Antenatal care (ANC) is important for protecting and developing the health of women and their unborn babies. Though it was ignored in the past, very recently, the demand for prenatal and postnatal care has increased and continues to do so in most parts of the world. Globally, it is estimated that just over 7 out of 8 pregnant women attend a healthcare provider for antenatal care on at least one occasion, and only 59% attend four times or more.
Underlying complications during pregnancy account for an estimated 27.5% of maternal deaths globally. Many of the antecedents or conditions associated with the direct causes of maternal mortality can be recognized and management instituted during pregnancy to prevent adverse outcomes for both the mother and her unborn baby.
Additionally, most maternal and newborn deaths occur in the first week after birth, yet currently, it is estimated that only 48% of women and babies globally receive postnatal care (PNC). Care in the period following birth is critical not only for survival but also for the future health and development of both the mother and her baby.
What is Antenatal Care/Check-up?
Antenatal check-up, or prenatal care, refers to the medical care and supervision provided to pregnant women before childbirth. These check-ups typically begin early in the pregnancy and continue regularly until delivery. Antenatal check-ups are crucial for monitoring the health of both the mother and the developing fetus. During these appointments, healthcare providers may perform various tests, screenings, and examinations to ensure the well-being of the mother and baby. They may also guide nutrition, exercise, and childbirth preparation and address any concerns or complications that may arise during pregnancy.
The following activities should be monitored for the betterment of the new mother and her newborn baby:
01. Ensure healthy food:
The healthiest diet during pregnancy is based on whole foods that are high in protein, vitamins and minerals, and healthy fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated)
02. Performing Exercise during Pregnancy:
The physical changes a woman experiences during pregnancy can cause backaches, swollen ankles, insomnia, and many other painful and unhealthy conditions. Exercising during pregnancy provides many benefits to mothers and babies, such as decreasing symptoms, easing pain, and lifting the mood of women while they are pregnant.
03. Examine tests routinely:
Regular checkups and related tests should be done routinely at all stages of a woman’s pregnancy to detect diseases such as rubella, hepatitis B and C, and sexually transmitted infections. Testing is also done to detect birth defects.
Out of this one can take the following steps also for having a good checkup. Such as
- Take nutritionist’s counseling.
- Recording weight and blood pressure
- Conducting ultrasound test
- Measuring fundal height
- Monitoring changes to a mother’s Uterus
For better understanding you can visit the following link: https://online.norwich.edu/online/about/resource-library/prenatal-and-postnatal-care-tips-mothers
What is Post Natal Care/Check-up?
Postnatal check-up, on the other hand, refers to the medical care and assessment provided to a mother and her newborn baby after childbirth. These check-ups usually occur within the first few weeks following delivery and continue as needed during the postpartum period. The postpartum period is six to 12 weeks after the baby’s birth when the mother experiences physical and emotional changes as she turns her attention to caring for her newborn.
Postnatal check-ups are essential for monitoring the mother’s recovery from childbirth, addressing any physical or emotional concerns she may have, and ensuring the health and development of the newborn. Healthcare providers may conduct examinations, provide breastfeeding support, offer guidance on newborn care, and screen for postpartum complications or conditions during these appointments. Regular postnatal check-ups are vital for promoting the well-being of both the mother and her baby during the early stages of postpartum life.
Some of the benefits of prenatal and postnatal checkups are the following:
There are a lot of benefits if one takes the prenatal and postnatal checking rather who do not take the services. And it is important for the following causes like:
- To assess the state of health of the mother and the fetus early in pregnancy. It is very importance that prospective mothers consult health professional early in pregnancy for assessment and counselling.
- To prevent unwanted complications during pregnancy, expectant mothers should access antenatal care to prevent untoward complications.
- To prevent maternal and child mortality. There is no doubt that access to and usage of antenatal care had greatly reduced maternal and fetal mortality all over the world.
- To promote the health of the mother and their babies. The lessons, discussions and interactions during antenatal care are very useful in promoting the health of mothers and their babies.
- To foster good husband, wife, and child relationships, antenatal care encourages family interactions and bonding between husband, wife, and their baby.
- To prevent unwanted pregnancy and other post-delivery complications, good antenatal care prepares the family for the coming baby and post-delivery life.
Conclusion:
Positive maternity outcomes start by keeping the mother and her baby healthy throughout the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period. A woman’s care during and after pregnancy treats her physical and mental symptoms, prepares her to care for and feed her newborn, and anticipates and treats any complications that may arise during or after the pregnancy. Maintaining a comprehensive health plan that includes regular prenatal and postnatal care visits, a healthy diet, exercise, and preparation is the first and most important step in ensuring a happy, healthy outcome for mother and baby.
Contacts for emergency assistance:
The National Health Service: 16263
Child Support Helpline: 1098
Mother and Child Health Services: 09666888888
Health information or medical advice: 333-1
National Emergency Services: 999
UNHCR Hotline (support related to Rohingya people in Camps): 16670
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