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.