Prenatal care is the process that involves a pregnant woman going to see the Obstetrician and Gynecologist for consultation on whether the baby is progressing in the right way and that the woman’s health is on the right track. Prenatal care is fundamental in ensuring a healthy pregnancy and labor that is without complication. Assurance of the baby’s health is also given. The checkups also foster the relationship of the expectant woman and their doctor, which will put their minds at ease during labor. The benefits of prenatal care include:
Scheduling For Appropriate Testing
There are some certain tests that may be recommended by the obstetrician/ gynecologist depending on the woman’s medical history, their family’s history or their age. For instance, an amniocentesis, which is a test done during the second trimester to check for genetic abnormalities, such as Down ’s syndrome. The amniocentesis can also be used to check for potential uterine infection and to confirm the baby’s progress if the expectant woman has Rhesus sensitization. Verification of the maturity of the baby’s lungs may be carried out using the test.
Ensuring The Health Of The Expectant Woman And Their Unborn Child
Prenatal care is important because issues such as low birth weight of the baby can be deterred. Potential health concerns can also be noticed early and therefore the woman’s health can be fortified. Examples of such health concerns include gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and anemia.
Getting Necessary Nutritional Information
The expectant woman’s diet has to incorporate the needs of the baby in order to ensure their proper development. The obstetrician/ gynecologist will recommend the needed diet and also outline what the woman should not eat during the nine months.
Tracking The Development Of The Baby
The growth of the baby is an indicator of the level of development. It is necessary to keep track of the baby’s growth. Their gender can also be determined through performing of an ultrasound that is available in three dimensions. Technology has made the process easy and therefore looking out for the baby’s health is facilitated.
Getting Knowledge On The Labor Process And The Baby’s Delivery
The expectant couple can decide on their labor and delivery plan depending on the knowledge they have about the different procedures and the options available to them. For instance, normal delivery as opposed to a C-section. They are also taught about the potential risks and the benefits of each intervention or option they have.