Prenatal Care

KYW Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Prenatal care may be one of the most important parts of pregnancy and an excellent way to increase the odds of having a healthy child.

I'm a big believer that the earlier you monitor and deal with a child and childbirth, the better the long-term results.

There is no doubt that prenatal care is the way to try and maximize a good delivery. Not only that, but if there's going to be problem, if the child is being watched closely, that problem can be potentially avoided. If it's dealt with early and efficiently, that means the child actually will have an opportunity to do better in delivery.

Now, make sure you choose a doctor who you can communicate with, as well as a staff and a hospital that's supportive. I think that's the most important thing to realize, that you actually want to have all those implemented plans in place.