It’s important to see a doctor or clinician as soon as possible. Getting prenatal care early in a pregnancy is one of the best ways to prevent any health problems for you and your baby. Teen mothers are more likely than older mothers to face health complications such as giving birth prematurely and having babies who are very small (called low-birth-weight babies). A lot of these complications come from having a poor diet, not beginning prenatal care early enough, not having regular checkups throughout the pregnancy or taking in substances such as alcohol or drugs.

Your gynecologist or the prenatal clinic can help you put together a healthy diet and exercise plan, and can also talk with you about other considerations you need to pay careful attention to because you’re pregnant. This is very important, since everything you eat, drink, inhale or otherwise take into your body goes from you to your baby. Your clinician can give you a list of things to avoid and can prescribe prenatal vitamins. If you see any other doctors for other health problems, make sure they know you’re pregnant. Some prescription medications and medical procedures are harmful if you are pregnant.

If you have a relationship with your baby’s father, involve him in the pregnancy and the prenatal care. Include him and get his support in making sure the baby is born healthy. He probably has lots of questions about what is happening to your body and what he should expect throughout your pregnancy, so many guys find it helpful if they can learn from health care providers as well as books and Web sites.