Maternity (Prenatal Care)

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Introduction

Getting pregnant is arguably one of the most desirable things for many women across the globe. It seems as if pregnancy cements womanhood in most women. However, it is worth noting that there is more to pregnancy than merely carrying it to full term. Women have to ensure that they do not suffer unnecessarily, and even safeguard their safety, as well as that of their unborn babies. This underlines the importance of prenatal care. My friend Mary has just discovered that she is pregnant or expectant, in which case she is in need of prenatal care. This paper is an effort to explain some aspects of prenatal care.

Well, Mary, Congratulations for the pregnancy. I am happy that you want to gain some understanding about prenatal care. Prenatal care refers to care that a pregnant mother receives from healthcare providers such as midwives or doctors in the course of their pregnancy. The prenatal care visits are meant to ensure that the developing fetus and the pregnant mother are strong and healthy (Lowdermilk et al, 2010). These regular checkups present an opportunity for you to learn the most appropriate methods you can manage or minimize discomforts that come with pregnancy, have any necessary testing, learn the warning signs, as well as ask questions that you may have pertaining to the pregnancy. In addition, prenatal care presents an opportunity for the physician to estimate the most likely birthing date, which would allow the healthcare providers to monitor the growth of the baby, as well as the pregnancy’s progress (Lowdermilk et al, 2010). In addition, it would allow for the scheduling of certain procedures and tests at the most appropriate instances.

Varied tests are carried out depending on the time of the pregnancy. At the first prenatal care visit, thorough examination is carried out and numerous tests conducted. The physician will ask questions pertaining to your medical history, as well as that of your partner and family. A complete physical examination is carried out with blood pressure, weight, pulse, breathing and height being measured. Two of the most crucial tests are ultrasound and Multiple Marker Screen. An ultrasound test allows the healthcare provider to take pictures of the fetus or embryo as it develops. This test may be used to find certain abnormalities, confirm the due date, show the placenta’s position, find multiple pregnancies, measure the cervix’s length, as well as show the size and position of the fetus (Lowdermilk et al, 2010). Ultrasound may be done alongside a blood test between the 11th and 13th weeks to screen for genetic birth defects. The Multiple Marker Screening, on the other hand, is done between the 15th and 20th weeks. During this test, your blood will be screened for birth defects such as spina bifida, and Down syndrome among others. In case there is a risk for developing birth defects, other tests may be offered (Lowdermilk et al, 2010).

The frequency of prenatal care visits depends on the risk posed by the pregnancy. If you are aged between 18 and 35 and are healthy, you will most likely be considered as having low risk of developing complications in the course of the pregnancy (Lowdermilk et al, 2010). In this case, you will be required to have the visit every 4 or 6 weeks for the first 28 weeks, once every two weeks from the 28th to the 36th week, and once every week after the 36th week until delivery. The frequency of the visits may be increased, in case the physicians think you are at risk of developing complications (Lowdermilk et al, 2010).

In conclusion, prenatal care is offered by healthcare providers to pregnant mothers to safeguard the health and strength of the baby and the mother. Its importance lies in the fact that it provides an opportunity for determining the date when the mother is likely to give birth, as well as safeguarding or ensuring the health of the baby and the mother. Various tests may be carried out during the visits including ultrasound and Multiple Marker Screening. The frequency of the prenatal care visits depends on the stage of pregnancy. Do you have any questions?

References

Lowdermilk, D.L, Perry, S.E., & Cashion, K. (2010). Maternity Nursing (8th ed.). New York: Mosby