Antenatal care/Care During Pregnancy

 ANTENATAL CARE:

 It is a natural phenomenon to become pregnant and has a child. It is during antenatal care that abnormal conditions can be looked for and prevented and managed.

 Antenatal care: Ante" means "before" or "prior to" and natal" means "birth". It refers to the care that is given to a pregnant woman from the time of conception until the beginning of labor: The prevalent situation of high mortality and morbidity can be dealt with effectively by having back up of good antenatal services. Where things can be detected at an earlier stage and complications can be prevented.

Antenatal care can be a help to identify high-Risk pregnancies and it Can be detected abnormal conditions in early pregnancy so that proper medical care is made is available for them. It can also help to prepare the mother physically and mentally for labor and lactation.

Good antenatal care reduces the dangers of pregnancy and childbirth. This is one of the most important preventive measures contributing to the reduction of maternal and infant mortality rates.

Aims of antenatal care: The aim is to monitor the progress of pregnancy in order to support maternal health and normal fetal development. It is essential that the midwife critically evaluates the physical, psychological and sociological effects of pregnancy on the woman and her family.

 The aims are to: 

Support and encourage a family's healthy psychological adjustment to childbearing.

 Promote an awareness of the sociological aspects of childbearing and the influences that these may have on the family. 

• Build up a trusting relationship between the family and their caregivers which will encourage them to participate in and make informed choices about the care they receive.

 Monitor the progress of pregnancy in order to ensure maternal health and normal fetal development.

 Recognize deviation from the normal and provide management or treatment as required .

Recognize complications of pregnancy and appropriately refer women within the multidisciplinary team.

 Ensure that the woman reaches the end of her pregnancy physically and emotionally prepared for the birth of her baby. 

Help and support the mother in her choice of infant feeding; to promote breastfeeding in a sensitive manner and give advice about preparation for lactation when appropriate.

 • Offer the family advice on parenthood either in a planned program or on an individual basis.