Prenatal Care: A Guide for Expectant Women

As an expectant mother, prenatal care is important for you and your baby. People may wonder why prenatal care is emphasized, but it’s simply because pregnancy is a complex journey that requires special attention. There are a lot of anatomical and physiological changes that the body goes through during pregnancy, and adequate attention should be given during pregnancy.

Women who don’t attend or get adequate prenatal care have higher chances of maternal mortality, low birth weight, and experiencing other devastating health challenges than those who take their health seriously. The recent advancement in medical technology makes it possible to detect medical conditions in a foetus in-utero.

Mothers are not left out, as doctors can detect health problems early enough before they get worse. Through regular prenatal checkups, expectant mothers can discuss with their doctors what is required of them to ensure a safe pregnancy. Below are guidelines to guide you throughout the pregnancy journey.

Healthcare tips

1.Begin your antenatal care early. Once it has been confirmed by a doctor that you are pregnant, register for an antenatal program as soon as possible. At every visit, the doctor will check to ensure that you and the baby are healthy. This helps to prevent complications and health challenges that may arise in the future.

2. It is necessary in the early stage of pregnancy (first trimester) that pregnant women take at least 400 mg of folic acid daily. This is because the neural tubes develop during the first trimester, and after the first trimester, it will be difficult to avert any changes.

3. Avoid X-rays and other forms of ionic radiation; however, if it’s important, especially for dental examinations or diagnostics, inform your doctor that you are pregnant so that extra cautionary measures are taken.

4. Pregnancy does not exempt illnesses from occurring, and there are only a few medications that are safe for pregnant women. Therefore, speak to your doctor if you feel ill to be prescribed the right medications that are safe for pregnant women. Bear in mind that over-the-counter drugs have side effects that are not good for you or the baby.

5. Flu and colds are unavoidable; therefore, get flu shots to prevent contracting flu.

Nutrition Tips

1. Eat healthy foods and fruits in an appropriate amount. Fruits, vegetables, grains, and foods rich in calcium and iron are examples of healthy foods that pregnant women should include in their diet. Also, ensure hydration, as water is the most important fluid recommended for pregnant women. I suggest a daily intake of five litres of water.

2. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating to prevent foodborne diseases.

3. Do not eat undercooked or poorly cooked food, fish, or meat.

Environmental tips

1, If you have cats, protect yourself from toxoplasmosis by avoiding cat faeces or wearing protective clothes when handling their litter or faces.

2. If you have other pets at home, maintaining good hygienic practices is key to preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases.

3. Ensure the environment is constantly in a clean state to avoid breeding rodents, rats, roaches, and other pests that may be vectors of zoonotic diseases. Rodents in particular are vectors that transmit Lassa fever, which is deadly in pregnant women.

Lifestyle tips

1. There is a recommended amount of weight gain for pregnant women. However, this varies between individuals. Speak to your doctor to know how much weight to gain throughout the pregnancy.

2. Do not smoke, use drugs, or drink alcohol. There are long-term consequences for your baby if you do, and in severe cases, it can lead to the death of the baby. If you need help recovering from any addictions, speak to your doctor immediately.

3. Exercise moderately and consistently throughout your pregnancy. Fortunately, for women who have had an active exercise life before pregnancy, this will be easy to keep up. However, for those who do not, consult your doctor to know what exercises are best suited for you. Ensure you perform at least two to three hours of intensive exercise weekly.

4. Get enough rest and adequate sleep during your pregnancy journey. Cut down on stress and anything that might trigger stress. Women with high-risk pregnancies should control their stress levels and avoid doing anything strenuous.

Read Also: Lifestyle Tips For Busy Women

Conclusion

Prenatal care is the bedrock of having a healthy pregnancy, and there are many things an expectant mother must do to ensure the wellbeing of the baby. Regular checkups are necessary for monitoring the health status, growth, and development of both the baby and mother. Also, as an expectant mother, you should avoid smoking, drinking, or the use of hard drugs, as there are serious implications if you do. Eating healthy and in appropriate quantity plays a role in ensuring a smooth pregnancy and a safe delivery. Finally, remember to always talk to your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your pregnancy.