Prenatal care focuses on the health of the mother and developing baby. Regular screenings, proper nutrition, and lifestyle modifications are essential for a healthy pregnancy.
Fetal development monitoring
Maternal health
Nutritional support
Risk factor screening
Birth planning
Initial prenatal blood work
Glucose screening (24–28 weeks)
Anatomy ultrasound (18–22 weeks)
Cell-free DNA/NIPT screening
Group B Streptococcus test
Blood pressure monitoring
Influenza vaccine (safe during pregnancy)
Tdap (pertussis protection for newborn)
COVID-19 vaccine
Increase caloric intake (300 kcal/day), ensure adequate folate (600 mcg), iron (27 mg), calcium (1000 mg), and protein (70 g/day). Avoid alcohol, raw meats, unpasteurized dairy, and high-mercury fish.
Attend all prenatal appointments
Take prenatal vitamins with folic acid
Stay hydrated and exercise regularly with provider approval
Get adequate sleep (7–9 hours)
Manage stress through meditation or prenatal yoga
Educate yourself about labor and delivery