Importance of Prenatal Care

By Sharon Rose

Prenatal care is extremly important when a woman becomes pregnant because it will help keep her and the baby healthy and safe Pregnant women need a village that starts with the team of prenatal, health care providers. With prenatal care, women can reduce the risks of complications for themselves and their baby. Let’s look at some key birth statistics that will help us understand this important fact.

Key Birth Statistics: There were 3,661,220 births recorded in 2022 in the U.S. The general fertility rate in 2021 was 56.1 births per 1,000 women ages 15–44, down less than 1% from 2021. In contrast, the number of births and general fertility rate both increased 1% from 2020 to 2021. Other findings in the new report from the Center of Disease Control (CDC): * 2022 birth rates * declined for women ages 20–24 and 30–34, * increased for women ages 25–29 and 35–49 years, and * were unchanged for females aged 10–14. * The birth rate for women ages 20–24 (60.4) also reached a record low. * The increased birth rate for women ages 40–44 in 2022 continues the upward trend for this age group, seen nearly every year since 1985. * The cesarean delivery rate increased for the third year in a row to 32.2% in 2022. * The low-risk cesarean delivery rate was unchanged at 26.3%. * The preterm birth rate declined 1% in 2022 to 10.38% after a 4% increase in 2021.   Considering the statistics, prenatal care is essential for the well being of mother and baby.  It is the best protection mothers can give themselves for a safe, healthy, and happy pregnancy and delivery. It is always hoped that there will be no complications, however, pregnant women need the necessary care, throughout her pregnancy, to insure that any risks are kept to a minimum.

Including the essential medical care, pregnancy wellness is also based on several other criteria: nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle. All of these criteria work together as partners to ensure a healthy pregnancy, safe delivery, and a healthy baby. What health care professional is trained and qualified to care for a pregnant woman? A doctor trained as an OB/GYN (Obstetrician/Gynecologist) and is board certified, is the best qualified health professional to determine how wellness is progressing with a pregnant woman and her unborn child. The OB/GYN is a doctor who specializes in healthcare for women in general, prenatal care, and delivery of the baby of a pregnant woman. The OB/GYN should be established at a hospital and have access to medical technology that enables him or her to identify complications, provide any needed care, and in some cases reverse adverse conditions that may lead to birth defects. It is important for the pregnant woman to follow the office visits schedule the doctor has planned. Scheduled prenatal care office visits should start as soon as the woman knows she is pregnant. The schedule I followed with my three pregnancies is still used today and is as follows: 1. The first 6 months of pregnancy, office visits are once a month. 2. During the 7th and 8th month of pregnancy, office visits are every 2 weeks. 3. During the 9th and final month of pregnancy, office visits. This schedule may vary if complications arise and closer observation is identified, as needed. One such complication type that pregnant women should be aware of is preeclampsia. What are the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia? 1. High blood pressure with or without protein in the urine. 2. Changes in vision, like blurriness, flashing lights, seeing spots or being sensitive to light. 3. Headache that doesn't go away. 4. Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), vomiting or dizziness. 5. Pain in the upper right belly area or in the shoulder. 6. Sudden weight gain (2 to 5 pounds in a week) 7. Swelling in the legs, hands or face. 8. Trouble breathing. Nutrition is vital for the wellness of mother and her unborn baby. The role of providing the pregnant woman with needed information on proper diet often falls to the OB/GYN. However, in some cases, if there are health problems involved in the pregnancy a professional dietician may be assigned to the pregnant woman. One of the first nutritional needs the pregnant woman is directed to add to her diet by the OB/GYN is the prenatal vitamin. Today, this is, mostly, made available over-the-counter instead of as a prescription. Prenatal vitamins do not, however, take the place of fresh healthy foods needed throughout the pregnancy, such as: green leafy vegetables, grains, fresh fruit, milk, and protein (meats, eggs). Your doctor should be able to provide you with information on the three balanced meals needed daily. In addition to your doctor’s information, you can also use the internet to research healthy diets for pregnant women. An OB/GYN or dietician can also give you information on weight gain, foods to avoid, and harmful Listeria. Listeria is a food-borne bacteria that is found in soil and water that pregnant woman should be aware of. Animals can be carriers, and fruits and vegetables can become contaminated by Listeria.

Exercise is helpful for the overall health of the pregnant woman. It helps in keeping a healthy heart, in defense of stress, and in keeping weight gain under control. Daily walking is one of the best exercises a pregnant woman can engage in. In recent years, Kegel exercises, also called pelvic floor exercises, have become popular among pregnant women. Kegel exercises strengthen the muscles that support the uterus, bladder, bowels, and vaginal wall. These exercises have been said to help ease a woman’s delivery. I do caution any woman who is pregnant to discuss your exercise program with your doctor before starting it.

Finally, a most important concern is Lifestyle. The pregnant woman’s lifestyle can affect her wellness, as well as, that of her unborn child. Research has shown that any use of alcohol, cigarettes, or the abuse of any drugs, whether it be, so called, 'street drugs,' or prescription drugs can cause birth defects and complications that can put the life of the pregnant woman and unborn child in jeopardy. There is no safe amount of these substances that a pregnant woman can take. When you are pregnant it is a good idea to become a label-reader to ensure you do not consume alcohol unknowingly, as some foods, that you are not aware of, may contain alcohol. A pregnant woman must always remember, whatever she takes in, her baby takes in. Although, there may be periods of not feeling well, a pregnant woman should continue to work, follow her usual routine, keep in contact with family and friends, and have a healthy socialization regimen.

It is important to recognize that pregnancy includes the father. The lifestyle of expectant 'parents' should include Lamaze, birthing classes in their plans to prepare for the birth of their baby. Lamaze classes teach controlled breathing exercises for the labor process and how parents can work together to bring their baby into the world. Your confidence will be lifted and many fears of just what will happen will be very much alleviated. Classes are scheduled for the third trimester, about the seventh month of pregnancy and last about 6 weeks. The good thing is, the cost of Lamaze classes are covered by most health insurances. Parents should continue a vibrant social and career lifestyle. Keep in touch with family and friends, keep working outside the home, as long as you feel well enough and the environment is safe for you and the baby.

All of these criteria are standard for the wellness of a pregnant woman and her unborn child. Caring for and loving a baby starts with prenatal care. Smile! You have a baby on the way!

Research Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/data.html https://www.who.int/southeastasia/news/detail/02-03-2023-world-birth-defects-day-many-birth-defects-one-voice#:~:text=Between%202010%20and%202019%2C%20birth,%25%20of%20under%2Dfive%20mortality. Copyright, Importance of Prenatal Care, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, June 29, 2023. All rights reserved.