Baby Love: Proper Care During Pregnancy

The Maternity Bulletin helps to guide you through the unique changes and healthcare needs that go with this amazing time in a woman’s life.

Expecting a baby, or soon hoping to be—or know someone who is? To have a healthy baby, moms-to-be should follow their doctors’ advice right from the start.

Taking these “baby steps” can help make sure you and your little one get the best care:

1. If you can, visit your doctor at least three months before you plan to get pregnant¹
2. Plan your first prenatal visit as soon as you know you are pregnant, making sure it is within the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy
3. Keep all scheduled health exams and tests through each stage of pregnancy
4. Follow your healthcare team’s tips for eating habits and exercise
5. Keep your doctor visit six weeks after giving birth, unless your doctor changes the timing

These visits help your doctor set your due date and check the healthy growth of your baby. Your doctor can watch any health issues you may have—such as diabetes, high blood pressure or asthma—as well as look for signs of pregnancy-linked health risks, such as gestational diabetes.

This is also your time talk over any concerns, get your questions answered, and learn what to expect when giving birth.

Visit Text4baby.org to sign up for text messages with health tips during your pregnancy and until your baby’s first birthday. You can also set up reminders for doctor visits. Text4baby is in English or Spanish—and it’s free even if you don’t have a texting plan!

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¹ Source: Womenshealth.gov

Text4baby is a program of the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition, an independent organization that is not affiliated with BCBSAZ.