Why You Need Prenatal Care

You need to take care of yourself for a new reason. Your health can affect your baby's growth. You may have mixed feelings. A motherly instinct may be stirring within you. Or, you may feel like you don't know where or how to start. One thing is sure. No matter how much attention you paid to your health in the past, you need to focus on it more now. Start by learning more about what is going on inside you, as you nourish this new life.

Prenatal care helps you have a healthy baby.

• Your health care provider assesses the health of your pregnancy. A "due date" is figured.

• The progress of your pregnancy is checked. This includes your baby's growth, changes in your weight, and your overall health and comfort.

• Your health care provider will watch for any concerns and manage existing ones before problems occur.

You're Part of a Team

When you're pregnant, you're part of a team that includes you, your baby, and your health care provider. Your team may also include a partner or a main support person. He or she could be a loved one, such as a spouse, a family member, or a friend. As you work toward giving your baby a healthy start, rely on your team members for support.

It's Not Too Late to Start Good Habits

What matters most is protecting your baby from this moment on. If you smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs, now is the time to stop. If you need help, talk with your health care provider.

• Smoking increases the risk of losing your baby or having a low-birth-weight baby. If you smoke, quit now.

• Alcohol and drugs have been linked with miscarriage, birth defects, mental retardation, and low birth weight. Avoid alcohol and drugs.