Prenatal care, which includes not only professional health care services but also a healthy lifestyle, is a key factor in preventing birth problems.

Health care providers can monitor a woman's pregnancy and detect any potential problems, while a woman's lifestyle changes can ward off physical and intellectual abnormalities in her baby.

Though the majority of expecting mothers receive quality prenatal health care, almost 20 percent of pregnant American women do not get care in their first trimester of pregnancy, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Reasons for the lack of quality care generally include lack of money, lack of transportation and simply being unaware of pregnancy.

The federal government has tried to combat the problem of supplying affordable health care for a couple of decades. To find medical assistance options in your area, start here:

• The Department of Health and Human Services offers a toll-free number for expecting moms: By calling 1-800-311-BABY (2229) from anywhere in the United States, pregnant women will be routed automatically to their state maternal and child health hotline.
• Find Medicaid and other medical assistance options in your area by checking the Web site of state Medicaid offices.
• Find information on WIC, a program for women, infants and children that offers financial and health aid, by visiting their Web site.
• Contact your local welfare, family or social services office for more information on other state or local prenatal care financial aid programs.