importance of antenatal care?

Why Antenatal Care is Essential
By St John WA | 22 June 2016 Antenatal Care is Essential By St John WA | 22 June 2016

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Keep your baby healthy and your body happy during pregnancy

Are you pregnant for the first time? If so, are you making sure that you and your baby are healthy? The importance of antenatal care cannot be understated because it could detect abnormalities and preventable illnesses in mother and child. Expectant parents who have questions surrounding pregnancy should consider joining an antenatal class because of the support, health advice and guidance on offer.

There are several important aspects to antenatal care, and finding the right provider can go a long way to ensuring pregnant mums-to-be reap the best physical and psychological benefits available. Regular antenatal check-ups and weekly classes can help your pregnancy along. If you’re still unsure of how pre-natal assistance can benefit you and your child, here are a few reasons to help you decide:
Pre-natal assistance
Screening

Good antenatal care includes regular screening which can detect and prevent early complications such as hypertension and pregnancy diabetes; both of which can dramatically affect the foetus. Early detection means regular monitoring and treatment. St John Medical provides screening services that measure heart rate and monitor the baby. The clinic includes an obstetrician and midwife, who both assist with mum and foetus wellbeing.
Best nutrition

There are certain foods that should be avoided during pregnancy. Foods such as raw fish, undercooked eggs, and unpasteurised/soft cheese, which contain enzymes and proteins that are dangerous to a developing foetus. Your immune system is also working to for two, making it more susceptible to bacterial attacks. Chat to your antenatal provider about what foods to stay away from.
Important vitamins

Prenatal vitamins play a big part in the health of your child. Even with a healthy diet, you will need supplements due to the additional hard work your body is doing. Additional key nutrients are typically found in folic acid and pregnancy multivitamins, both of which help support neural tube defects, baby’s development, and the prevention of anaemia.
Pre-natal classes

Being pregnant is wonderful and it’s even better when you meet other expectant parents. Not only do antenatal classes provide the opportunity for friendly support, but you are also educated on the finer points of dealing with pregnancy, how your child is developing, what to expect when you give birth and how to go about giving your child the best just after the birth. Look for classes that cover all the labour and birthing options as well as early baby care.
Partners

Your other half may not quite understand the other side of pregnancy, the side where dad comes in. Antenatal care goes a long way to educating expectant fathers on what they can do to help. Some dads-to-be may feel helpless but they are not, and their roles are big and important; they just need to be shown the way. Many expectant parents are not sure where everyone fits into the initial scheme of things, but a good prenatal care provider can provide guidance.

Pregnancy is fun and exciting and, at times, hard and exhausting, but there is a great amount of help out there. With antenatal care, you will discuss birthing options, newborn care, breastfeeding, vaccinations and family planning.

Contact the medical professionals today. Care for yourself and your new family with the right antenatal care.