Prenatally

Prenatally refers to the period and activities before birth. In medical contexts, prenatal care encompasses pregnancy from conception until delivery and includes monitoring fetal development, assessing maternal health, and providing information to support decision-making for expectant parents.

Prenatal care typically begins early in gestation and may include regular checkups, health history evaluations, blood tests, ultrasound imaging, and screening for fetal anomalies. Noninvasive prenatal testing analyzes fetal DNA circulating in the mother's blood to estimate the risk of chromosomal conditions, while invasive diagnostic procedures such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis are used when a definitive diagnosis is needed.

Nutrition and lifestyle are central to prenatal care. Adequate intake of folic acid, iron, iodine, and other nutrients supports fetal development. Pregnant individuals are advised to avoid teratogens (such as alcohol and certain drugs), manage chronic conditions, and receive appropriate vaccines where recommended, including influenza and Tdap during pregnancy in many guidelines. Prenatal care also includes screening and treatment for infections that could affect the fetus and guidance on physical activity and weight gain.

Outcomes improve with access to high-quality prenatal care. Some conditions can be identified before birth, allowing planning for delivery and newborn care. Prenatal interventions and fetal medicine exist for certain fetal conditions, and ethical considerations guide decision-making about testing, disclosure of results, and potential interventions.