Healthy pregnancy care means healthy childbirth. Maintaining a healthy pregnancy involves prenatal (before birth), during pregnancy and postpartum(after birth) healthcare.
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Prenatal care
Prenatal or antenatal care lays the groundwork for a healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery. It refers to the medical and healthcare support provided to pregnant women before and during pregnancy to ensure a healthy and successful pregnancy outcome. Prenatal care begins as soon as three months before attempting conception. This care involves regular check-ups, medical examinations, screenings, and guidance from healthcare professionals to monitor the health of the pregnant woman and the developing fetus.
During this timeframe, it’s important to adopt the following healthy practices:
-Steer clear of alcohol, recreational drugs, and limit caffeine intake
-Keep an open dialogue with your healthcare provider about your medications, including over-the-counter drugs.
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During Pregnancy
Once pregnancy is confirmed, regular prenatal visits and tests are scheduled depending on the various stages of pregnancy. These appointments are strategically spaced:
-Monthly visits from weeks 4 to 28
-Weekly visits from week 36 until birth
More frequent visits are likely for those aged 35+ or with high-risk pregnancies.
Each visit allows healthcare providers to assess both the mother’s and the baby’s well-being.
The Prenatal tests and screenings involve the following:
On the first visit, the doctor will do the following tests:
-Ultrasound exam
After the first visit, the doctor will
-Measure the abdomen for the baby’s growth
Throughout the pregnancy, the doctor will perform routine pregnancy tests that will include:
-Urine test for checking any infection or preeclampsia
The doctor may also carry out the following tests to detect genetic abnormalities:
-Nuchal Translucency Test: A screening test conducted between 11 to 14 weeks to identify an increased risk of chromosomal disorders, such as Down syndrome and trisomy 18.
-Doppler Flow Studies: It uses sound waves to track blood flow within vessels and to examine blood circulation within the baby, uterus, and placenta. Doppler ultrasound in high-risk pregnancies has demonstrated valuable advantages.
Every pregnancy is distinct, with varying experiences. Certain women might experience minimal or mild pregnancy symptoms, while others may need to reduce work hours or halt work altogether. In specific cases, a few days to weeks of bed rest might be necessary to ensure a healthy pregnancy progression.
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Postpartum Care
While pregnancy care often focuses on the nine-month journey, postpartum care is equally significant. The postpartum period spans six to eight weeks after childbirth, a time of physical and emotional adjustments as new mothers embrace caring for their newborns.
-Postpartum checkups: These appointments, usually within the first 3 weeks post-birth, assess healing progress and well-being.
-Postpartum vaginal care: Promote postpartum vaginal health through checkups around six weeks post-delivery, symptom identification and abstinence for healing.
Approximately 1 in 7 postpartum women experience signs of postpartum depression(PDP) [1]. Symptoms of PDP may include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, and detachment from the baby, persisting for weeks or even months. Treatment options typically involve counseling and/or medication.
Caring for yourself during pregnancy means ensuring you and your baby stay healthy. Going to your doctor’s appointments and following their advice can lead to a smoother pregnancy and a happy childbirth. It’s all about listening to your body, staying healthy, and trusting your healthcare team as you go through this amazing journey.
(The article is written by Dr.Subita Alagh, Senior Executive, and reviewed by Monalisa Deka, Senior Health Content Editor)
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