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Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful, especially when you start thinking about how much everything might cost. In the United States, having a baby can cost up to $19,000 in total, which can feel overwhelming if you don’t have health insurance.
The good news is that there are ways to get the affordable pregnancy care you need without spending a ton of money. With the right information, you can find pregnancy care that fits your budget. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about pregnancy care and where to find the best low-cost prenatal care in Van Nuys and the surrounding areas, ensuring a happy and healthy pregnancy.
Why Pregnancy Care Is Important
Prenatal care benefits not only your baby but you as well by monitoring and protecting your health while tracking fetal development. During your prenatal visits, the doctor checks on your baby's growth and can find any problems early before they become serious. Going to the doctor regularly during your pregnancy also lowers the chances of pre-term labor or developing health problems like pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, known as hypertension or pre-eclampsia.
When You Should Start Pregnancy Care
Starting pregnancy care early gives you the best chance for a smooth and safe pregnancy. Typically, schedule your first prenatal appointment for approximately six to eight weeks after your last menstrual period. At this first appointment, your doctor can make sure you’re really pregnant and figure out your baby’s due date. They will also check for any health risks that could affect you or your baby as your pregnancy progresses.
Starting care early also means you can get important tests, like blood work and ultrasounds, at the right time. This helps your doctor create a personalized care plan to keep you and your baby healthy throughout your pregnancy.
What to Expect at Pregnancy Care Appointments
At your pregnancy care appointments, you can expect your healthcare provider to do a few important checks to keep you and your baby healthy. Some standard things you can expect include:
- Checking your blood pressure
- Urine protein tests and screenings for dehydration, infection, or kidney problems
- Checking our weight to ensure you’re getting enough nutrition
- Listening to your baby’s heartbeat with a fetal heart rate monitor to make sure everything is going well
- Measuring your stomach in later weeks to ensure your baby is growing at an adequate rate
You’ll also talk about any symptoms you’re feeling, what you’re eating, and how to stay healthy as your pregnancy moves along. At some of your appointments, you might have ultrasounds to see your baby, blood tests that check for genetic conditions, or a glucose test for gestational diabetes.
What to Bring to Your Pregnancy Care Appointment
When you go to your pregnancy care appointment, it’s important to bring a few things to help the visit go smoothly. Make sure you have your photo ID and your insurance card if you have one. It’s also a good idea to bring a list of any medicines or vitamins you are taking.
Before your visit, try to remember the first day of your last menstrual period and write down any past pregnancies you’ve had. This helps the doctor understand your current pregnancy better. You should also write down any questions, symptoms, or worries you have so you don’t forget to talk about them during your appointment.
Are Ultrasounds Included with Pregnancy Care Appointments?
Most pregnancy care plans include at least two ultrasounds to help check on your baby’s health. The first ultrasound usually happens early in pregnancy to confirm the due date, and the second one, called an anatomy scan, happens around 20 weeks to look closely at your baby’s development.
Where to Find the Best Low-Cost Pregnancy Care in Van Nuys
Finding prenatal care when you don’t have insurance can feel overwhelming, but that’s exactly why we’re here. At Southern California Medical Center, we offer affordable pregnancy care that doesn’t sacrifice quality or compassion. Our clinic is designed to support moms at every stage, from pregnancy tests and ultrasounds to nutrition counseling, psychosocial support, and regular OB/GYN visits, all under one roof.
We know that juggling work, family, and healthcare isn’t easy, so we make it simpler with same-day specialist visits and even free transportation to your appointments. Whether you’re a single mom, uninsured, or just looking for budget-friendly care, we’re proud to be a place where you and your baby can feel safe, supported, and truly cared for.
Southern California Medical Center (SCMC) is dedicated to offering low-cost pregnancy care services at six easily accessible locations throughout Southern California:
- Affordable Mental Health Services in Van Nuys: 14550 Haynes St. Van Nuys, CA 91411
- Affordable Mental Health Services in Pico Rivera: 8825 Whittier Blvd. Pico Rivera, CA 90660
- Affordable Mental Health Services in Long Beach: 1627 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA 90813
- Affordable Mental Health Services in El Monte: 12100 Valley Blvd. El Monte, CA 91732
- Affordable Mental Health Services in Woodland Hills: 20011 Ventura Blvd. Suite 1002, Woodland Hills, CA, 91364
Ready to get the best comprehensive prenatal care at one of our convenient Southern California clinic locations?
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