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\nHealth care during pregnancy is called prenatal care. Getting prenatal care can help you have a healthier baby. It also lowers the risk of your baby being born too early, which can lead to health problems for your baby.
\nDuring prenatal care, your doctor or midwife can find any health problems that may come up. A midwife is a health professional who provides health care during pregnancy and helps women during childbirth.
\nSchedule a visit with your doctor or midwife as soon as you know you're pregnant \u2013 or if you think you might be. You'll need many checkups with your doctor or midwife during your pregnancy. Don't miss any of these appointments \u2013 they're all important.
\nBe sure to get all the medical tests that your doctor or midwife recommends. Early treatment can cure many problems and prevent others.
\nTo keep you and your baby healthy, it's important that you:
\nGet more tips for a healthy pregnancy:
\n \nTalk with your doctor or midwife about:
\nIf you're not feeling well, don't wait to call your doctor or midwife. Learn more about when to call your doctor or midwife.
\nA birth plan describes what you want to happen during childbirth and after your baby's birth. It can include:
\nMany women are at increased risk for depression during and after pregnancy. Talk with your doctor about your risk for depression and whether you need counseling to help prevent it.
\nDuring your pregnancy, your doctor or midwife will recommend medical tests that all women need as part of routine prenatal care. Some tests need to be done more than once.
\nThese tests give your doctor or midwife important information about you and your baby. Your blood or urine (pee) will be checked for:
\nIf you're younger than age 24 or have certain risk factors, your doctor or midwife may also check for other STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). Learn more about STDs during pregnancy.
\nYour doctor or midwife will also check your blood pressure regularly during your pregnancy. High blood pressure during pregnancy can be a sign of preeclampsia (\u201cpree-ih-KLAMP-see-uh\u201d), a health problem that some pregnant women develop. Learn more about preventing preeclampsia.
\nShare your personal and family health history with your doctor or midwife. This will help you and your doctor or midwife decide whether you need any other tests, like genetic testing. Find out more about genetic testing.
\nGestational diabetes can lead to health problems for moms and babies \u2013 during and after pregnancy. It\u2019s important to get tested so that you and your doctor or midwife can take steps to protect you and your baby.
\nYou're at greater risk for gestational diabetes if you:
\nYou can reduce your risk for gestational diabetes by eating healthy and staying active during pregnancy.
\n \nUnder the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover routine prenatal tests. Depending on your insurance, you may be able to get these tests at no cost to you. Talk to your insurance company to find out more.
\nTo learn about other services covered by the Affordable Care Act, visit HealthCare.gov.
\nYou can also get help from your state to pay for medical care during pregnancy. There are programs that give medical care, information, advice, and other services that are important for a healthy pregnancy. To find out about the program in your state:
\nThere are lots of things you can do today to help you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
\nPlan on getting a prenatal checkup at least once a month for the first 7 months (up to week 31) \u2013 and more often during the last 2 months of your pregnancy (after week 32). Learn more about prenatal care.
\nThe whooping cough and flu shots are recommended for all pregnant women. Talk to your doctor or midwife about getting other shots (vaccines) to help protect you and your baby. Learn more about shots for adults.
\nSpeak up and ask questions when you're with your doctor or midwife. When you play an active role in your health care, you help make sure that you and your growing family will get good care. Find out how to take charge of your health care.
\nSometime between 16 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, you'll probably start to feel your baby move. Keep track of how often your baby moves. If you think your baby is moving less than usual, call your doctor or midwife.
\nOne of the best ways to protect you and your baby is to stop using tobacco and drinking alcohol before you become pregnant \u2013 or as soon as possible during your pregnancy.
\nThere's no safe amount to drink or smoke while you're pregnant. Both can harm the health of your baby. Talk with your doctor or midwife about ways to help you quit.
\nQuitting all forms of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, is best for you and your baby.
\nSecondhand smoke (smoke from other people\u2019s cigarettes) can also put you and your baby at risk for health problems. Stay away from cigarette smoke.
\nLearn more:
\n \nMaking healthy food choices during pregnancy can help you gain weight in a healthy way, feel good while you're pregnant, and have a healthy baby.
\nGaining a certain amount of weight during pregnancy is important for your health and your baby's health. Learn how much weight is healthy for you to gain during pregnancy.
\nRemember, pregnancy is not a good time to lose weight. Even if you're overweight, you still need to gain some weight for your baby to grow. Ask your doctor or midwife how much weight is healthy for you to gain.
\nBeing physically active may help you have a more comfortable pregnancy. Aim for a total of 2 hours and 30 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, like walking fast, dancing, or swimming.
\nGet more information about exercise during pregnancy from these resources:
\n \nTo prevent infections and help keep your unborn baby safe:
\nBeing pregnant may be tiring or stressful at times. Extra support from loved ones can help you have a more comfortable pregnancy. Family members or friends can:
\nThink about what you need, and don\u2019t be afraid to ask for help.
\nHaving a new baby is exciting, but it can be stressful. Take steps to help you prepare for your new baby:
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