Prenatal Care: The Importance of Regular Checkups with Your Obstetrician
If you have recently discovered that you are pregnant, congratulations! Now comes the important part – making sure you have a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby. The key is to obtain prenatal care. That’s because regular prenatal care throughout your pregnancy helps reduce the risks of pregnancy and birth complications.
Establishing Care with Your Healthcare Provider
The first step is to make an appointment with your obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) as soon as you suspect you are pregnant. If you don’t have an OB/GYN, you should call your health insurance provider to determine which obstetricians are covered by your policy. Or, if you don’t have health insurance, contact your local community health center or county health department to learn about your health care coverage options.
Prenatal Visits: What to Expect
Throughout your pregnancy, you will see your healthcare provider for prenatal care often and regularly. To ensure comprehensive health during this time, patients can access various specialized services:
- Obstetrics
- Gynecology
- Breast Health
- Women’s Pavilion
- Pelvic Floor Care
- Bloomington Breastfeeding Care
- Bloomington Women’s Care
- Nutrition & Diabetes
Available Resources and Support
For additional assistance and wellness during pregnancy, providers offer programs such as:
- Patient Education
- Health & Wellness – HealthPoint
- Community Health Needs
- Support Groups