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Description

Thorough prenatal care helps ensure the birth of a healthy baby. Shortly after you become pregnant, you should begin seeing your physician or midwife on a regular basis. During these prenatal visits, you will undergo certain routine examinations, and you will have an opportunity to discuss with your caregiver any matters that concern either of you. This is also the time to introduce your ideas for a birth plan and begin to work with your physician or midwife in planning your birth experience. At some time during your pregnancy, your partner should accompany you to meet your caregiver and discuss the partner's role at the birth. You should also try to meet the other doctors or midwives in the practice, since one of them might be on call when you are in labor. If this is not possible, discuss with your caregiver any differences in philosophy or practice that exist among the other caregivers.

Questions

Is there a probability of a low risk or high-risk pregnancy? How much weight gain is too much or too little? Are there any foods that should be eliminated from the current diet? Is coffee or soda OK? How much milk should be consumed? Should vitamins be taken? What can be done to decrease morning sickness? Can morning sickness be harmful to the pregnancy? What pregnancy books can you recommend? Are there any signs or symptoms that the doctor should be aware of immediately?