| PRENATAL INFORMATION |
YOUR DOCTOR VISITS:
What Does Prenatal Care Include?
Just so you'll know, this is much of what you can expect
during your prenatal care:
Medical History
Questions about you and your family's medical history
Questions to decide if you need prevention against
diphtheria and tetanus
Physical Exam
Measurements of your height and blood pressure
Examination of your eyes, ears, nose, throat and teeth
Examination of your legs, ankles, feet and rectum
An internal exam (pelvic exam) to check the size and
position of your uterus
As your pregnancy progresses and your baby grows, your
doctor will be listening to your baby's heart beat and
checking on the amount of movement as your baby prepares
for birth.
There are several laboratory tests which will be
performed:
 Skin Test: To check
possible exposure to tuberculosis.
Urine
To confirm your pregnancy if necessary
To determine how well your kidneys are working and to
test for possible infection
Blood
 To check for anemia or iron deficiency and to check your
nutritional status. WIC also needs this information.
These tests are often repeated between the seventh and
eighth month of pregnancy.
To test your immunity to infectious diseases like German
measles, Hepatitis B, HIV and others. Depending on your
prior exposure, some of these tests may be repeated at
different intervals during your pregnancy.
To test for Sickle Cell and Alpha Feto Protein (AFP) to
find out whether you have the potential to pass on an
inherited problem to your baby.
To check for Syphilis.
Glucose test may be done to check for diabetes.
Vaginal
A pap smear of your cervix to screen for cancer.
A culture to check for sexually transmitted diseases
such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or genital herpes.
All of these tests are very important for you and your
baby.
IT'S UP TO YOU!
Remember that the life inside you is depending on you to
provide everything necessary for growth and development.
Anything you put into your body is being put into your
baby's body as well.
Eating Right
 A good diet will help keep you and your baby healthy. In
the beginning of your pregnancy, your doctor will
discuss your expected weight gain and what you should
eat to keep you and your baby healthy and strong.
The WIC Program The WIC program provides vouchers to
help you buy some of the food you need. WIC also has
counselors and classes to help you learn about your diet
and how to feed your baby when he/she is born.
What Else Can I Do?
A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE!!
Exercise: It will help you feel better and can make your
delivery easier.
Good Habits: Avoid smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol
and taking medicine and drugs not given to you by your
doctor.
Stress: If problems are causing you to worry and stress,
find someone to talk with. This can help you have a
happier and healthier pregnancy. If you are in a
relationship or family setting where you are unhappy or
unsafe, your doctor or clinic can tell you where to get
help.
Car Passenger Safety: Your body is your baby's first car
seat. Wear your safety belt on every ride. Make sure
that you have a safety seat for your new baby for the
first ride from the hospital. Remember, a car safety
seat is different from an ordinary infant carrier.
 If you are trying to get pregnant, prepare yourself with
a healthy lifestyle.
Having a Healthy Baby is No Accident!
Now you understand prenatal care and how good prenatal
care can help your baby to grow and develop.
Good prenatal care can make the difference in both you
and your baby's health.
Visit your doctor every time you're supposed to.
Keep you WIC appointments.
Eat well, rest and exercise.
Stay away from harmful substances.
Buckle up in the car. |
