Systematic supervision which includes examination and advice of a woman during pregnancy is called antenatal or prenatal care.
It comprise of:
- Careful history taking
- General and obstetric examination
- Advice given to the pregnant women
Why is it important to take proper and adequate antenatal care?
- To ensure a normal pregnancy with delivery of a healthy baby from a healthy mother.
Aims are:
- To identify high risk cases
- To prevent or to detect and treat any possible complications
- To provide continuous risk assessment and primary preventive health care
- To educate the mother about the physiology of pregnancy and Labor by demonstrations, charts and diagrams to remove fear from the mind of the mother.
- To discuss with the couple about the place, time and mode of delivery.
FAQs
What is Prenatal Care?
Prenatal care can help in keeping you and your baby healthy. Usually, as compared to women who don’t receive prenatal care, women who do are healthier and have healthier babies. Prenatal care is especially helpful in detecting diseases in the mother and the unborn baby in time.
Why do I Need Prenatal Care?
Prenatal care can help in keeping you and your baby healthy. Usually, as compared to women who don’t receive prenatal care, women who do are healthier and have healthier babies. Prenatal care is especially helpful in detecting diseases in the mother and the unborn baby in time.
When should you first visit the doctor for your prenatal care?
If you miss your periods, and your pregnancy is confirmed then you should visit the doctor as soon as possible.