I am thinking about getting pregnant. How can I take care of myself?

You should start taking care of yourself before you start trying to get pregnant. By staying active, eating right, and taking a multivitamin, you can help keep yourself and your baby healthy even before it is conceived. This will help you have a healthy... Read Article »

Where can I go to get free or reduced-cost prenatal care?

Women in every state can get help to pay for medical care during their pregnancies. This prenatal care can help you have a healthy baby. Every state in the United States has a program to help. Programs give medical care, information, advice, and other... Read Article »

I am in my late 30s and I want to get pregnant. Should I do anything special?

As you age, you have an increasing chance of having a baby born with a birth defect. Yet most women in their late 30s and early 40s have healthy babies. See your doctor regularly before you even start trying to get pregnant. She will be able to help you... Read Article »

What happens during prenatal visits?

During the first prenatal visit, you can expect your doctor or nurse to do the following: ask about your health history including diseases, operations, or prior pregnancies ask about your family’s health history do a complete physical exam do a... Read Article »

How often should I see my doctor during pregnancy?

Your doctor will give you a schedule of all the doctor’s visits you should have while pregnant. As your pregnancy progresses, you’ll see the doctor more often. Most experts suggest you see your doctor: About once each month for the first... Read Article »

I don’t want to get pregnant right now. But should I still take folic acid every day?

Experts recommend that all women of childbearing age get 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day. Even women with very little chance of getting pregnant should get their daily dose of folic acid. This is because many pregnancies are not planned.... Read Article »

I’m pregnant. What should I do or avoid for a healthy baby?

There are many things that you can do during pregnancy to ensure the health of both you and baby. Your doctor will probably recommended a lot of things to you based on your unique situation. But, in general, the following may help you stay healthy during... Read Article »

What is prenatal care and why do I need it?

During pregnancy, the health care that you receive from your doctor is called prenatal care. Prenatal care can help keep you and your baby healthy during pregnancy. Babies of Mothers who do not get prenatal care are three times more likely to have a low... Read Article »