If you become or are thinking about getting pregnant, the way you take care of yourself changes. Receiving and following prenatal care guidelines will help to keep you and your baby healthy. Use this guide to learn how your health care differs during this time of your life. 

A Starter Guide to Prenatal Care

Why is prenatal care important?

When you’re pregnant, seeing your doctor early on and frequently is essential for detecting any problems with you or your baby. Many times, obstetricians can prevent health-related issues from arising. If problems do occur, they are able to successfully detect and treat them immediately.

Unfortunately, when pregnant women do not get prenatal care, their baby is three times more likely to have a low birth weight. More pressingly, the baby has a higher risk of death without these health changes and regular monitoring.

How often are prenatal care checkups required?

During the first 28 weeks, you should see your physician at least once a month. Between weeks 28 and 36, this will increase to every other week, and finally, at least once a week in the days leading up to the birth. 

What medications, vitamins, and supplements should I start or stop taking?

Certain medications, including over-the-counter and herbal medicines, are not safe to take during pregnancy as they may cause birth defects. However, talk to your doctor before you start or stop taking any. They will make recommendations on your health and stage of pregnancy.

Generally, though, all doctors do recommend taking 400 micrograms of folic acid every day. This B vitamin is essential in making new cells, and when women don’t have enough of it during pregnancy, it can result in spine and brain birth defects. 

What foods should I avoid?

While pregnant, it’s important to eat a variety of healthy foods rich in folic acid, iron, vitamin C, calcium, vitamin D, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA—an omega-3 fatty acid), and iodine. However, there are several foods you need to scratch off your grocery list. 

Specifically, avoid raw and undercooked meat, which could be contaminated with coliform bacteria, toxoplasmosis, and salmonella. Also, stay away from deli meat, as it is known to cause listeriosis—a serious infection that increases the risk of miscarriage. Additionally, stay safe by cutting out all raw, smoked, and cooked seafood, soft cheeses, unpasteurized milk, caffeine, alcohol, and dressings that include raw eggs.

For the best prenatal care, trust the board-certified OB-GYN physicians at Genesee Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology PC in Rochester, NY. From pap smears to childbirth, they provide the highest level of women’s health care. Their obstetric care services include prenatal care for the three months leading up to pregnancy and for one year after birth. Call them today at (585) 232-3210 to schedule an appointment, and visit their website to learn more about the care they provide.