When you are pregnant, it is important to see your doctor. He or she will set up regular appointments during your pregnancy. At these appointments, you and your baby will receive special care, your baby’s development will be watched, and you will learn how to care for the baby once he/she is born.

Most pregnant women will be prescribed prenatal vitamins. If your doctor prescribes prenatal vitamins, take them. They help keep you and your baby healthy.

At your first visit, your doctor will ask about your health history, family medical history, and any risk factors. Be sure to tell your doctor about any medications you have taken or are currently taking.

If you smoke, use drugs, or drink alcohol, take steps to quit right away. Continuing use can harm your baby and cause serious birth defects. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor.

If you are pregnant and HIV-positive, treatment with antiviral medicines will lower the chances of passing the virus to your baby.

Your doctor will also test for gestational diabetes, which can develop during pregnancy. If you develop gestational diabetes, it is important that you work with your doctor to keep it under control. A mother's high blood sugar can affect the baby.

Your doctor will also order ultrasounds. An ultrasound uses sound waves to listen to a baby’s heartbeat and track how your baby is growing.

Talk to you doctor about how much weight you should gain when you are pregnant and about the benefits of breastfeeding once the baby is born. Breastfeeding is good for your baby and helps you lose weight after delivery.

Fidelis Care members who are pregnant can join our BabyCare program. If you join, you will have your own Maternal Care Associate, who is trained to help you with your questions and concerns. For more information about BabyCare, call 1-800-247-1441.