Care given during pregnancy (prenatal care) is important. Prenatal care includes regular visits to a health care provider, tests to identify possible problems and counseling. Pregnant women who regularly use prenatal care services and follow the advice of their health care provider have the best chance of having a healthy baby.

Dean Health Plan has established minimum guidelines for prenatal care. It is important to follow these recommended guidelines because they can help detect medical problems early, when treatment is most effective. These guidelines include basic care that is recommended during pregnancy. Check with your health care provider about additional procedures he or she recommends for you.

Ideally, you should visit your health care provider during the first three months of pregnancy. Dean Health Plan recommends the following care during your pregnancy:

Blood pressure check. High blood pressure can lead to serious problems during pregnancy. Have your blood pressure checked at every visit to your health care provider.

Pap test. A Pap test checks for cancer of the cervix (the opening to the uterus). A Pap test may be done during your first prenatal visit, depending on when the last one was performed.

Multivitamins. These contain folic acid (400 µg/0.4 mg) and are recommended for the development of a healthy baby. Ask your health care provider what is right for you.

Blood and other lab tests. Hemoglobin and hematocrit tests (for iron in the blood) should be done periodically to check for anemia (low iron in the blood).

Hepatitis B screening. Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can be passed from mother to baby during childbirth. Hepatitis B can harm both mother and baby. Pregnant women should have a blood test to screen for hepatitis B.

Syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea screenings. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that can be passed from the infected mother to her baby. Left untreated, syphilis can harm both. Syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea can be detected early with a blood test, and treatment can begin right away.

Rubella screening. Rubella testing is a blood test for German measles. If you have had a rubella shot in the past, you may not need this blood test. Check with your health care provider.

Rh blood typing. This test determines if a woman is at risk for problems because her blood type is different from her baby’s. An antibody blood test should also be done to make sure there are no other problems that may affect the baby.

Alpha-fetoprotein blood test. This test may be offered in the 15th to 18th week of pregnancy to see if you are at risk for having a baby with potential problems.

One-hour glucose tolerance test. This test for sugar in the blood should be done between the 26th and 28th week of pregnancy.

Urine test. This test is done at every visit to check sugar and protein levels. Because pregnant women are more susceptible to urinary infections, urine should also be tested for bacteria to help prevent infections from developing.

HIV/AIDS screening. Both testing and counseling should be offered, and medical care should follow if the mother and baby are at risk or test positive for HIV.

Flu shot. This shot is recommended to women in their second or third trimester during the flu season.

Chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis. Women over age 35 may be offered a chorionic villus sampling (a test of the placenta that surrounds the baby) or an amniocentesis (a test of the fluid that surrounds the baby). These tests help determine whether the baby is healthy. Chorionic villus sampling should be done before the 13th week of pregnancy. Amniocentesis is recommended in the 15th to 18th week of pregnancy.

Counseling in the following areas can help you improve your chance of having a healthy baby:

Nutrition. Eating well is always important, but it is especially important during pregnancy. A varied diet can help keep both you and your baby healthy.

Alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. These are very harmful to your unborn baby. Don’t smoke when you are pregnant, as it increases your risk of having a premature, low-birth-weight baby. Secondhand smoke can also be harmful. Alcohol and other drugs used during pregnancy can increase the risk for miscarriage, mental retardation and growth retardation.

Childbirth and child care classes. These classes can help you prepare for the birth of your baby and help with any questions you may have about caring for your newborn.

Breast-feeding. This has been proven to be healthy for both mother and child.

Sexually transmitted disease prevention. Safe-sex behaviors can prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

Seat belts. Using a seat belt when you are in a moving vehicle is strongly recommended.

Follow-up visit. There should be at least one office visit within 21 to 56 days after your baby is born (postpartum).

Prenatal Guidelines

	First Trimester (1 to 13 weeks)	Second Trimester (14 to 28 weeks)	Third Trimester (29 to 40 weeks)
Screening
Blood Pressure	X	X	X
Pap Test	X
Anemia	X	X	X
Hepatitis B	X
Syphilis/Chlamydia/Gonorrhea	X
Rubella		X
Rh Blood Typing	X
Alpha-Fetoprotein Blood		X
One-Hour Glucose		X
Urine	X	X	X
HIV/AIDS	X
Flu Shot		X	X
Special Screening
Chorionic Villus Sampling	X
Amniocentesis		X
Counseling
Nutrition	X	X	X
Substance Abuse	X	X	X
Childbirth Classes	X	X	X
Breast-Feeding	X	X	X
Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention	X	X	X
Child Care Classes	X	X	X
Injury Prevention	X	X	X

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