Prenatal care is health care you get while you are pregnant. One of the best ways to promote a healthy birth is by getting early and regular prenatal care. We provide the medical care and support services you need to give your baby a healthy start in life.
Who
Pregnant women who live in Philadelphia are eligible for prenatal care, whether or not they have insurance.
If you are pregnant and you don’t have health insurance, you may be eligible for Medical Assistance (Medicaid). Our prenatal care staff can help you to apply for health insurance during your prenatal care visit.
How
Find out if you’re pregnant
If you think you might be pregnant, you can find out for sure by going to one of our City health centers for a pregnancy test. If you are pregnant, you should start prenatal care right away. The sooner you get started, the better.
Each pregnancy is different, so you should get prenatal care with every pregnancy, even if you have been pregnant before.
Get prenatal care
We provide complete prenatal care in our health centers. As an enrolled patient, you will receive important health screenings that can help prevent or treat health problems before they become serious. These screenings include:
- Physical exams.
- Blood pressure checks.
- Height and weight checks.
- Blood tests.
- Genetic screenings.
- Imaging tests (such as ultrasounds).
Our prenatal providers will discuss your health and the health of your fetus with you during each of your prenatal visits. They will also answer any questions you may have regarding your pregnancy. They will help you get the help you need if you are having any problems during your pregnancy.
Your prenatal care provider will also talk to you about:
- Eating healthy foods and staying active.
- The risks of using tobacco during pregnancy and how to stop.
- The risks of drinking alcohol and using drugs and how to stop.
- The risks of domestic violence and how to get help if you need it.
- Why breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby.
- Depression screenings.
- Dental screenings.
- Referrals to WIC, Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) and family planning services.
- Taking care of your health before and between pregnancies.
You can also get social work support to help you prepare for your baby.