Why Prenatal Care Is Essential for a Healthy Pregnancy

Taking care of your baby starts long before birth. Simply put, your health is your baby’s health during pregnancy. The first trimester is the most important period for your baby’s development, so taking care of your health even before you become pregnant can lead to the healthiest possible pregnancy—and baby.

Good prenatal care starts with regular visits to your MetroHealth provider. When you first get a positive pregnancy test, call for an appointment with an obstetrician at 216-778-4444. It’s important to start visiting your care team right away so we can assess your health and make sure your baby is developing normally.

General health considerations

It’s more important than ever to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Avoid:

• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol
• Caffeine
• Changing cat litter

Start:

• Sleeping 7-8 hours per day
• Routine, low-impact exercise that includes stretching
• Taking a prenatal vitamin

Nutrition

During pregnancy, your baby is depending on you to provide all of the important nutrients they need to develop. That means extra work for you, and you need an extra 300-500 calories per day.

A good diet includes:

• 5-6 smaller, healthy meals throughout the day
• Plenty of vegetables
• Foods high in fiber (whole wheat pasta, lentils, fruit)
• Foods high in calcium (dairy, leafy greens, beans)
• Foods high in folate (asparagus, eggs, leafy greens, citrus)
• Plenty of water—aim for 8 glasses per day

If you’re pregnant, you should avoid soft cheeses, lunchmeat, seafood high in mercury (tuna, mackerel, swordfish), unpasteurized foods, and undercooked meat.

Your Questions Answered

Q. Why is prenatal care important?

A. Prenatal care helps keep both you and your baby healthy. Regular checkups can find problems early and help you have a safer pregnancy.

Q. When should I start prenatal care?

A. Schedule your first prenatal visit as soon as you think you may be pregnant. Early care gives your healthcare team more time to support a healthy pregnancy.

Q. What happens at prenatal visits?

A. Your provider will check your health and your baby's growth. Visits may include blood pressure checks, lab tests, ultrasounds, and time to ask questions about your pregnancy.