Antenatal care

Antenatal care - Information Of Antenatal care

Antenatal care (prenatal care) a series of checkups at a hospitals and at a doctor's surgery, design to monitor the physical and mental health of a pregnant woman to have regular checks with a midwife throughout pregnancy, to ensure that any conditions that may pose a risk to the baby's health can be identified and treated. . In addition, the expectant mother and father receive information and advice about pregnany, labor, childbirth and care of the newborn infant.

Antenatal groups or courses

These are also widely available throughout the UK, on the NHS or privately. They can range from lessons in how to cope with childbirth, relaxation techniques and the finer art of bringing up your baby, to a loose collective of like-minded parents-to-be who want to share their experiences and seek mutual support. For details of such courses and events in your area, ask your midwife or check out the links in Next Steps.

Treatment of Antenatal

During pregnancy, you may be referred for various tests: some are recommended for all pregnant women and are to check the baby's or the mother's health; others are for women who have certain risk factors or health concerns. Your midwife or doctor can help you and your partner decide what is best for you and your baby, and also understand the purpose, risks and benefits of each test.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound can provide an accurate view of your baby and its placenta. It is considered quite safe for both of you. It may be used to:

• determine the size and age of your baby;
• check the position of the baby and placenta;
• check for physical problems in the baby or placenta;
• determine a multiple birth;
• aid other diagnostic tests.

Blood sugar test

This checks for gestational diabetes, which can develop in the mother during pregnancy and usually disappears after birth. Untreated, it can lead to serious harm to the baby.

Diet Of Antenatal

Eating a healthy diet during pregnancy means that both mother and baby receive all the vitamins and minerals they need. A nutritious, well-balanced diet is one that is varied and includes a wide range of foods including:

• starchy foods such as cereals, bread, potatoes and pasta
• plenty of fruit and vegetables that supply vitamins and fibre
• foods rich in protein such as meat, fish, eggs and pulses
• dairy foods which supply calcium
• foods rich in polyunsaturated fats, such as oily fish like salmon and trout.

It is best to avoid a lot of sugary, salty or fatty foods. A well-balanced vegetarian diet should provide all that is needed, but vega ns may need to take advice from their GP about supplements such as calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12.

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