Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the love, strength, and resilience of mothers everywhere—but it’s also a perfect moment to shine a light on the vital role maternal health plays in bringing new life into the world. At WomanCare, we’re proud to support mothers and mothers-to-be with compassionate, personalized care throughout every stage of pregnancy.
Why Prenatal Care Matters
Prenatal care is one of the most important ways to support a healthy pregnancy and birth. Regular checkups with your OB provider allow for early detection of potential complications, monitoring of fetal development, and peace of mind for the expectant mother. From tracking your baby’s growth to managing common symptoms like morning sickness and fatigue, prenatal visits help ensure both mom and baby are progressing safely and smoothly.
At WomanCare, our prenatal care includes:
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Routine screenings and ultrasounds
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Genetic and gestational diabetes testing
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Nutritional counseling
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Monitoring maternal weight, blood pressure, and fetal heartbeat
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Personalized care plans for high-risk pregnancies
Our team takes a comprehensive approach that includes both physical and emotional support.
Maternal Nutrition and Wellness
Eating well during pregnancy isn’t about dieting—it’s about nourishing your body and giving your growing baby the best possible start. Good nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting fetal development, maintaining maternal energy levels, preventing complications, and aiding in postpartum recovery.
Here’s a breakdown of essential nutrients, why they matter, and examples of nutrient-rich foods to include in a healthy pregnancy diet:
Fruits and Vegetables
Why they matter: Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. These nutrients help support immune function, aid in digestion, and promote overall fetal development.
What to eat: Include a wide variety such as spinach, kale, carrots, bell peppers, berries, bananas, oranges, and avocados. Aim to make half of each meal consist of fruits and vegetables.
Lean Proteins
Why they matter: Protein is vital for the growth of your baby’s tissues and organs, especially the brain. It also helps maintain your muscle mass and supports increased blood volume during pregnancy.What to eat: Choose options like eggs, chicken, turkey, fish (low in mercury), tofu, beans, lentils, and Greek yogurt.
Whole Grains
Why they matter: Whole grains are a key source of energy, fiber, B vitamins, and iron. They help keep blood sugar stable and support healthy digestion.
What to eat: Try whole wheat bread, brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal, barley, and whole grain pastas and cereals.
Calcium-Rich Foods
Why they matter: Calcium supports the development of your baby’s bones and teeth, and also helps protect your own bone strength during and after pregnancy.
What to eat: Include dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese, or opt for calcium-fortified plant-based alternatives. Leafy greens like bok choy and broccoli are also good sources.
Folic Acid and Prenatal Vitamins
Why they matter: Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects and supports the development of the brain and spine. Prenatal vitamins help fill in nutritional gaps and support overall maternal health.
What to eat: Look for foods fortified with folic acid such as whole grain cereals, and include folate-rich foods like spinach, lentils, and citrus fruits. Take your prenatal vitamin daily as recommended by your provider.
Support Beyond the Bump
Maternal health doesn’t stop at delivery. Postpartum care is equally important. Many new mothers experience physical recovery needs, mental health changes, and breastfeeding challenges. At WomanCare, we offer comprehensive postpartum support—including lactation counseling, mental health screenings, and follow-ups—to help every woman navigate the “fourth trimester” with confidence.
A Mother’s Day Message
This May, we honor every mother—whether you’re expecting, raising little ones, or planning for the future. Your health and well-being are the foundation of your family’s strength, and we are here to walk alongside you on your journey.
To schedule a prenatal appointment or learn more about our maternal health services, call us at (847) 221-4900.
