Routine prenatal care

Prenatal care is a key component of a healthy pregnancy. Regular prenatal care helps to identify and treat complications and promote healthy behaviors. Outcome data suggest that babies born to mothers who do not receive prenatal care are three times more likely to be of low birth weight, and five times more likely to die, compared with babies born to mothers who receive prenatal care. US Department of Health and Human Services: prenatal care fact sheet Opens in new window In addition to medical care, prenatal care includes counseling and education.[1]Peahl AF, Turrentine M, Barfield W,​ et al. Michigan plan for appropriate tailored healthcare in pregnancy prenatal care recommendations: a practical guide for maternity care clinicians. J Women's Health. Jul 2022;31(7):917-25. This topic provides an overview for the prenatal management of healthy pregnant women with singleton pregnancies.​