If you just found out you are pregnant, call a doctor, midwife, or prenatal clinic as soon as you can. You do not need to wait until you are showing or feeling the baby move.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says it is best to start prenatal care in the first three months of pregnancy. Ideally, your first prenatal assessment should happen before 10 weeks from the first day of your last period, or soon after you learn you are pregnant.
Even if the office does not schedule an in-person visit right away, make the call now. The office can tell you what to do next, what medicines or vitamins are safe, and when you need to be seen.
Why Is Early Prenatal Care So Important?
Prenatal care is health care for you and your baby during pregnancy. These visits help your health care team find problems early, before they become more serious.
At your first visits, your provider may check your blood pressure, weight, blood type, urine, and blood. You may be tested for anemia and infections. Your provider will ask about medicines you take, past pregnancies, and health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure. You may also have an ultrasound.
The first weeks of pregnancy are very important because the baby’s major organs begin developing early. This is also a good time to talk about prenatal vitamins, especially folic acid, and about avoiding alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, and medicines that may not be safe during pregnancy.
Early care can make a real difference.
In 2024, about 75.5% of pregnant women in the United States started prenatal care during the first trimester. That means about 1 in 4 did not. About 7.3% started very late or received no prenatal care.
The CDC recommends getting prenatal care early and throughout pregnancy as an important step toward reducing the risk of preterm birth.
Preterm birth means a baby is born before 37 weeks. About 1 in 10 U.S. babies is born too early. Babies born too early can have more problems with breathing, feeding, growth, hearing, vision, and development.
That is why every prenatal appointment matters.
Don’t Stop Going After the First Visit
Prenatal care is not just one appointment. You need care throughout your pregnancy.
Your doctor or midwife will give you a schedule based on your health and your pregnancy. Some people need more visits than others.
At later visits, your care team can check your blood pressure, follow your baby’s growth and heartbeat, order needed tests, and watch for problems such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure.
Try to keep every appointment. If you miss one, call and reschedule.
Do not give up on prenatal care because you missed an appointment or started late. It is never too late to call and start getting care.
What If You Don’t Have Insurance or Much Money?
Please do not let money stop you from making the first call.
If you are pregnant, you may qualify for Medicaid or other pregnancy health coverage. Community health centers also care for people with or without insurance. Many charge based on your income and family size. Federally funded health centers are required to serve people even when they cannot afford the full cost.
Tell the clinic if you are having trouble with transportation, food, housing, child care, or paying for care. Your health care team may be able to connect you with programs that can help.
Ask for help. You do not have to figure everything out by yourself.
When Should You Get Help Right Away?
Do not wait for a regular appointment if something feels seriously wrong.
Get medical help right away if you have:
- Severe belly or pelvic pain
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Fainting or severe dizziness
- Shoulder pain
- Trouble breathing or chest pain
- A fever of 100.4°F or higher
- Severe vomiting that keeps you from drinking fluids
These can be signs of a serious pregnancy problem and should not be ignored.
The Most Important Message
If your pregnancy test is positive, make the call today.
You and your baby deserve care from the beginning. Starting prenatal care early and continuing it throughout pregnancy gives your health care team the best chance to find problems early, answer your questions, connect you with help, and support you throughout your pregnancy.
Don’t wait. Call a prenatal care provider and get started. It is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your baby.
