5 Benefits of Prenatal Care

Whether you’re pregnant for the first time or carrying your third (or more) child, prenatal care is one of the best things you can do for you and your baby. Regular check-ups and monitoring help ensure a healthy pregnancy and give you peace of mind. v

The OB/GYN team at Women’s Care of Beverly Hills in South Bay, Redondo Beach, and Beverly Hills, California supports you during this exciting time that’s full of anticipation and changes in your body.

Here are five important benefits of prenatal care every expectant mother should know.

1. Monitoring baby's development

From the first weeks of pregnancy, our providers track your baby's growth and development. We perform ultrasounds and other screening tests at various stages to monitor your baby’s size, heartbeat, and physical development. These check-ups allow us to catch any potential issues early, such as growth restrictions or abnormalities, and get you the appropriate care.

Regular prenatal visits help ensure your baby is developing on track and give you an opportunity to see that progress! At some visits, you get to hear your baby's heartbeat and see them on an ultrasound.

2. Personalized health guidance

Pregnancy brings unique health challenges, and every woman’s experience is different. During prenatal visits, your OB/GYN can offer personalized health recommendations based on your medical history, age, and any risk factors. This guidance includes important aspects of pregnancy health, such as nutrition and supplements, including the need for prenatal vitamins. 

You get information on appropriate exercise and how to manage symptoms like back pain, fatigue, and nausea. Having a trusted prenatal care provider means you always have support as you move through your pregnancy. We can answer specific questions about your health and experiences.

3. Early detection of potential complications

Prenatal care is essential because it gives us an opportunity to identify potential complications early. Conditions like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and infections can pose risks to you and your baby if left untreated. Through routine blood work, urine tests, and physical exams, we can detect these issues early and recommend treatment or lifestyle changes to manage them.

Early detection means that we can monitor any complications closely and address them before they become serious, improving the chances of a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

4. Support for emotional well-being

Pregnancy involves lots of emotional changes. Many expectant mothers experience mood swings and emotions that shift from joy to fear and anxiety. Prenatal care visits offer a safe space to discuss your mental and emotional health with our providers. 

Whether you're feeling anxious about the pregnancy or overwhelmed by the changes in your body, we here at Women’s Care of Beverly Hills can provide reassurance and guidance.

We can also help you find resources such as counseling or support groups to manage your mental health during pregnancy.

Taking care of your emotional well-being is just as important as monitoring your physical health, and regular prenatal visits ensure you’re supported throughout the entire journey.

5. Preparation for labor and delivery

As your due date approaches, we start to discuss labor and delivery at your prenatal appointments. We discuss your birth plans, whether you’re considering a natural birth, epidural, or a planned cesarean section. We go over all options so you can make an informed decision.

We also help you when it comes to recognizing signs of labor. Understanding when to go to the hospital and what to expect during labor can reduce anxiety as you approach your delivery date.

Our providers also discuss what to expect after delivery, including postpartum recovery, breastfeeding support, and birth control options.

These discussions mean you feel more confident and prepared for the labor and delivery process so you can have a more positive birth experience.

From monitoring your baby's development to preparing you for labor and delivery, regular prenatal check-ups with your OB/GYN provide the comprehensive care and support you need for a successful pregnancy journey.

If you’re expecting, or planning to become pregnant, schedule an appointment with Women’s Care of Beverly Hills. Call or use the online tool to book an appointment today.