Call a provider
NICHD says the first prenatal visit usually happens after about week 8.[2]
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a first contact within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.[3]
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says to start prenatal care in the first trimester, and that before 10 weeks after your last period is ideal.[4]
MedlinePlus describes three kinds of providers for pregnancy care: obstetricians (OB-GYNs), family physicians and certified nurse-midwives.[5] It lists where you would like to give birth as one thing to think about when you choose.[5]
Folic acid
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) advises a daily supplement with 0.4 to 0.8 mg (400 to 800 mcg) of folic acid for anyone who plans to or could become pregnant.[6] It advises continuing through the first 2 to 3 months of pregnancy.[6]
CDC says neural tube defects form in the first weeks of pregnancy, often before a person knows they are pregnant.[7]
MedlinePlus lists 600 mcg of folic acid a day during pregnancy.[8]
Medicines and vitamins
CDC says to talk to your providers before you start or stop any medicine.[9]
MedlinePlus says that not treating a health condition can sometimes be more harmful than the medicine.[10] It says to use prenatal vitamins rather than regular ones.[10]
Food safety
FoodSafety.gov lists foods to avoid during pregnancy, including:[11]
- raw or undercooked seafood, eggs, meat and poultry;[11]
- refrigerated smoked seafood unless it is cooked;[11]
- unpasteurized milk and juice, and raw-milk or unheated queso-fresco-type cheeses;[11]
- premade deli salads and raw sprouts;[11]
- hot dogs and deli meats unless reheated until steaming (165°F);[11]
- refrigerated pâtés;[11]
- raw dough or batter.[11]
FoodSafety.gov says Listeria can infect the baby even when the mother does not feel sick.[11]
MedlinePlus says pregnant people should keep caffeine under 200 mg a day, about 1 to 2 small cups of coffee or tea.[12]
Alcohol and smoking
CDC says there is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy and no safe time to drink.[13] It says stopping at any point helps.[13]
CDC says the baby gets more oxygen within one day of quitting smoking.[14]
Coverage in the US
HealthCare.gov says all Marketplace and Medicaid plans cover pregnancy and childbirth.[15] It says you can apply for Medicaid and CHIP any time of year.[15]
Feelings check-in
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) says perinatal depression includes depression during pregnancy, not only after birth.[16] It says the signs last at least 2 weeks.[16]
HRSA says the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, 1-833-852-6262, is free, confidential and open 24/7 for calls and texts.[17]
When to call or get help
CDC lists urgent warning signs to watch for during pregnancy, including vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid, severe belly pain that does not go away, and thoughts of harming yourself or the baby.[18]
Questions families ask
Who should I call after a positive pregnancy test?
OWH says to call a doctor after a positive result.[1] MedlinePlus describes obstetricians, family physicians and certified nurse-midwives as the providers who give pregnancy care.[5]
When is the first prenatal visit?
NICHD says it usually happens after about week 8.[2] WHO recommends a first contact within the first 12 weeks.[3]
How much folic acid do I need?
USPSTF advises a daily supplement with 0.4 to 0.8 mg (400 to 800 mcg) of folic acid.[6] MedlinePlus lists 600 mcg a day during pregnancy.[8]
Can I keep taking my usual medicines?
CDC says to talk to your providers before you start or stop any medicine.[9]
Free from UpOnly Learning. Written for families of every faith. No outside ads and no affiliate links. Every fact on this page comes from the sources listed below. How we source and review these pages
Updated 2026-10-24: first published.
Sources
All sources were opened and checked on the date shown.
- Office on Women's Health (HHS). Knowing if you are pregnant. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NIH). What happens during prenatal visits?. Checked October 24, 2026.
- World Health Organization. New guidelines on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience (news release, Nov 7, 2016). Checked October 24, 2026.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Prenatal Care. Checked October 24, 2026.
- MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine). Choosing the right health care provider for pregnancy and childbirth. Checked October 24, 2026.
- US Preventive Services Task Force. Folic Acid Supplementation to Prevent Neural Tube Defects: Preventive Medication. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Folic Acid. Checked October 24, 2026.
- MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine). Pregnancy and Nutrition. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Medicine and Pregnancy: An Overview. Checked October 24, 2026.
- MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine). Pregnancy and Medicines. Checked October 24, 2026.
- FoodSafety.gov (HHS, USDA, FDA). People at Risk: Pregnant Women. Checked October 24, 2026.
- MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine). Caffeine in the diet. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Alcohol Use During Pregnancy. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Tips From Former Smokers). Smoking, Pregnancy, and Babies. Checked October 24, 2026.
- HealthCare.gov (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services). Health Coverage Options for Pregnant or Soon to Be Pregnant Women. Checked October 24, 2026.
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIH). Perinatal Depression. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (HEAR HER campaign). Urgent Maternal Warning Signs and Symptoms. Checked October 24, 2026.