Pregnancy starts at the time of conception when fertilization takes place and implantation occurs. From the first trimester, proper care and monitoring are necessary to facilitate proper fetal growth and development. According to a journal published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, Antenatal care involves the prevention of both medical and non-medical risks to both mother and fetus. If proper antennal care is accorded to pregnant women, birth complications are greatly reduced. Neonatal conditions like neonatal infections, asphyxia and malformations can also be well-prevented if proper antenatal care is offered to pregnant women.
Proper Screening to Detect Any Abnormality
According to an article published in the John Hopkins Medicine Journal entitled, ”common tests during pregnancy”, there are compulsory tests that are performed in the first trimester, second and third trimester. The common tests include blood hemoglobin level, Rhesus status, and venereal disease. Ultrasound is also common to determine any malformations and number of fetuses in the uterus. Depending on what your doctor perceives you are at risk, he or she will indicate the kind of screening tests you should undergo.
Proper Advice on Nutrition and Value Foods to Eat
World Health Organization recommends that proper nutrition should be a norm for all pregnant women. Health line journal states that the daily requirements for pregnant women include, 300 calories daily, 1200 milligrams of calcium and 800 milligrams of folate. Iron is needed 27 milligrams every day. During the antenatal visits, the doctor asses the woman for any nutritional deficiencies. Nutritionists may also be involved to recommend the proper foods that would knock off all the nutritional deficiencies. If you don’t get proper nutrition, the chances of your baby being underweight are so high. Proper nutrition for the proper outcome of the baby after delivery.
Prenatal Education to the Women
Most pregnant women, especially the first time mothers are not aware of what pregnancy is all about. Through the antenatal visits, they are well-enlightened and educated to ensure they know what to expect. Among the lessons being offered during the antenatal clinics include danger signs of pregnancy, the type of food to eat, when to see a doctor and how they can care for the pregnancy. It is also during the antenatal period that women are prepared to become mothers and how they should prepare. Without proper antenatal education, all things would be strange to the women during delivery and this could cause anxiety.
Vitamins and Hematinic Drugs
WHO recommends that pregnant women must receive 30 mg to 60 mg of elemental iron and 400 µg (0.4 mg) folic acid to increase blood production and also increase fetal organ development. If the intake of iron is not that sufficient, anemia in pregnancy may set in. Even women with normal levels of hemoglobin must take supplemental iron. This is because of the growing needs of the mother. During giving birth, mothers are supposed to have a hemoglobin level of at least 11. Less than that, they need to get blood to prevent hypotension and the feeling of fainting. Vitamins, on the other hand, are necessary because they promote immunity and also prevent neonatal defects.
Treatment of Any Underlying Conditions
During pregnancy, several conditions or illnesses may arise. Some of the conditions include gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, and anemia. As you visit the doctor for the normal antenatal visits, all conditions that you are at risk of will be identified. They will be treated and you will be able to have a healthy pregnancy that will result in the delivery of a healthy baby. Gestational hypertension is diagnosed when the blood pressure remains at 140/90 mmHg. If you go for persistent clinical visits, it will be detected and treated making you and your unborn baby be fine.
Conclusion
WHO recommends individualized antenatal care to all women to eliminate dangers to both the mother and the fetus. At least four antenatal visits are needed before the delivery date. With proper antenatal care, the outcome of the baby and mother are normally good.
