Prenatal Care
Preparing for Pregnancy
Preparing for pregnancy is one of the best ways to ensure a healthy baby and mom. The healthier you are before you become pregnant, the healthier you and your baby will be.
Your first step is to find a qualified obstetrician or certified nurse midwife and schedule a preconception office visit. This first visit is designed to assess your overall health and provide you with tools and tips to ensure your body is at its best before you start trying to become pregnant.
Before you become pregnant, your obstetrician or midwife may recommend:
- A prenatal vitamin and nutrition regimen
- An exercise program to ensure your pelvic muscles can accommodate a baby
- Stress management tools
- Health screenings for breast and gynecologic cancers as well as any hereditary cancers to which you may be prone
If you are or have been trying to get pregnant but haven't been successful, our specialized doctors and nurses can provide referrals to appropriate specialists for fertility options.
Prenatal Care
When you become pregnant, it is important to see your obstetrician or midwife regularly to make sure your baby is growing properly and your pregnancy is progressing as it should. Prenatal appointments may include bloodwork, sonograms or other diagnostic screenings to check your health and the health of your baby.
Download our Pregnancy Passport (PDF) to collaborate with your provider throughout your pregnancy.
As your body changes with pregnancy, conditions may arise that warrant closer monitoring by your obstetrician. If at any point during your prenatal visits, your doctor or midwife determines that you or your baby need extra care, we will consult with our maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists.
Our MFM doctors work side-by-side with our obstetricians and nurse midwives to make sure you get the extra care you need during your pregnancy and through your delivery.
Call 240-677-3000 to schedule an appointment.
