What Is Prenatal Care?
Prenatal care is the care a mom gets while she is pregnant. It helps keep both the mom and the baby healthy. Going to the doctor during pregnancy is very important.
Why Doctor Visits Are Important
At prenatal visits, the doctor checks how the baby is growing and how the mom is feeling. They may listen to the baby’s heartbeat and check weight and blood pressure. These visits help find problems early.
How Prenatal Care Helps Moms
Prenatal care teaches moms how to take care of their bodies. Doctors talk about healthy foods, prenatal vitamins, exercise, and rest. They also answer questions and help moms feel more confident.
Healthy Mom = Healthy Baby
When moms take care of themselves, babies grow stronger. Prenatal care helps give babies the best start in life.
Helpful Tips for Moms
- Go to all prenatal doctor visits
- Eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Drink plenty of water each day
- Take prenatal vitamins as directed
- Get enough sleep and rest
- Stay active with safe exercise, like walking
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and drugs
- Wash hands often to help prevent illness
- Talk to your doctor about any pain or worries
- Ask for help from family or friends when you need it
Resoruces:
Westchester County Resource List
Prenatal Care Providers
Westchester County Department of Health
- Website: https://health.westchestergov.com
- Phone: (914) 813-5000
- Services: Maternal health programs, referrals, education, immunizations
Open Door Family Medical Center
- Website: https://www.opendoormedical.org
- Phone: (914) 941-1263
- Services: Prenatal care, OB services, bilingual care, sliding scale fees
Hudson River HealthCare
- Website: https://www.hrhcare.org
- Phone: (844) 474-2273
- Services: Prenatal visits, screenings, ultrasounds, accepts Medicaid
Westchester Medical Center
- Website: https://www.westchestermedicalcenter.org
- Phone: (914) 493-7000
- Services: High-risk pregnancy care, maternal-fetal medicine
Support Services
Healthy Start Westchester
- Services: Case management, home visits, maternal and infant support
- Focus: Reducing disparities in maternal health
United Way of Westchester and Putnam
- Website: https://www.uwwp.org
- Phone: (914) 997-6700
- Services: Transportation assistance, family support programs, referrals
WIC Program
- Website: https://health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/wic/
- Services:
- Nutrition support
- Breastfeeding counseling
- Food assistance and prenatal vitamins
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