According to the CDC, babies of mothers who do not get prenatal care are three times more likely to have a low birth weight and five times more likely to die than those born to mothers who do not get care.

Such is the importance of prenatal care, a series of medical checkups that start from the moment a woman finds out she’s pregnant and continues until the birth of the baby. Combined with postnatal care that involves checkups for the baby and the mother, it can put a child on the path to a healthy life.

PRENATAL CARE

Prenatal care may include physical exams, blood and urine tests, ultrasounds, nutrition and exercise education, as well as prenatal supplements that ensure the fetus develops correctly and the mother is in optimum condition when it’s time to give birth.

Your doctor will give you a schedule of visits throughout your pregnancy and it’s important you don’t miss any. You can expect to see him:

*About once each month between weeks 4 through 28

*Twice a month for weeks 28 through 36

*Weekly after that until birth

*Women older than 35-years-old or who with high-risk pregnancy and other ailments will probably see a doctor more often.

Also, contact your doctor if you develop any of the following danger signs during your pregnancy:

*Vaginal bleeding

*Severe abdominal pain

*Convulsions/fits

*Difficulty breathing

*Swelling of fingers, face, and legs

POSTNATAL CARE

Also known as postpartum care, it begins after the baby is born and lasts up to 12 weeks. Women who have a typical vaginal delivery may spend one or two days in the hospital, or two to three days for a cesarean section. While there, they should receive instructions on breastfeeding and basic care for the baby.

Postnatal care includes medical and mental health checkups for the mother. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all mothers and newborns receive at least four postnatal visits within the first six weeks.

A first visit with a gynecologist or other obstetric health provider should come within three weeks of giving birth, culminating with a comprehensive examination at three months.

During this time, mothers should be screened for postpartum depression and receive guidelines on rest, physical activity, and nutrition to make sure they fully recover from giving birth.

It’s also a time to check on the baby for any metabolic disorders or other problems, such as any illness, abnormalities, or hearing issues.

It is also important to notify your nurse or doctor if you develop any warning signs, such as:

*Postpartum depression

*Heavy vaginal bleeding

*An incision that’s not healing

*Fever higher than 100.4F

*Pain or burning when you pee or poop

*Red streaks or painful lumps on your breasts

*Persistent nausea, pain in your lower belly, or vomiting

*Smelly vaginal discharge

*Continued headaches