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Pregnancy
Mntning a Healthy Pregnancy
Overview
Prenatal care, which involves regular health check-ups during pregnancy, plays a crucial role in ensuring both the mother's wellbeing and the development of a healthy baby. Early detection of potential issues through prenatal care can help prevent complications and ensure that your baby is born at a full term, reducing risks associated with premature birth.
In this regard, it is advisable to start atting your healthcare visits as soon as you realize or suspect pregnancy. This will involve several appointments throughout the nine months ahead, which are critical for monitoring both motherhood health status and fetal development.
Routine medical tests recommed by your obstetrician, gynecologist, or midwife provide vital information about you and your baby's health. These tests usually include:
Bloodwork: To check Rh factor a protein in blood, hepatitis B, urinary tract infection UTI, syphilis, HIV, and signs of past rubella infections.
Urine analysis
Vaginal or rectal swab for Group B Streptococcus
For individuals below 25 years old or those with specific risk factors, your healthcare provider may also recomm testing for sexually transmitted infections STIs, commonly known as sexually transmitted diseases STDs. Early detection of STIs ensures prompt treatment and prevents potential harm to both you and your baby.
Additionally, if you're pregnant after age 25, are overweight or obese, have a family history of type 2 diabetes, are African American, HispanicLatino, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawian, or Pacific Islander, had gestational diabetes in earlier pregnancies, gave birth to a large baby over 9 pounds, or suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS, you may be at higher risk for gestational diabetes.
To reduce the risk of this condition, mntning healthy weight gn and adopting a balanced diet during pregnancy are advised. Regular physical activity also contributes significantly towards your overall health during pregnancy.
The Affordable Care Act ensures that all insurance plans cover routine prenatal testing without charge to the patient. This means you should be able to access these essential services at no additional cost through your healthcare coverage, provided by Medicare or private insurance.
If you do not have health insurance, there are still resources avlable for free or low-cost prenatal care:
Contact 1-800-311-BABY free and low-cost services in your state
Search for a nearby health center offering prenatal care at no cost
You can also learn more about these options through the following links:
Health insurance choices for pregnant individuals
Free preventive care for women under the Affordable Care Act
Information on how the Affordable Care Act protects you and understanding how to use your health insurance benefits.
Content last updated September 17, 2024
Contact Information
This article is reproduced from: https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/pregnancy/doctor-and-midwife-visits/have-healthy-pregnancy
Please indicate when reprinting from: https://www.903r.com/Healthy_Baby/Pregnancy_Mntnt_Healthy_Prenatal_Care.html
Regular Health Check Ups During Pregnancy Early Detection of Potential Issues Prenatal Care and Premature Birth Risk Comprehensive Medical Tests for Motherhood STI Testing in Pregnant Individuals Affordable Healthcare for Expectant Mothers