What is prenatal care and why is it important?

Prenatal care is the care woman gets during a pregnancy. Getting early and regular prenatal care is important for the health of both mother and the developing baby.

In addition, health care providers are now recommending a woman see a health care provider for preconception care, before she is even trying to get pregnant.

Health care providers recommend women take the following steps to ensure the best health outcome for mother and baby:

* Getting at least 400 micrograms of folic acid every day to help prevent many types of neural tube defects. Health care providers recommend taking folic acid both before and during pregnancy.
* Being properly vaccinated for certain diseases (such as chicken pox and rubella) that could harm a developing fetus—it is important to have the vaccinations before becoming pregnant
* Maintaining a healthy weight and diet and getting regular physical activity before, during, and after pregnancy
* Avoiding smoking, alcohol, or drug use before, during, and after pregnancy