It’s no secret that pregnancy comes with many doctor’s visits, going from monthly, to twice a month, to weekly during the third trimester. This can feel excessive, but these visits are the foundation for a healthy pregnancy and birth.
These appointments identify risks early, create personalized care plans, and support healthy outcomes.
The Open Door helps you begin prenatal care with free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds. We offer a compassionate and confidential space to discuss your medical history, address your questions, and help you begin your prenatal care with confidence.
Contact us to discover the resources and professional support available to you. Here are four reasons why prenatal care is more than a check-up.
1. They Establish a Healthy Baseline
Early prenatal care helps establish a clear picture of your health and your baby’s development.
This includes confirming gestational age, prescribing blood tests, checking blood pressure and weight, reviewing medical history, and using an ultrasound to assess early fetal development. Having an accurate baseline helps healthcare providers understand what is normal for you and identify concerns that may need closer attention later in pregnancy.
Establishing care early sets the stage for informed, personalized support throughout your pregnancy. You will be screened for STDs, Rh incompatibility, iron deficiency anemia, and gestational diabetes to ensure you get the medications and care you need.
2. Preventing and Managing Complications
Early care allows providers to identify concerns such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, anemia, Rh incompatibility, or infections before they become more serious. Regular monitoring makes it possible to manage these conditions early, often reducing risks for both mother and baby.
Research shows that infants whose mothers receive prenatal care are significantly less likely to be born at a low birth weight and have lower rates of infant mortality compared to those who receive no prenatal care.
3. Personalized Nutrition and Lifestyle Guidance
Prenatal care includes education on nutrition and healthy habits that support pregnancy. Providers often recommend at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily to reduce the risk of neural tube defects by 70%.
These visits also offer guidance on diet, safe activity, and managing physical changes during pregnancy.
4. Emotional and Community Support
Pregnancy can bring a range of emotions, especially when unplanned. Prenatal care provides a trusted place to talk through concerns, ask questions, and feel supported. Early care can also connect you with educational programs, specialists, and community resources that reduce isolation and increase preparedness.
Start Your Prenatal Care With Support
Prenatal care is about preparation, protection, and peace of mind. The Open Door offers free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds in a welcoming, confidential environment. Our team is here to help you understand your next steps and connect you with trusted local providers and resources.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward a healthy, supported pregnancy.
