Prenatal Care

Although not all pregnancies can be planned, all pregnancies can proceed with optimal outcomes when proper prenatal care is available and used. Those who can should see a doctor prior to considering parenthood. Tests for various congenital diseases or diseases that might impact the gestational period can help properly plan for a healthy pregnancy. Moreover, prenatal care can ensure that the right nutrients and lifestyle factors are in place for a trouble-free pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2018) suggest supplementation with folic acid and cessation of drugs and alcohol during pregnancy to reduce the possibilities of complications or damage to the fetus. The most important aspects of prenatal care include lifestyle and prenatal coaching. However, prenatal care should be divided into pre-planning (preconception care) and actual prenatal care (care offered to mother and fetus subsequent to pregnancy).
Checkups are the cornerstone of prenatal and preconception care. A woman who receives regular checkups may already be aware of congenital issues or lifestyle concerns that may have a bearing on the progression of the pregnancy. Women who do not receive regular checkups should do so, in order to be aware of issues like blood pressure, blood sugar, immunization, nutrition, and body weight concerns (National Institutes of Health, 2018). These are all factors that will have a bearing on the health of the mother and baby, both. Proper prenatal care also helps the mother be aware of risk factors. Those risk factors may be related to medical tests and genetic issues, but may also be related to lifestyle choices. Prenatal care ensures optimal outcomes for both mother and baby. Prenatal care needs to be considered in terms of political, social, and economic factors.
There are two governing theories of prenatal care: the “parasite theory” and the “maternal instinct theory” (“Maternal Nutrition and the Outcome of Pregnancy,” n.d.). Both of these have been proven false and are not based on evidence, and yet folklore and superstition continue to govern prenatal beliefs and behaviors (“Maternal Nutrition and the Outcome of Pregnancy,” n.d.). The healthcare worker plays an important role in dispelling these myths in a sensitive and culturally appropriate way, helping to educate expectant parents about things like diet and lifestyle choices and how those choices directly impact the health of the fetus and future baby. Prenatal care involves nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle factors, in addition to regular medical checkups. Most of prenatal care is preventative in nature.
Prenatal care is important for both mother and baby, to prevent complications from arising during pregnancy that may compromise the health of either mother or baby. Likewise, proper prenatal care can facilitate a healthy birth and prevent problematic outcomes. Healthcare workers also need to recognize the reality that not all pregnancies will go as planned, even with the best prenatal care. The mothers who follow regimented dietary and lifestyle regimens may have the most complicated pregnancies. Therefore, education and awareness are critical, and so is access to effective emergency delivery services and midwifery.
Socioeconomic class and other factors may impede the ability of some women to have access to information, technology, and services that may prevent problems during pregnancy. These are major political issues that the healthcare worker can advocate for on behalf of patients. In the meantime, healthcare workers can instruct their patients on how to eat right, informing them about changing their dietary habits to maximize intake of key minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients. When necessary, supplementation will help mitigate potential risks, and promote the healthy development of the fetus. Nutrition, diet, exercise, medications, social support groups, and other prenatal care programs will help to reduce unnecessary complications that may arise during pregnancy.




References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2018). Planning for pregnancy. https://www.cdc.gov/preconception/planning.html
“Maternal Nutrition and the Outcome of Pregnancy,” (n.d.).
National Institutes of Health (2018). What is prenatal care and why is it important? https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pregnancy/conditioninfo/prenatal-care