don't want to get pregnant

I don't want to get pregnant right now. But should I still take folic acid every day? [pregnant woman]

Experts recommend that all women of childbearing age get 400 micrograms [mcg] of folic acid every day. Even women with very little chance of getting pregnant should get their daily dose of folic acid. This is because many pregnancies are not planned. Often women don't know they are pregnant for a number of weeks. And some birth defects happen during this very early part of pregnancy.

Taking 400 mcg of folic acid every day will help prevent some birth defects that happen in early pregnancy. If a woman doesn't start taking vitamins until the second or third month of pregnancy, it may be too late to prevent birth defects. Folic acid may also have other health benefits for women.

How often should I see my doctor during pregnancy? [pregnant woman]

Your doctor will give you a schedule of all the doctor's visits you should have while pregnant. As your pregnancy progresses, you'll see the doctor more often. Most experts suggest you see your doctor:

• about once each month for the first six months of pregnancy [pregnant woman]

• every two weeks for the seventh and eight month of pregnancy [pregnant woman]

• every week until the baby is born [pregnant woman]

If you are over 35 or your pregnancy is high risk because of health problems [like diabetes or high blood pressure], you'll probably see your doctor more often.

What happens during prenatal visits? [pregnant woman]

During the first prenatal visit, you can expect your doctor or nurse to do the following:

• ask about your health history including diseases, operations, or prior pregnancies [pregnant woman]

• ask about your family's health history [pregnant woman]

• do a complete physical exam [pregnant woman]

• do a pelvic exam with a Pap test [pregnant woman]

• order tests of your blood and urine [pregnant woman]

• check your blood pressure, urine, height, and weight [pregnant woman]

• figure out your expected due date [pregnant woman]

• answer your questions [pregnant woman]

At the first visit, you should ask questions and discuss any issues related to your pregnancy. Find out all you can about how to stay healthy.

Later prenatal visits will probably be shorter. Your doctor will check on your health and make sure the baby is growing as expected. Most prenatal visits will include:

• checking the baby's heart rate [pregnant woman]

• checking your blood pressure [pregnant woman]

• checking your urine for signs of diabetes [pregnant woman]

• measuring your weight gain [pregnant woman]

Pregnancy about Additional [pregnant woman]

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