As soon as you think you are pregnant, contact your health care provider to schedule your first prenatal care visit.

Women who get early and regular prenatal care have healthier pregnancies and healthier babies. They are less likely to deliver their baby prematurely. They are also less likely to have serious problems with their pregnancy.

If you are at low-risk for complications and have a pregnancy that is progressing normally, you need to visit your health care provider as follows:

• Weeks 4 to 28: 1 visit per month (every 4 weeks)
• Weeks 28 to 36: 2 visits per month (every 2 to 3 weeks)
• Weeks 36 to birth: 1 visit per week

If you have a chronic medical condition or a “high-risk” pregnancy, you may have to see your health care provider more often.

It is very important that you go to all your prenatal care appointments, even if you’re feeling fine. Do it for yourself and your baby. `

Source: “Prenatal Care,” March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, www.marchofdimes.com.