Health Tip: Prenatal Care Is Important

(HealthDay News) — Getting regular checkups and screening tests — what doctors call prenatal care — is key to keeping you and the developing baby healthy during pregnancy.

The womenshealth.gov website says here’s what you should expect during prenatal care visits:

  • The first visit should include a physical and gynecological exam, medical history and blood work.
  • All visits should include weight measurement and blood pressure checks.
  • Measuring the fetal heart rate.
  • Measuring your belly to monitor baby’s growth.
  • Routine screenings should include a gestational diabetes test, tests to detect any infection, and tests to detect conditions such as anemia.