It aims at the end of pregnancy to produce a healthy baby and a well prepared, confident mother to take on the challenging role of motherhood.
Prenatal care aims to provide screening for abnormalities, health education, and prevention strategies for the long-term health of both the baby and the mother.
Pregnancy is an important phase of life which requires care and attention for a long period of nine months. The prenatal period provides a golden opportunity for women to have exposure to the healthcare system. Prenatal care aims to provide screening for abnormalities, health education, and prevention strategies for the immediate and long-term health of both the baby and the mother.
Dr. Deepti Sharma, Senior Consultant, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad believes that the end of pregnancy is the goal of a healthy baby and a well-prepared, confident mother for the challenging role of motherhood. have to achieve. Sharma explains the importance of antenatal care and regular checkups during pregnancy:
- At least eight visits spread well over the three trimesters are recommended during pregnancy for optimal results.
- Counseling about healthy eating, supplementation of vitamins and minerals, the importance of breastfeeding and physical activity are important components of health education provided through antenatal classes.
- Mothers are screened for conditions such as anemia, high blood pressure, and diabetes that can negatively impact the baby’s development and the course of the pregnancy. Pregnancy can expose some pre-existing conditions like cardiac disorders which are exposed due to the increased demands of the growing foetus. Mothers should be made aware of the effect of alcohol use, smoking and other habits on the health of the foetus.
- The development and growth of the baby is also tracked using ultrasonography. The fetus is to be screened for structural defects and genetic abnormalities through various blood tests and serial ultrasound scans. Close monitoring of fetal development allows timely referral to an appropriate health care facility for delivery and neonatal care.
- All expectant mothers should use this period to improve their knowledge and deal with unfounded fears of labor to be able to make informed choices related to delivery, family planning and baby care.
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