| Prenatal Medical Care The importance of early prenatal medical care:
As soon as a woman discovers she is pregnant, she should establish a schedule of prenatal
care with her physician/certified nurse midwife for the entire duration of the  pregnancy. For normal
pregnancies without significant complications, prenatal exams are usually scheduled as
follows:
every month from the 1st week through the 28th
week
every two weeks from the 29th week through the 36th
week
weekly from the 37th week until delivery
This schedule may vary depending on your personal medical condition and
your physician’s preference. Additional prenatal care may be necessary if there are
any preexisting medical conditions (i.e., diabetes) present in the mother and/or if
complications arise while carrying the baby to term.
Who provides prenatal care?
Prenatal care can be provided by various medical professionals:
- Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB-GYN) – a physician who is trained in the care of healthy pregnant women as well as those who may have certain complications.
An OB-GYN also specializes in many
gynecological health issues.
- Family Physician (FP) – a physician who has specialized training in primary care,
including obstetrics.
- Nurse Practitioner – a specialized nurse who can provide women’s health care.
- Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) – a specialized nurse who is trained to care for
women with low-risk pregnancies. Some mid-wives work with physicians while some work on an
independent basis.
- Perinatologist – an obstetrician who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and care of
disorders during pregnancy and childbirth.
Obstetricians (and other physicians who specialize in maternal-fetal medicine,
reproductive endocrinology, and/or infertility) are certified by the American Board of
Obstetrics and Gynecology. Almost 2,000 obstetricians are certified annually.
What occurs during the prenatal care visits?
The goal of prenatal care is not only to provide the best care for the pregnant woman and
the unborn child, but also to prepare the expectant parents for the birth of a healthy baby.
During prenatal visits, tests are performed on both the mother and the baby to assess any
potential risks, to treat maternal or fetal complications, and to monitor the growth
and development of the fetus. In addition, counseling and guidance are provided regarding
various aspects of pregnancy, including weight gain, exercise, nutrition, and overall
health. A typical prenatal visit may include any/all of the following:
- blood pressure measurement
- measurement of the uterus to ensure proper growth of the baby
- physical examination of the mother to identify problems or discomforts (i.e., swelling
of the hands and feet)
- urine test to measure sugar and protein levels, which can indicate diabetes or
preeclampsia (a condition characterized by pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, protein
in the urine, and swelling due to fluid retention)
- fetal heart rate measurement
- prenatal screening tests (i.e., blood tests to check for anemia)
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