Health and Care during Pregnancy
By: Team Ifairer | Posted: 23-09-2014
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By Dr. Nitika Sobti - Sr. Gynaecologist, Max Hospital, Delhi.
An important milestone in a couple's life is Pregnancy, Labor and Birth of a child. Knowledge of your choices, regular medical check-ups and understanding of the unknown events during pregnancy can make childbirth a joyful and an extremely enriching event.
Every year there are an estimated 200 million pregnancies in the world. For minimizing the risk of adverse outcomes; effective, affordable, and acceptable maternity care should begin early in pregnancy and continue at regular intervals.
Antenatal care is all about the care that you receive throughout your pregnancy and before birth. It is a planned examination and observation for the woman from conception till the birth.
As per Dr. Nitika Sobti, Senior Gynecologist "Antenatal care supports and encourages a family's healthy psychological adjustment to childbearing. A woman's behavior and health in pregnancy affect her baby. There shouldn't be an intake of poor diet, alcohol or smoking, and drugs. Therefore, it stands mandatory during pregnancy that you should not only take good care of your own health but also go for regular checkups with your doctor. This is usually termed as antenatal care and it is absolutely significant because it ensures that you and your baby are perfectly fit and well".
The initial assessment interview can establish the trusting relationship between the healthcare provider and the pregnant woman, establishing rapport, getting information about the woman's physical and psychological health and hence, obtaining a basis for anticipatory guidance for pregnancy .
This is done to prepare the women for labor, lactation and care of infant; hence, providing would-be mothers with a useful information (including exercise advice and healthy eating) ensuring healthy pregnancy. Moreover, recognizing complications of pregnancy and managing accordingly is also taught in the same.
Even if you are working, you can take the time off to attend antenatal appointments.