Antenatal Healthcare

Antenatal healthcare starts right from the moment a woman conceives her baby and continues during the entire cycle of her pregnancy. Enough care must be taken for the health of the pregnant woman as well as her baby. This can be done through regular check-ups with your gynecologist, who monitors the growth of the baby. All the tests prescribed by the doctor should be administered to rule out the chances of any health problems during pregnancy that may affect mother or baby or both. All the health records, including all the check-up data and other prescriptions, if any, must be updated regularly, from day one till the moment of delivery.

Suggestions for antenatal care

Diet

Proper care must be taken on the food intake during pregnancy. Carbohydrates such as rice, wheat, cereals, bread etc must be eaten four to six portions daily whereas protein intake should be three to four portions approximately. Fruits and vegetables should be consumed anywhere between five to six portions and one must ensure that at least one portion of diary products such as milk, butter or ghee must be consumed.

Fluid intake should be a minimum of 1.2 liters, in the form of water as well as fresh fruit juices, to help reduce body wastes and toxins.

Folic Acid

Proper amounts of folic acid must be taken during pregnancy to avoid the problems that may inhibit the developing of the baby’s spine and brain.

Anemia

Proper doses of iron in the form of green leafy vegetables of medicinal supplements, as prescribed by the doctor should be taken, so that one does not become anemic and weak.

Exercising

Proper exercising must be done to maintain health and prepare her for the delivery. Walking in a slow pace is a good exercise.

Smoking and Alcohol

Avoid smoking and alcohol. Both of them can cause serious hazards to the baby as well as the mother.

Caffeine

Reduce the daily intake of caffeine as excess in take can inhibit baby’s growth.

Medications

Proper treatments should be taken, in case there are any hereditary disease prevailing.

Risks during pregnancy

One must get herself checked for rubella as it can cause serious development problems for the baby. If the pregnant woman is not immune to rubella, she must be vaccinated after she gives birth to her baby.

Toxoplasmosis is an infection which is passed to the human beings from cats, dogs, sheep and pigs through a parasite. For the unborn baby, it may result in hearing and vision problems, brain injuries and epilepsy. It may even result in abortion or miscarriage.

Pregnant women should have only pasteurized foods. Avoid foods that may cause her allergies.

Treatment

The following tests must be done to prevent:

• Blood type test
• Hepatitis B
• HIV
• Rubella
• Anemia
• Syphilis
• Urine Tests
• Ultrasound scan to monitor baby growth
• Amniocentesis to check genetic disorders
• Chronic villus sampling to check chronic genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis