No human experience is as frightening and exciting as pregnancy. A mother has to go through several things after conceiving a child, from depression to mood swings. And we cannot ignore the serious health risks associated with pregnancy for both mother and child. With pre and postnatal care, we can prevent most maternal deaths worldwide. Measures to maintain maternal and child health during and after pregnancy include needs-based care and support for women.
Prenatal care
Prenatal care protects the baby and mother from complications during pregnancy and ensures a healthy birth. According to doctors and health professionals, this should be done as soon as the baby is conceived.
Postnatal care
Care provided to the mother after the birth of a child is called Postnatal care. It includes supporting the mothers physical and psychological changes after pregnancy.
Prenatal care: In detail
Prenatal care helps the child and mother stay healthy throughout pregnancy. Doctors in Liverpool recommend a nutritious diet, a healthy lifestyle and regular checkups during pregnancy. Typically, pregnant women are told for checkups once a month, and with time they may have to visit more often. A doctor can also suggest taking vitamins such as calcium, folic acid, Vitamin D, etc.
During a physical exam, doctors will record your weight, and he/she will conduct some other tests to check your glucose level, etc. In the second trimester, your ultrasound examinations will be done through which you can see the baby's images. Another thing that healthcare professionals monitor is the uterus which grows massively during pregnancy.
Postnatal care: In detail
After the child's birth ( six to twelve weeks later), postnatal care is provided to the mother. How many days women spend in a hospital depends upon the type of delivery. For a vaginal delivery, it is approximately one to two days, while for a Cesarean, it is typically two to three days.
Health professionals teach women things like breastfeeding a baby, etc. Another vital aspect of postpartum care is vaginal care. For example, if the tear occurs during childbirth, the woman may experience vaginal pain. Some women also experience pain when urinating and contractions. Postnatal care also includes educating women about getting enough rest to regain strength after delivering the child.
What to expect in postnatal care visits?
In prenatal care, doctors take a women's blood test in Blacktown, but in postnatal care, a comprehensive examination is taken. Let us understand them to step by step:-
Physical checkups
Healthcare professionals assess a mother's social and emotional well-being after delivery. This examination includes her physical recovery after birth, baby feeding and other health issues.
Nutrition consulting
Women require nutrients not only before the baby’s birth but also after the birth. They require nutrients high in proteins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin B. These proteins help them fight inflammation which is crucial after delivery.
Consultation for breastfeeding
Lactation consultants are the people who educate women about breastfeeding, as we have mentioned before.
Care for the baby
Most women do not know how to raise their first child. In postnatal care visits, women are educated about things such as how to handle a new baby, from changing diapers to feeding them.
Postnatal testing
Postnatal testing includes checking postpartum depression in the mother and metabolic disorders and other hormonal issues in the infant.
Some prenatal and postnatal care tips
Prenatal and postnatal care is vital for women, but some face obstacles and can’t get the care they need during their pregnancy due to poverty or some other reasons, etc. Below are some tips that can help women during and after their pregnancy.
1. Take a rest
Lack of sleep often leads to complications- according to healthcare practitioners. During pregnancy, women experience a lot of sleep disruptions, such as during the first, second and third trimesters. Follow the below tips to have a good night's sleep.
Sleep at a definite time every night.
Do meditation and yoga.
Don’t sleep straight- always sleep on the side.
And drink plenty of fluids.
2. Take a nutritious diet
Expecting mothers eat not only for themselves but also for their babies. So, they need more proteins, vitamins and other nutrients. According to doctors, their diet must include whole grain and low sodium foods. They can eat yoghurt ( fat-free) fruit, carrots, etc.
3. Do exercise
One thing that women must ask their doctors is if they can do exercises. Physical activities such as walking, swimming and aerobic exercises are good during pregnancy. They relieve women from aches and pains that happen during pregnancy.
4. Visit your healthcare provider
Many things can happen unexpectedly during pregnancy; if the following happens to you, contact a doctor urgently.
Abdominal pains
Difficulty in breathing, etc.
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