Antenatal care

1. Antenatal Care Antenatal care is a practice where routine screening and care for the safety of mother and child is ensured during pregnancy. It is important to take care of many things during pregnancy. By opting preventive healthcare you can keep yourself and your foetus healthy.

2. WHAT is antenatal care Antenatal care is a practice where routine screening and care for the safety of mother and child is ensured during pregnancy. It is important to take care of many things during pregnancy. By opting preventive healthcare you can keep yourself and your foetus healthy. Doctors who looks after you during pregnancy check your physical condition, weight and urine sample. On the basis of the current stage and condition, the doctor may also perform a blood test and ultrasound. Apart from this, your doctor also advises you on aspects related to food, lifestyle, yoga and exercise. From your side, it’s very important to find information about pregnancy care and learn how to avoid stress during pregnancy, as it is very important for a proper antenatal care. What is the purpose of antenatal care? Prenatal care is very important for mother and baby during pregnancy. It is important to understand antenatal care meaning. It helps to keep you and your baby healthy. Your doctor monitors the development of the foetus during prenatal care, as well as do regular tests to detect and prevent potential problems. According to research, mothers who do not get enough prenatal care, their babies have three times lower birth weight in comparison to other babies. Also, the risk of demise increases by 5 times in these mothers.

3. When to take the first appointment for antenatal care? You can start prenatal care as soon as you know you are pregnant. However, you can consult a doctor at an Antenatal care hospital even before you are pregnant and keep in touch with him. In case it is not possible to stay in touch with your doctor before pregnancy then at least you must consult him the first time your menstrual cycle stops. After that, you should start taking regular antenatal appointments in the best hospital for antenatal care. How often should you visit the doctor during antenatal care? Healthy women between the ages of 18 to 35 years should visit an Antenatal care specialist during pregnancy in the following way: The first visit should be between the fourth week of pregnancy to the 13th week of pregnancy. From the 14th week of pregnancy to the 28th week of pregnancy, once every month. From the 29th week of pregnancy to the 35th week of pregnancy, twice every month. From the 36th week of pregnancy to once every week However, if you are over 35 years old or have any type of risk in your pregnancy, you may have to see an antenatal care doctor multiple times. You can search for the best doctors for antenatal care.

4. What happens when you visit a doctor for the first time during prenatal care? On meeting the doctor for antenatal care for the first time, they can: • • • • • • • • Talk about your diet and lifestyle. Ask about prenatal vitamins (folic acid) which are necessary before pregnancy. Can ask about your medical histories like a disease, operation or earlier pregnancy. Can talk about your family's medical history. Can take samples of your blood and urine for a preliminary test. Can note your blood pressure, pulse rate, height and weight. Can ask about every medicine, supplements and drugs you are taking Can assess your due date Will answer all your questions Along with it, they can advise you about a few changes that will make your pregnancy safe. Therefore, always check with an experienced doctor, before taking or using anything new during pregnancy. During this time, they can also do some tests recommended by pregnancy care doctors.

5. What do doctors check in the antenatal care routine checkup? During the antenatal care routine checkup, the antenatal care doctors can check: • To ensure the health of mother and child • Weight and blood pressure • Body inflammation • Fetal status • Fetal heart rate • May do a urine test • Measure stomach development • May recommend genetic testing (As per your decision) • Your prenatal care gynaecologist will keep you informing. What is an antenatal test and why is it necessary? It is necessary to have knowledge of important scans during pregnancy as well as an important blood test during pregnancy. Prenatal tests are various procedures that ensure that the mother and foetus are healthy. Some prenatal investigations can also reveal possible birth defects. Prenatal testing during pregnancy is extremely important. Your doctor may suggest a prenatal test at a certain time of your pregnancy, to ensure that you are healthy and your fetus is developing normally and for the other risk factors. Some women may have a higher risk of problems and birth defects, your doctor will tell you which tests may be right for you, depending on your condition. Importance of scan during pregnancy is also an additional fact to consider.

6. What kind of changes in the body occur during pregnancy? Many physical changes occur during pregnancy and women go through many hormonal changes too. Changes in body during pregnancy are as follows : • During pregnancy, your uterus can increase in size by 500 to 1,000 times due to your growing baby. It can range from the size of a fist to the size of a watermelon. • The uterus becomes 18 times larger than its normal size. • The size of the breasts and nipples also increases. • In general, weight can increase from 15 to 16 kg (even more in some women). • The sex drive of women during pregnancy can increase or decrease. • Some women may notice changes in the texture and volume of hair on their body. Problems during pregnancy are as follows: • Nausea or vomiting, especially in the morning. • Swollen and tender breasts. • Heartburn • Constipation • Feeling pain in the lower back and hips • Feeling tired • Insomnia Cramping during pregnancy • You should go for regular antenatal check-up to understand the changes in your lifestyle to feel more comfortable during pregnancy. Your doctor will suggest you feel better during pregnancy, follow them.

7. What are the health-related problems in a pregnant woman? Women have to face many health problems in the journey of pregnancy. Following are the health-related problems during pregnancy: • Anaemia due to iron deficiency • Gestational diabetes • Hypertension • Painless bleeding • Some sexually transmitted infections ( STIs) including other infections. • Recurring labour pain late in pregnancy

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