Children’s Wellness Guidelines
Laying the Groundwork for a Healthy Tomorrow
Children’s Health
Put your child on the path to wellness. Schedule a yearly Well Child visit with your child’s health care provider and follow immunization guidelines. The health care provider will watch your child’s growth and progress and should talk with you about eating and sleeping habits, safety and behavior issues.
According to the Bright Futures recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the provider should:
- Check your child’s Body Mass Index percentile regularly beginning at age 2
- Check blood pressure yearly, beginning at age 3
- Screen hearing at birth, then yearly from ages 4 to 6, then at ages 8 and 10
- Test vision yearly from ages 3 to 6, then at ages 8, 10, 12, and 15
Help protect your child from sickness. Make sure they get the recommended vaccinations shown in the charts. If your child has missed vaccinations, ask your health care provider how to catch up.
Learn more from your child’s doctor or at healthychildren.org.
Perinatal Wellness Guidelines
Routine Recommendations for a Healthy Pregnancy
First Prenatal Visit
Your health care provider will evaluate your personal health and family history to plan the best care for you and your new baby. The first visit is usually the longest, so be prepared. You may be asked about:
- The date of your last menstrual period to help predict when your baby will be born
- Health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure or sexually transmitted disease
- Past pregnancies and any complications
Later Prenatal Visits
Follow-up visits usually take less time. Your health care provider may also:
- Check your blood pressure
- Check your hands, feet and face for swelling
- Listen to the baby’s heartbeat (beginning as early as week nine)
After Giving Birth
You should schedule a visit with your obstetrician or other care provider within the first three weeks after giving birth. A comprehensive visit should be done no later than 12 weeks after birth. Your health care provider:
- Will do an examination
- May do follow-up testing, if needed
- May give vaccinations, as needed
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