Prenatal Care

Prenatal Care

Early and regular prenatal care helps keep you and your baby healthy during pregnancy.  It involves physical exams and screening tests along with education and counseling about how to handle different aspects of your pregnancy. During your visits, your health care provider may discuss many issues, such as healthy eating and physical activity, tests you might need, and what to expect during labor and delivery.  Be sure to start your prenatal care in the first twelve weeks of pregnancy, attend all appointments, and stay informed about your care and test results. Keep in mind that women with healthy habits are more likely to have healthy babies. Listed below are some important steps to ensure you and your baby get off to a good start.

Choose a Prenatal Healthcare Provider

You will see your prenatal healthcare provider many times before you have your baby. Therefore, you should pick someone who has a good reputation, respects and listens to you, and provides you with the support you need to make informed decisions during your pregnancy.  You can choose an obstetrician, a nurse-midwife, or other type of midwife for your pregnancy care.  If you would like help choosing a provider or need a list of providers, please call Connect at 954-567-7174.

Choices in Childbirth

Many women have strong opinions and feelings about where and how they’d like to deliver their babies. A woman’s choice of where to give birth depends on her and her unborn baby’s health, the hospital or other location where her doctor or midwife provides healthcare, and her health insurance coverage at the time of delivery. Make sure to speak with your doctor or midwife about where you will give birth to ensure that it is the safest and best place for you to have your baby. Choices include hospitals, birthing centers, and home birth.

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