Do I Need a Physical Exam Every Year?
How often should you see a medical professional to ensure you’re in good health? Find out how often you should get a physical based on your age and medical history.
Five Benefits of Prenatal Visits
Regular prenatal visits are key to having a healthy pregnancy. Sometimes this early care even helps prevent problems, especially in women who have underlying health conditions, like high blood pressure.
During prenatal care visits, we monitor your health and your baby’s growth and development. We can also help you navigate the difficulties presented by pregnancy. During office visits, we discuss how to manage morning sickness, backaches, and other discomforts associated with pregnancy.
From our experts at Casa de Salud, here are five benefits of receiving prenatal care throughout your pregnancy.
1. Learning about nutrition for you and your baby
Good nutrition is essential for the healthy development of your baby. For example, folate (vitamin B9) deficiency can lead to neural tube defects. Fortunately, eating a folate-rich diet or taking a supplement can help prevent these defects.
Keep in mind that not all forms of folate are equal. Some people cannot effectively convert folic acid (the synthetic form of the nutrient) to L-methylfolate (the active form of the nutrient).
A prenatal specialist can help you find good sources of L-methylfolate and prescribe a supplement if your diet is deficient. Good dietary sources of folate include eggs, beans, leafy greens, and whole grains.
Additionally, we may also recommend an omega-3 supplement and a multivitamin. Good food sources of omega-3s include salmon, sardines, mackerel, and walnuts.
2. Reduce the risks of complications
Due to improvements in sanitation, pregnancy complications are less common. However, if you’re overweight or obese, or if you suffer from an underlying health condition, you’re at higher risk and need special monitoring during your prenatal appointments.
During these visits, our providers ensure that your baby is developing well and you’re feeling comfortable throughout the pregnancy.
3. Learn more about labor and delivery
If you’re like many mothers, you may be nervous about labor and delivery. However, engaging in a conversation with a medical practitioner can help you understand what the process may entail, and it can help ease some of the anxiety associated with bringing your baby into the world.
4. Stay healthy during the pregnancy
Some pregnant women are at an increased risk of developing anemia and gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Prenatal blood work and other testing are key to preventing complications and ensuring you and your baby are doing well.
5. Keep track of the baby’s development
Prenatal visits allow you to get a glimpse of how your baby is growing. With the help of ultrasound technology, you can also track the baby’s development and determine the gender.
Schedule your prenatal visit with us
Get peace of mind during your pregnancy by scheduling an appointment at Casa de Salud. Our caring experts can provide guidance and perform the necessary testing to help keep you and your baby healthy. Book online or call one of our Los Angeles area offices.
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