{"id":987,"date":"2023-03-28T21:38:25","date_gmt":"2023-03-28T21:38:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chministries.org\/?p=987"},"modified":"2023-09-20T15:26:54","modified_gmt":"2023-09-20T15:26:54","slug":"importance-prenatal-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chministries.org\/blog\/importance-prenatal-care\/","title":{"rendered":"The importance of prenatal care: choosing your healthcare team"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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If you’re expecting, you might be knee deep in decisions already\u2014baby names<\/a>, budgeting<\/a>, nursery ideas<\/a>. But one of the most important decisions you need to make in your pregnancy is where to go for your prenatal care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to surround yourself with a team of people you trust to guide you through the incredible changes your body undergoes, answer all the questions you’ll have at each visit, and help create the childbirth<\/a> experience you and your husband want. This guide is designed to help you make this important decision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What matters most?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Finding the right care will depend on what you need and what matters most to you. If where you give birth is important to you, you\u2019ll need to find a doctor or midwife<\/a> who can deliver your baby in your selected birthing location<\/a>. If you work during the week, it may be especially important to you to have an office with convenient hours or options for weekend appointments. For some couples, having a healthcare provider who shares your cultural background or beliefs is essential.
Once you zero in on the factors that are most important, you can narrow your options and find the right care for you and your baby<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do you need?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Women have a wide range of needs for a healthy pregnancy and birth. These needs range from basic education and prenatal visits to high-risk specialty care and management of complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choose a doctor or midwife that will not only provide great care for you and your baby but also can connect you to a team that includes the people and services that fit your needs.  You\u2019ll likely have a team of people who are experts in different areas, including providers, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and medical assistants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Different communities have various types of providers available: You may have a midwife, a family physician, an obstetrician (OB\/GYNs), and\/or a maternal fetal medicine specialist involved in your care.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To learn more about these different types of providers and their training and focus, visit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n