OB-GYN & Prenatal Care Basics

If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line). From first-trimester screenings to postpartum recovery — plain-language information for expectant parents. This page is educational, not a clinic finder.

Prenatal Care & Routine Screenings

A complete prenatal care schedule commonly includes first-trimester blood work, anatomy ultrasound at 18–20 weeks, glucose screening, and Group B strep testing. Each milestone has a clinical purpose; discuss results and next steps with your OB or midwife rather than relying on general summaries alone.

Midwifery, Labor Support & Postpartum Health

Midwives provide continuity of care from conception through the postpartum period for many low-risk pregnancies. Topics worth discussing with your care team include birth preferences, epidural and non-medication pain management, and postpartum depression screening after delivery. Perinatal and postpartum mood conditions are common and treatable, and they are not a failure of parenting — tell your care team if you are struggling. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line). In an emergency, call 911.

Frequently asked questions

When should I schedule my first prenatal appointment?: Book your first OB or midwife visit by 8 weeks pregnant to begin early screenings and establish your care team.
What is the difference between an OB-GYN and a midwife?: OB-GYNs are physicians who manage high-risk pregnancies and perform surgeries; midwives specialise in low-risk, natural birth care.
What prenatal vitamins should I take?: CDC recommends that people who could become pregnant get 400–800 mcg of folic acid daily, before and during pregnancy, to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Some people are advised to take more or less than that, and your provider may also discuss iron or DHA — decide what you actually take with them, not from a website.

Get in touch

Questions about the information on this page? Contact us and our team will reply within one business day. For crisis support, use 988 or text HOME to 741741.