenatal appointments!