Introduction to antenatal care

Prenatal is the word used to describe the period of time preceding the birth of your baby and it covers the support, advice, tests and check ups that you will receive during the course of your pregnancy.

Throughout your pregnancy you’ll have regular checks either by your OB-GYN or your nurse-midwife. It is important that you attend all your checks so that any problems can be picked up as early as possible. If you’re a first time mom-to-be, it’s likely that you’ll be relying on the care that you receive during this period to answer your questions and allay your fears. In this part of the website, you will learn more about all the different aspects of prenatal care.

Most women in the US get prenatal care from an obstetrician and have their babies in hospital. However, if you’d like a less medical approach, you can opt to be cared for by a nurse-midwife who will help you deliver your baby in a birthing center (these can be attached to your hospital or independent). She can also attend you at home if you choose to have a home birth.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

Related Articles

• Tests & Checks: Antenatal Scans
• Tests & Checks: Benefits of antenatal tests
• Antenatal Care: How often do I go for my antenatal checks?
• Antenatal Care: Later antenatal check-ups
• Guide To : Pregnancy: Antenatal care and Ultrasound scans