Regular doctor, nurse midwife, or doula visits during pregnancy help you and your baby stay healthy. During prenatal visits, you are checked to make sure you and your growing baby are well. You will need regular prenatal checkups during your pregnancy. Schedule a doctor visit as soon as you think you are pregnant. Your doctor will guide your prenatal checkup schedule and explain what you can expect at each appointment. Talk with your doctor about:
Hennepin County’s Family Home Visiting program offers free home-based services to eligible county residents. Public health nurses and other professionals visit families at their homes or community spaces to provide emotional, social, health, and parenting support and to connect them with appropriate resources. Referrals are accepted from families, health professionals, organizations, and programs including health plans, nurses, physicians, social service providers, and WIC programs. Self-referrals are also accepted.
To participate, fill out the Family Home Visiting referral form.
A birth plan helps you decide what you want for your pregnancy, delivery, and after your baby’s birth. It can include:
You and your doctor will monitor to see if you develop any of these conditions during your pregnancy and help you manage them.
Reduce your risk for gestational diabetes by eating healthy and staying active during your pregnancy.