Regular visits to your regular physician and your OBGYN (Obstetrician, Gynecologist) will provide you with the information and tools that are needed to ensure that both you (and your child) remain in ideal health throughout your pregnancy. Prenatal care will be an important source of direct medical care, as well as providing your with important support during the process, helping you to understand the best decisions to make.

During your first visit, you’ll want to establish a baseline of what to expect. Assuming you have already had a positive pregnancy test (else, you’ll want to confirm your pregnancy), you should aim to establish a target due date, review your medical history and go over the potential complications and risk that may arise. Depending on your personal health history, you may have to tailor a special nutrition and health plan to ensure that you have a healthy pregnancy.

By understanding the implications of the nutritional needs, as well as the body changes you will undergo, your doctor can help you to determine which types of foods and activities are ideal for your pregnancy. A series of regular exams will help to ensure the health of both you and your baby – including regular checkups of your reproductive system. Your doctor will likely perform an analysis of your overall health, as well as genetic screens for issues that you should especially be aware of.