If you suspect, or know, that you are pregnant, we hope you have already visited your
doctor!
Presuming that you have confirmed your suspicions and that this is your first child, or
that you wish to take better care of yourself during pregnancy than you did during your
other pregnancies; you have come to the right place!
Our goal is to give you all the information you will need to care for your health and the
health of your unborn child during your pregnancy.
To do that, we believe it is important for you to understand pregnancy, and what is
happening to your body as your baby develops and nears term.
Therefore, all the information we give you about taking care of yourself will be clarified
with information about what is happening to your body and why it is important to follow
the recommendations we give you and the recommendations and advice of your doctor.
First, and foremost, it is important to consult a doctor and to get on a schedule of visits
and testing to accommodate every stage of your pregnancy.
If you are healthy and expect a normal pregnancy, you have some options for health
care during your pregnancy:
􀂷 Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB/GYN) these doctors have a specialty in
pregnancy and womens health.
􀂷 Family General Practitioner or Internist doctors who provide standard medical
care to all men and women and in some cases will provide obstetrical care.
Although, malpractice insurance for this type of medical care has sharply
increased, so in many cases, general practitioners (GPs) and internists no longer
delivery babies, or treat women during the pregnancy term.
So, many of these doctors will no longer care for a pregnant woman, but instead
will refer you to an OB/GYN.
􀂷 Nurse/Midwives these health care professionals specialize in women's health
and follow a pregnant mother through prenatal care, and labor and delivery.
Nurse/Midwives need a doctor on call for the delivery in case there is a problem
during delivery.