The Importance of Prenatal Care -

Every mother wants a healthy beginning for her child. The healthcare professionals at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown, the Mohawk Valley Perinatal Network, and at The Birthplace at Faxton-St. Lukes say prenatal care is vital to having a healthy baby. First, a pregnant woman should get to her doctor just as soon as she finds out she's pregnant.

Heidi Dooley, a registered nurse, said "A Mom's health can greatly affect the baby's health in the long run so if the mother has diabetes, high blood pressure, or any sort of medical problem they need to be monitored throughout the pregnancy in order to ensure a healthy baby at the end." She also needs to make sure she's doing everything she can to take care of herself and her baby. That means exercising, eating right and taking a daily vitamin.