Prenatal Care
What is Prenatal Care?
Prenatal care is preventive health care for pregnant mothers and should be a central part of pre- and post-family planning. Prenatal care has a dual purpose of
1) ensuring regular check-ups are conducted so that doctors may treat or prevent potential health problems throughout the course of the pregnancy; and
2) promoting healthy lifestyle practices for the safety and benefit of both mother and child.
In addition, postnatal care is required primarily during the first six weeks following childbirth.
Take My Prenatal Pledge Today!
How to Prevent Congenital Syphilis
TALK — Talk to your doctor and ask about regular syphilis testing.
TEST — Get tested at your first prenatal visit, at your third trimester visit and at delivery, if you are at risk.
TREAT — If you are diagnosed with syphilis, get treated right away. Make sure your partner is treated, too.
- If you are pregnant, your doctor is required to test you on three separate occasions for possible sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Contact Your Provider
- If you don’t have insurance, contact Houston Health Department Centers. Walk-ins are welcomed.
- Get Tested
Get Tested for Syphilis Three Times
Houston Health Department Centers
Northside Health Center
8504 Schuller Road
Houston, Texas 77093
Phone: 832-393-5428
Hours:
Monday: 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tuesday – Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
2nd Wednesday each month: 7 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Sharpstown Health Center
6201 Bonhomme Road
Houston, Texas 77036
Phone: 832-395-9800
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Sunnyside Health Center
4605 Wilmington Street
Houston, Texas 77051
Phone: 832-395-0206
Hours:
Monday: 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tuesday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Closed Saturday and Sunday
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of female syphilis cases nationally rose 32% between 2017 and 2018
Percent of number of congenital syphilis cases among pregnant moms in Houston/Harris County more than doubled, 47 cases to 104 cases, from 2017-2018 respectively
Percent of women ages 18-34 accounted for all syphilis cases in Houston/Harris County from 2017 to 2018
My Prenatal Pledge
"I pledge to be the best mother I can be for the most optimal health of my unborn baby!!!"
My Prenatal Pledge
"I already got my first trimester testing for STIs, and I am grateful to be healthy. I take my health + my growing baby's health very seriously."
My Prenatal Pledge
"To get tested and to stay clean."
My Prenatal Pledge
"I PLEDGE To: Get tested three times for syphilis, HIV and other STIs, and to also share My Prenatal Pledge with my family, friends and on social media with other expectant mothers and all Houstonians."
My Prenatal Pledge
"To stay healthy and sti free during my pregnancy."