Pregnancy Care
Comprehensive Care for Expectant Mothers
Pregnancy care includes both prenatal (before birth) and postpartum (after birth) healthcare for expectant mothers. This care involves treatments and training to ensure a healthy pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, labor, and delivery for both the mother and baby.
Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is crucial for reducing risks during pregnancy and increasing the chances of a safe and healthy delivery. Regular prenatal visits allow doctors to monitor the pregnancy and detect any problems or complications early.
Babies born to mothers who do not receive prenatal care are more likely to have a low birth weight and are five times more likely to die than those whose mothers received prenatal care. Prenatal care should ideally begin three months before trying to conceive. Healthy habits to follow during this period include:
- Quit smoking and drinking alcohol
- Take folic acid supplements daily
- Consult with your doctor about medical conditions, dietary supplements, and any medications you take
- Avoid exposure to toxic substances and chemicals at home or work
During Pregnancy
Schedule regular healthcare appointments throughout each stage of pregnancy. The typical schedule for visits is:
- Every month during the first six months of pregnancy
- Every two weeks during the seventh and eighth months of pregnancy
- Every week during the ninth month of pregnancy
During these visits, your doctor will check both the mother’s and baby’s health, including:
- Routine tests and screenings (e.g., blood tests for anemia, HIV, and blood type)
- Monitoring blood pressure
- Measuring weight gain
- Monitoring the baby’s growth and heart rate
- Discussing diet and exercise
Postpartum Care
Postpartum care is also vital and lasts six to eight weeks after the baby is born. During this period, the mother undergoes physical and emotional changes and learns to care for the newborn. Important aspects of postpartum care include getting adequate rest, proper nutrition, and vaginal care.