Prenatal health

Prenatal health is the healthcare that a woman receives while she is pregnant to ensure the health of her developing baby. It is compromised of regularly consulting a health care provider (obstetrician/gynecologist/family practitioner/certified nurse-midwife), taking vitamins, maintaining a proper diet and avoiding harmful toxins and substances throughout the pregnancy.

I. Doctor Visits A. How often? • Weeks 4-28: about once each month • Weeks 28-36: twice a month • Weeks 36 to birth: weekly B. What will be done during these appointments? • Wight and blood pressure will be recorded • Measurement of the size and shape of the woman's uterus (starting around week 22) • Full physical, including pelvic and rectal examination • Blood sample • Urine sample to test for sugar and protein (preclampsia) • Pap smear • Screening for diabetes • Prenatal tests to predict the likelihood/presence of certain developmental or chromosomal abnormalities: -Pregnancy-associated plasma protein (PAPP-A) -hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) -Level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) -Amniocentesis -Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) -Ultrasound '''II. Prenatal Vitamins'''—recommended to take in addition to nutritious diet A. Folic Acid • Amount recommended per day: at least 600 mcg • Benefits: prevents neural tube defects (Spina Bifida); reduce risk for other birth defects; important in DNA production • Food sources: lentils; fortified cereal; steamed or boiled asparagus spears B. Iron • Amount recommended per day: about 27-30 mg      • Benefits: makes red blood cells; supplies oxygen to the cells for energy and growth; building bones, cartilage and other connective tissue • Food sources: fortified cereal, cooked lentils, boiled spinach and beef tenderloin C. Calcium • Amount recommended per day: 1,000 mg      • Benefits: helps grow strong bones and teeth, healthy nerves, heart and muscles; responsible for developing the heart rhythm and blood clotting • Food sources: skim milk, fortified orange juice, cheese, corn tortillas D. Vitamin D      • Amount recommended per day: 5 mcg • Benefits: helps grow strong bones and teeth • Food sources: salmon and milk

'''III. Proper Diet and Nutrition''' A. Highly Nutritious Foods • Fruits and vegetables • Whole grains • Calcium-rich foods • Foods low in saturated fat. • Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. B. Foods to Limit • Fish • Caffeine C. Foods to Avoid • Raw or undercooked meat, poultry and seafood (Listeriosis) • Unpasteurized milk and cheeses (Listeriosis)

'''IV. Harmful Toxins and Substances''' A. Smoking B. Alcohol C. X-rays D. Chemicals like insecticides, solvents and paint

All information was referenced from: BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board (2013). Seven principles of eating well during pregnancy. Retrieved from http://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy-eating-well?page=1.

Medical Care During Pregnancy. Retrieved from: http://kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_newborn/medical_care/medical_care_pregnancy.html#

Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (March 2009). Prenatal Care Fact Sheet. Retrieved from: http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/prenatal-care.cfm#a