Importance of Prenatal Care: Before and During Pregnancy

About Prenatal Care

Prenatal care refers to the nursing and medical care recommended for pregnant women, before and during their pregnancy periods. Prenatal care is very vital as it detects any potential or existing problems in their early stages, to eliminate or even prevent them for a healthy baby and safe pregnancy.

Prenatal care not only includes medical tests, but also a healthy lifestyle, which includes healthy, and balanced diet, adequate nutrition, vitamin and calcium intake and exercise. A most common prenatal practise is to consume at least 400mcg of folic acid along with adequate vitamins. This helps in preventing neural tube defects.

Need of Prenatal Care:

In today’s developed world, with increased exposure to pollution and toxic substances, many women face pregnancy problems and infant problems, like low birth weight, miscarriages, stillbirths, maternal deaths, and other birth defects. With the availability of good prenatal care from hospitals, specialists, birth centres, etc all these problems can be reduced and prevented. It not only ensures safer pregnancies, but also ensures good health of the mother and the child. Also with good prenatal care a woman can conceive easily, can sail through a relatively hassle free pregnancy and can recover rapidly post pregnancy.

Prenatal care consists of:

• Monthly visits or as recommended by your physician during the first two trimesters, that is from 1-28 weeks of pregnancy
• Biweekly visits to the physician for check ups in the third trimester, that is from 28-36 weeks of pregnancy
• Weekly visits in 38-40weeks or after 36th week
• Postpartum or post delivery care
• Evaluation of parental requirements and family dynamic

 

What happens in prenatal visits?

During the first few prenatal visits or in the first trimester:

• Doctor will inquire about your health and family history including diseases, infections, operations, medical treatments, prior pregnancies, etc
• Do a complete physical check up, which may include pelvic exam and Pap test
• Take your blood and urine sample for medical tests
• Measure your heart rate, blood pressure, height and weight
• Calculate your due date
• Answer all your inquiries and clear all your doubts
• Give instructions about a healthy diet and lifestyle

During prenatal visits in second or third trimesters:

• Measuring blood pressure, heart rate and weight gain
• Checking and measuring abdomen to check the baby’s growth
• Measuring baby’s heart rate
• Some medical or prenatal tests

Prenatal Care before Pregnancy:

If you are trying to get pregnant, even then prenatal care is needed. Consult a doctor to learn how to prepare your body for pregnancy and start this preparation at least before three months from conceiving.

Tips for women trying to conceive:

• Consume 400mcg of folic acid daily
• Stop consuming alcohol and quit smoking
• Reduce the intake of caffeine
• Under the supervision of physician, control ailments like diabetes, hypertension, epilepsy, obesity, thyroid, depression, etc.
• Discuss all the over-the-counter medications you are consuming or any other medical treatments you are undergoing
• Avoid direct contact with toxic substances and X-rays.

 

Prenatal Care for Pregnant Women:

If you have conceived, then it is better to get prenatal care as early as possible, in case it is not a planned pregnancy. Prenatal care is extremely important for every pregnant woman, whether it is her first or second pregnancy. Prenatal care ensures good health of the mother-to-be and the child and avoids or prevents any possible complications at the earliest best.

General Tips for pregnant women:

• Consume multi vitamins (in dose as recommended by your physician) and 400 mcg of folic acid daily
• Consult your doctor before starting any medicine or before stopping any course
• Avoid exposure to x-rays. If very necessary then let the doctor or dentist know about your pregnancy status

 

Diet Tips for Pregnant Women:

• Have a balanced diet and include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, vitamins and calcium rich foods, etc
• Consume lots of liquids, like water and juices
• Consume food rich in iron. A good intake of iron prevents you and your baby from getting anaemia
• Wash properly and then consume fruits and vegetables. Avoid consuming uncooked food. This will prevent you from acquiring any food-borne-diseases
• Avoid eating fishes like shark, swordfish, etc which are high in mercury content

 

Lifestyle Tips for Pregnant Women:

• Stop consuming alcohol, smoking or any other type of drug abuse
• Get plenty of rest and sound sleep
• Do not stress much
• Under the supervision of your physician, try and exercise for a considerable time everyday
• Gain a good and healthy amount of weight. Consult your doctor for the same
• Do not use hot tubs or take very hot baths. Avoid sauna and steams
• Take childbirth and parental classes for you and your partner
• Stay away from hazardous chemicals in insecticides, cleaners, etc
• Wash hand frequently to maintain hygiene and to avoid infections
• Avoid direct or much contact with pets, rodents, and their droppings
• Stay away from smokers