Prenatal care is an important part of the process of pregnancy. This care starts before conception and continues for the duration of a pregnancy. Women who are pregnant should see their health care provider regularly for checkups and screening tests and education about prenatal development and childbirth.
Here is why prenatal care is essential for the mother and child:
1. Helps Spot Complications Early On
Pregnant women can develop many health complications. Some are minor and go away on their own without any medication or treatment. Others need medical attention right away. To catch these problems as soon as possible, women should see their health care provider for regular checkups throughout their pregnancy.
During these checkups, the doctor will ask questions about the woman’s health and medical history and her family’s history and will examine the fetal growth. Together they will decide what is best for the woman and her child. Early detection can minimize risks to the mom and baby.
2. Prevents Serious Problems
Some of the most serious illnesses in pregnancy can occur before a woman even knows she is pregnant or may not show any signs at all. Some women experience a complication that causes miscarriage or might lead to a stillbirth. Prenatal care and doctor’s consultation can help prevent these problems.
3. An Opportunity To Learn For The Mother
Prenatal care is also an opportunity to learn about a woman’s body’s changes during pregnancy. Prenatal care can also provide information about nutrition, weight gain, and smoking, alcohol, and drug use risks. The doctor can also discuss the different stages of labor and childbirth and give suggestions on how to prepare for the baby’s arrival.
4. Important Source Of Psychological And Emotional Support For Mothers-To-Be
A woman who is pregnant needs a lot of support, both physically and emotionally. Prenatal care can provide a nonjudgmental environment for a woman to express her concerns and ask questions. The doctor can also refer the woman to pregnancy-related support services if she needs additional help.
5. Helps Reduce Birth-Related Hospital Costs
Care during pregnancy can help reduce future costs that may come due to birth complications or related problems. Prenatal care can make a difference in the health of both mom and baby, which decreases the risk of certain illnesses. It helps reduce potential complications from high blood pressure (leading to stroke) and pre-eclampsia (which can elevate blood pressure). It also reduces the risk of infection and bleeding, which may happen while the baby is delivered.
Seeking help from a primary care physician during pregnancy may be a good idea. Reach out to us at A Thru Z Pediatrics to receive the best prenatal care in Schertz. Our Schertz Pediatrician Infants clinic also provides Medicaid services and ADHD testing for children. You can also get our telemedicine services.
Find out more about Medicaid services Schertz here.