Prenatal care is the critical care a woman receives during her nine months of pregnancy and should begin as soon as she finds out she is pregnant. The goal of prenatal care is to monitor the progress of the baby's development and to identify potential problems before they become serious for the expectant mother or baby. Research shows that women who regularly receive prenatal care during pregnancy have healthier babies and are less likely to deliver prematurely.

Midwives are trained to provide comprehensive prenatal care throughout pregnancy in order to enhance a woman's health, minimize risk factors and identify potential problems. During these important appointments, the mother-to-be will have the opportunity to discuss her personal needs, previous birth experiences, as well as fears and expectations for the pregnancy.

Appointments will also include physical assessments, education and time getting to know the midwife. During this important first appointment, the mother-to-be will provide her midwife with a complete health and pregnancy history so that the midwife will be aware of the mother's health condition and any problems the mother may experience during pregnancy.

Physical exam may include:

• Pelvic exam
• Blood Pressure
• Blood Tests
• Urine Tests

During prenatal visits, a Midwife will:

• Educate women about a healthy pregnancy
• Monitor the woman's health condition
• Follow the progress of the baby's development
• Review birth options

If you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant, schedule a visit with your midwife as soon as possible. Regular prenatal care is important to help ensure that both the mother and the baby remain healthy throughout the nine months of pregnancy.