Staying healthy during and after pregnancy
The healthy choices you make before and during pregnancy can have a lasting impact on you and your unborn child.
Blue Care Network recommends that you visit your doctor as soon as you suspect you're pregnant. Experts say healthy pregnancy outcomes are linked to early prenatal care.
For normal pregnancies without significant complications, prenatal exams are usually scheduled as follows:
| Pregnancy stage | How often |
| Prenatal first visit | When you suspect you're pregnant |
| Week 14-30 | Every four weeks |
| 30-36 weeks | Every two weeks |
| 36-40 weeks | Every week |
| 40+ weeks | Once or twice a week |
| Postpartum (after delivery) | 21-56 days after delivery |
During prenatal visits, your doctor can give you advice about diet, vitamins, exercise, and other issues that may affect you and your baby. These visits also help prevent or treat pregnancy-related complications. During the postpartum visit, your doctor can ensure that you’re well on the road to recovery after giving birth.
page modified 07/31/2009