The Importance of Prenatal Care

Whether you’re a first-time mom-to-be or you’ve been down this road before, you’re probably thinking a lot about the changes a new baby brings. Being prepared for the arrival of your child is a great way to reduce stress and make sure you and your new baby adjust to the new routine.

That means seeing your obstetrician on a regular basis to know what to expect during pregnancy and birth — and meeting with your pediatrician to get to know them, too.

At Nevada Pediatric Specialists, we help moms and dads in Henderson and Las Vegas, Nevada, prepare for the big arrival with prenatal meet and greet visits. You can view our facilities and meet our providers who will be caring for your child. Plus, you can ask questions and get comfortable with our team. 

A prenatal meet and greet can play an important role in helping you prepare for your baby. Here’s why it’s essential to seek prenatal care throughout your pregnancy so you and your baby can stay healthy and safe.

Prenatal care: Benefits for babies and moms

According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about three-quarters of pregnant women begin prenatal care in the first trimester — good news for both mom and baby. But the same report noted that as many as 15% of pregnant mothers receive inadequate prenatal care. 

Prenatal visits play a critically important role in helping moms and babies stay healthy. In fact, the National Institutes of Health says your staying healthy during pregnancy is one of the best ways of ensuring a healthy birth.

During your prenatal visits, your obstetrician performs routine tests, including blood work, to monitor your health and your baby’s health and to help both of you avoid serious and even life-threatening complications such as:

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a condition that occurs when your blood pressure rises sharply during the later stages of pregnancy. Preeclampsia reduces blood flow to your womb, which means your baby may not get the oxygen and nutrients they need for proper development.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is diabetes that develops during pregnancy. This condition is associated with a higher risk of preeclampsia, along with the need for a cesarean birth.

Anemia

Anemia occurs in women with a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen to your cells and your baby’s cells, too. 

Infections

Many infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can cause serious problems with your developing baby. Regular prenatal visits screen for infections so you and your baby get the right care.

Low birthweight

Routine ultrasounds during your prenatal care visits evaluate your baby’s size and development so problems can be identified and treated as early as possible. Low birth weight is associated with serious risks for your baby, including reduced ability to fight infection, problems with feeding, and increased risk of heart and intestinal problems.

Prenatal visits also help identify genetic or other problems that could affect your baby’s development and conditions that could make delivery more complicated. And, of course, your obstetrician can answer your questions and provide you with advice about your diet, your activity level, and other lifestyle factors that could influence your pregnancy or delivery.

Schedule your prenatal meet and greet

Setting up a meet and greet at Nevada Pediatric Specialists is one more thing you can do to prepare for your new baby and give you some much-needed peace of mind. Our team loves welcoming new patients — even those who haven’t arrived yet! And we’re ready to answer your questions, too.

To schedule your prenatal meet and greet with our team, call our office or use our online booking form to request a visit at either our Henderson or Las Vegas location.