Finding out that you’re pregnant brings immense excitement. However, you may be wondering whether you are doing enough to take care of yourself and your baby. This is where prenatal care comes in. During your pregnancy, prenatal care is one of the best ways to ensure that you and your little one are healthy.

What You Should Know About Prenatal Care

What Is Prenatal Care?

Prenatal care is an umbrella term for all of the preventative health care that happens during your pregnancy. This can include monthly checkups with an obstetrician, ultrasounds, well-woman exams, and prenatal vitamins. For those planning on having a home birth, you will likely work with your midwife to monitor your health during this time.

When Should I Start Prenatal Care?

Midwives and physicians will recommend that you start prenatal care as soon as you find out you’re pregnant. You will work with a health care professional to create a care plan that best fits your health needs. By doing so, you can ensure that your baby gets the proper nutrients for development and you maintain your health as well.

What Can I Expect From My Appointments?

To prevent complications during pregnancy and birth, it’s essential to attend prenatal appointments about once a month. During these visits, a doctor will run ultrasounds and other tests to check your overall health. For example, they may run a blood test to check your iron and other vitamin levels. Other screenings may include blood pressure tests, stress tests, urine tests, and pap smears.

What Can I Do at Home to Take Care of Myself?

Especially if you are planning a natural birth, you must talk to your midwife about holistic self-care that you can stick to at home. This may include using natural remedies for nausea, sticking to a nutritious diet, and getting plenty of rest. It’s also crucial to take care of your mental and emotional health through self-care activities that you enjoy.

Home birth offers a natural and comfortable delivery option for expecting mothers, and Home Birth With Love in Suffern, NY, makes this experience as comfortable as possible. With 16 years of experience, owner Leah Marinelli is a Certified Nurse Midwife who is committed to providing safe home birthing and prenatal care for mothers all over Rockland County. Families can also enjoy family planning, pregnancy, care, postpartum assistance, and yearly well-woman exams when working with Leah and her team. For more information on their services, visit their website or call (845) 641-5058 today.