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Introduction

Pregnancy is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality for women of childbearing age.  For many women, it is the only time they have access to health care.  The peripartum period provides an opportunity to diagnose, address, and optimize many maternal conditions.

Prenatal care is designed to promote healthy fetal growth and development while minimizing maternal risk through counseling and education, risk assessment and screening, and a series of laboratory tests, vaccinations, and ultrasounds at different gestational ages.  This process occurs through stepwise and standardized care divided into three trimesters.

Prenatal visits typically occur every 4 weeks until 28 weeks gestation, then every 2 weeks from 28-36 weeks gestation, and then weekly until delivery.  Each visit always evaluates the following:

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