The Importance of Prenatal Care

Learning that you’re expecting can be one of the most exciting (and nerve-racking) moments of your life, and it can also bring a host of questions. When am I due? What do I need to do next? How do I take care of myself?

If you’re asking questions like these, we have you covered. Prenatal care can tackle all of these questions and then some. 

Routine prenatal care includes all of the care and education you need to take care of yourself and your baby from the moment you find out that you’re pregnant up until delivery. 

That’s something that our team of board-certified OB/GYNs and midwives at Westover Hills Women's Health in San Antonio, Texas, feel passionately about. Here, we explain why prenatal care is important.

Prenatal care lets us monitor your baby’s development

Prenatal checkups include ultrasounds (including dating ultrasounds and anatomy ultrasounds), measurements (like fundal height), and heart rate monitoring to track your baby’s growth and detect any potential concerns early. 

We use these measurements to confirm your due date and make sure your baby is growing appropriately. 

Prenatal care helps you stay healthy

Pregnancy places significant physical demands on your body, and prenatal care helps you manage these changes. We monitor your blood pressure, test for gestational diabetes, and identify other risks that could affect your health during pregnancy.

If we detect any issues during your routine prenatal appointments, we get you started with the right treatment. For example, if you have high blood sugar levels, we might recommend dietary changes, exercise, and medication, if needed. 

We also recommend the right prenatal vitamins and supplements (like iron or calcium), if needed. If you’re taking prescription medications for other conditions, we discuss if you need to change any of those during your pregnancy. 

Prenatal care means personalized pregnancy guidance

You can learn a lot about pregnancy, how your body changes, and what to expect during each trimester from pregnancy books, but none of this information is customized for you. That’s where your prenatal care comes into the picture.

From nutrition and exercise to managing morning sickness or preparing for delivery, we give you guidance to meet your specific needs. 

Routine care reduces pregnancy complications

Conditions like preeclampsia and preterm labor pose risks to you and your baby, but they don’t pop up without warning. 

Regular prenatal visits allow our team to spot the earliest warning signs of a problem. This is one of the reasons we always take your blood pressure and check your urine for sugar and protein.

While no one wants to think about complications, it’s reassuring to know that we’re ready to tackle whatever may come. Our Westover Hills team is experienced in delivering both low-risk and high-risk pregnancies. 

Routine care helps you plan for delivery

During your third trimester, we start to plan your delivery — one right for you, whether you’re aiming for a natural birth or require a cesarean section. 

We give you all the information you need, including when to head to the hospital, what to do if your water breaks, and how to reach us after hours.

Regular care gives you peace of mind

It’s no secret that pregnancy changes your body in countless ways. You’re far from alone if you find yourself asking “Is that symptom normal?” or “Is this pain normal?” Routine care gives you peace of mind knowing you’re doing what you need to do to get ready for your baby’s arrival. 

Not only does routine care give you peace of mind regarding changes to your body or your baby’s development, but it also gives you a chance to check in with your provider about your mental health. If you have any concerns about perinatal depression, we can help.

When to start prenatal care

Ideally, prenatal care should begin as soon as you know you’re pregnant or even before. 

During a typical pregnancy, you see your provider once a month during the first 28 weeks, then every two weeks until 36 weeks. From 36 weeks to delivery, you have weekly visits so we can closely monitor your and your baby’s health as your due date approaches.

Our team of midwives may recommend additional appointments if you have underlying conditions or a high-risk pregnancy. 

You can make your first prenatal appointment by calling one of our San Antonio, Texas, locations. You can also request your appointment online.