Poor birth outcomes lead to increased mortality risks and a greater chance of poor future health. This article will study the statistical data regarding the suggested number of prenatal visits as considered in healthy birth outcomes. It is estimated that nearly 4 million women in the United States give birth each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and that nearly a third of them will experience some type of pregnancy-related problem. This is especially relevant in the United States, which has one of the highest infant mortality rates among 18 developed nations. The lack of prenatal care for women who cannot financially afford it, or who see no need for it, is primarily responsible for the thousands of low-birth-weight babies born in the United States each year. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services [Office on Women's Health] (2009), “Babies born to mothers who do not receive prenatal care are three times more likely to have low birth weight and five times more likely to have die than those born to mothers who receive care” (p. 1). Prenatal care in the United States began as a preventive measure against preeclampsia, which at the time involved scheduled visits by doctors who conducted physical, medical history, and risk assessments. Over the years, prenatal care has shifted its focus toward low birth weight and other preventative diseases in an effort to reduce infant mortality rates. Increased use of prenatal care has shown decreased rates of birth weight-related mortality and other preventable medical illnesses such as postpartum depression and infant injuries. For many Americans, prenatal care is a fairly simple process. You visit your doctor. Takes a urine sample, your weight and measurement......middle of the card......reduction for the newborn, the benefits of breastfeeding and the prevention of injuries and illnesses, monitoring of health-compromising conditions, as well as helping them prepare for the new emotional challenges of caring for a child. Prenatal care is an important part of the health of the mother and baby. It is important for a pregnant woman to seek the recommended amount of prenatal care, whether she is having her first child or third. Pregnancy is one of the most important issues a woman will face in her life and it is very important that it is addressed in the correct way. Some key issues why prenatal care is important for women are:* to learn about healthy behaviors during pregnancy.* to monitor maternal and fetal well-being throughout the pregnancy* to detect early signs of potential complications* to provide guidance prevention for women and families