The Need of Prenatal Care

Prenatal care relates to health care provided to the pregnant woman from early stages of pregnancy to full term delivery of the child. One should start visiting the gynecologist on seeing the first sign of pregnancy i.e. a missed period to have pregnancy confirmation test. Having confirmation of the pregnancy the doctor shall work out the tentative date and shall schedule the periodic visits for check up of the health of fetus through ultrasound images and other diagnostic facilities.

Prenatal care ensures the good health of the mother and the infant at birth. Infants missing prenatal care are having higher chances that their weight at birth shall be less than average besides higher incidence of death in comparison to infants, who were on prenatal care.

During prenatal care the attending doctor is in a position to identify health problems, which can be treated and a number of other can be prevented. The doctor briefly guides the mother during prenatal care, how they can take care so that the unborn child has a healthy beginning in life.

Steps in Prenatal Care:

Irrespective of the fact, whether it is one’s first pregnancy or few pregnancies have already taken place, it is vital to be under the careful hands of a gynecologist for prenatal care. At each prenatal care visit, the gynecologist checks the fetus health signs. Any abnormality can be taken care in time for the safety of the mother and fetus. Following care should be observed:

• It is important to take a vitamin preparation containing about 0.4 mg of folic acid, which is good for fetal development.
• It is important to start any medication with consultation and similarly before discontinuing any medication the doctor should be consulted.
• Exposure to X-Ray; needs to be avoided because of risk to the fetus. If it is necessary than additional safety measures need to be taken.
• As prophylactic measure vaccination against flue should be taken, so that flue does not occur during pregnancy or at the time of delivery.