Becoming a mother is one of the most exciting times in a woman's life. This section of womenshealth.gov will help you learn what
 you can do before, during, and after pregnancy to give your baby a healthy start to life.


Trying for a baby? Being healthy before, during and after pregnancy involves so many different aspects of your life. So, I've
compiled a quick list to help you stay on the healthy side.


We are glad to inform that she is indeed pregnant. But she is now just at the beginning of the pregnancy period. We hope everything
 goes well until the end of the pregnancy,” said Unal.


Now that you know you're pregnant, it's more important than ever to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally.
 You can boost your chances of having a problem-free pregnancy and a healthy baby by following a few simple guidelines.


It's important to get enough folic acid before conception and during early pregnancy. Folic acid greatly reduces your baby's
risk of developing neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida.


Ideally, you should start taking 400 micrograms of folic acid at least one month before becoming pregnant. Once your pregnancy
is confirmed, up your daily dose to 600 mcg.


If you've decided to have a baby, the most important thing you can do is to take good care of yourself so you and your baby will
 be healthy. Girls who get the proper care and make the right choices have a very good chance of having healthy babies.


see a doctor as soon as possible after you find out you're pregnant to begin getting prenatal care (prenatal care is medical car
e during pregnancy). The sooner you start to get medical care, the better the chances that you and your baby will be healthy


Prenatal Health Care


Key to protecting the health of your child is to get regular prenatal care. If you think you're pregnant, call your health care
 provider to schedule an appointment. You should schedule your first examination as soon as you think you might be pregnan


At this first visit, your health care provider will probably do a pregnancy test, and will figure out how many weeks pregnant
 you are based on a physical examination and the date of your last period. He or she will also use this information to predict
 your delivery date (an ultrasound done sometime later in your pregnancy will help to verify that date).


every 4 weeks until the 28th week of pregnancy


Throughout your pregnancy, your health care provider will check your weight and blood pressure while also checking the growth
and development of your baby (by doing things like feeling your abdomen, listening for the fetal heartbeat starting during the
 second trimester, and measuring your belly). During the span of your pregnancy,


During your first visit, the doctor will ask you lots of questions, including the date of your last period. This helps the
 doctor work out how long you have been pregnant and your due date


Welcome to the UnitedHealthcare Healthy Pregnancy Program website. The Healthy Pregnancy Program provides you with a personalized
approach and access to nurses and educational resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To continue to view the website, please
 make the appropriate selection below..