• See Your Doctor
• Make Healthier Food Choices for You & Your Baby
• Stay Active
• Download the Pacify App
• Get Your Flu Shot
• Pay Attention to Your Mental Health
• Learn More About Minority Perinatal Health

Prenatal care is the care you receive during your pregnancy. You will have more doctor visits as your baby grows:

• Every 4 weeks until you are 28 weeks pregnant
• Every 2 weeks from 28 to 36 weeks
• Every week from 36 weeks until your baby is born

During these visits, your doctor will:

• Talk with you about how to give your baby a healthy start in life
• Answer any questions you may have
• Check to make sure you and your baby are healthy.

Even if you feel fine, it is important to go to all your appointments.

When you are pregnant, it is important to eat the right foods to help your baby grow strong and healthy. Some foods are great for you and your baby, but others can be harmful and should be avoided.

Eat these foods:

• Avocados
• Pregnancy-approved fatty fish
• Leafy greens
• Nuts
• Beans and lentils
• Yogurt
• Oatmeal
• Lean meats

Avoid these foods:

• Undercooked eggs
• Undercooked meat
• Alcohol
• Raw fish and sushi
• Too much caffeine
• Certain types of cooked fish (swordfish, king mackerel)
• Unpasteurized foods (like some juice, cheeses, or milk)

Exercising when you’re pregnant is good for you. It can:

• Help labor and delivery go more smoothly.
• Make it easier to get back in shape after having your baby.

Light exercises, such as walking or swimming, are usually best. Check with your doctor about other kinds of exercise.

It’s best not to do activities that involve jumping or quick stops and starts. If you aren’t already active, make sure to start slowly. Try not to do too much at once.

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For sample exercises that are safe to do while pregnant, check out:

• American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (PDF here)
• Mayo Clinic (also available in Spanish)
• CDC
• Department of Health and Human Services

The flu shot is a good idea for just about everyone. But some people, including pregnant women, are at even higher risk of health problems from the flu.

Pregnancy can put you at a higher risk of getting the flu and put your unborn baby at risk, too. But getting a flu shot can help protect you and your baby. The flu shot is safe and is available at no cost to you.

Let your doctor know if you have any questions. Find out more information about the flu shot.

Pregnancy and new parenthood can bring many emotions. Sometimes you may feel sad, worried, or not like yourself. This could be depression or anxiety, and it can happen before or after your baby is born.

Watch for signs like:

• Feeling very sad, angry, or worried
• Big mood changes
• Trouble caring for yourself
• Sleeping or eating too much or too little
• Not enjoying things you used to

You are not alone, and it’s not your fault. Many women feel this way.

While pregnant, be sure to:

• Get enough folic acid. This helps prevent certain birth defects.
• Get vaccines to protect you and your baby
• Always wear your seatbelt
• Stay away from tobacco, alcohol, and drugs
• Talk to your doctor about any medicines or supplements you take
• Limit your coffee and other drinks with caffeine to one or two cups a day
• Have someone else change the litter box if you have a cat, and do not touch or pet hamsters or guinea pigs
• Avoid taking hot baths
• Only get X-rays if your doctor says it is safe

Maryland Physicians Care (MPC) cares about all pregnant members, new moms, and their families. We work hard to make sure everyone gets fair and high-quality care.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shares some important facts:

• Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related problems than White women.
• These differences happen for many reasons, like not having the same quality of care or having other health problems.
• Things like money, housing, and access to care also make it harder for many women to stay healthy.
• Hispanic and Latina women have seen more deaths from pregnancy-related causes since 2018.

Additional Resources

• Things to Do When You Learn You’re Pregnant
• Vaccination and Pregnancy
• Know the Signs of Labor
• Tips to Get Started Breastfeeding

More Pregnancy Resources