Preventive care is also known as antennal care. It is a way to promote healthy pregnancies, labour and delivery. It covers maternity and childbirth issues. The care plan is an opportunity to provide crucial information, support and family counselling to pregnant women, according to the WHO. It can also help women take steps to maintain a healthy reproductive life before conceiving. Preventive healthcare can be offered in the form of routine medical check-ups, prenatal nutrition and recommendations for a healthy lifestyle.
It is vital to have a practical strategy from the top maternity hospital in Delhi. This can reduce complexities like birth defects, miscarriages, neonatal infections and low birth weight. Below is a detailed guide on what is meant by preventive care for pregnancy.
Ø A Healthy and Nutritious Diet
This is one of the most crucial parts of a healthy pregnancy term. A few must-have foods are dairy, legumes, salmon, eggs, fish liver oil, whole grains, leafy greens and lean meat. These can give your baby the best start to life. Make sure you have a sufficient intake of protein, fibres, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, choline, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates. Drink plenty of water (8-12 cups) every day.
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Ø Breast Care
This is a less talked about yet important aspect of pregnancy. It is crucial to get the breasts ready for feeding before the baby arrives. Learn about composition, prevention and treatment of infections from a trusted gynaecologist. Further:
- Wash and moisturize your nipples well.
- Wear right-sized cotton undergarments at home.
- Pull your nipples regularly if they are flat or inverted.
- Massage the areola daily with coconut oil to ensure firmness.
Get mammography done during your pregnancy. This is especially necessary if you have sore and erect nipples, excessive tenderness, blue veins popping up or darkened skin.
Ø Frequent Check-Ups
Traditional prenatal care involves monthly visits to the OB-GYN. A series of tests are performed either via blood samples or urine samples. Doctors can also take tissues from your cervix, rectum or vagina. The top ones include genetic screening, CBC tests, Rh factor test, STDs, CMA, CVS and general exams. These are mostly performed throughout the pregnancy at the first trimester, 8 weeks, 10-12 weeks, 12th week, 16th week, 20th week, 28th week and 36th weeks. They help reduce the chances of complications in the mother and foetus. So, visit the best maternity hospital in Delhi to get started.
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Ø Lifestyle Changes
Smoking, drinking, drugs and stressful living and work environment are a big NO when it comes to pregnancy. You must eat fertility-boosting foods like high-fat dairy or fibre. Avoid toxic substances and contaminants at all costs. Stay current on vaccines. Avoid stress and keep yourself mentally stable. Aim for a healthy weight and exercise as regularly as possible. Take the help of doctors in case of nausea triggers. Sleep for 8 hours, especially on your left, to ensure better blood flow. Begin prenatal vitamins right away. All of these will help you plan the baby well and ensure a positive pregnancy experience.
Visit the top children’s hospital in Bangalore for information on preventive care. Further, put the above tips into action to welcome your child without complications.
Also, Read – BABY IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE / VACCINATION CHART