In this post, we will address the importance of ante-natal care. In the previous post, we discussed what ante-natal care is and what an ANC visit involves, but first we will have a look at the key elements of Antenatal Care, which are:
Elements Of Ante-natal Care
Routine check-ups: Ante-natal care constitutes a number of scheduled visits. During your first ANC visit, you are issued with an ANC card which you use every time you attend.
Nutritional education and counselling: Proper nutrition is a vital component for a successful pregnancy. Ante-natal care involves nutrition counselling on proper dietary choices and practices, weight management, and adequate exercise.
Screening and diagnostic tests: During antenatal visits, you will have several tests and diagnostic procedures performed including serum and urine tests, systemic examinations, STIs and genetic testing , medical reviews, and ultrasounds.
The Importance of Ante-natal Care
Significant inequalities are present in perinatal health within diverse population groups and contexts. The majority of these stemming from concerns associated with congenital defects foetal, growth under-development and premature birth that can be prevented or managed with access to antenatal care. Mostly, perinatal morbidity and mortality can result from modifiable life-style risks such alcohol consumption, smoking, poor nutrition, obesity, and drug abuse. Usually, these issues can be accompanied by mental and social issues that can be managed as well.
Ante-natal care focuses on addressing medical risks that can impose negative implications on the progress of a pregnancy and as such is essential to minimizing and managing medical complications to render more positive outcomes. During pregnancy , there are certain vaccines administered including the tetanus toxoid to prevent transmission to foetus.The regular testing allows for the detection of any STIs or other conditions, which can then begin to be managed efficiently. Through this tests, the physician is also able to determine whether the woman will deliver normally, or through C-section. Information obtained from the regular ANC visits contributes significantly to addressing the modifiable lifestyle issues thus reducing the likelihood of negative pregnancy effects. The woman learns to care for her baby and how to exclusively breastfeed without infecting the child if they have any infections. This information remains applicable even after the pregnancy period as it extends to guidance on family planning, child spacing, and caring for the infant. In addition, women gain a platform through which they can share their concerns about their pregnancy with a confidant, and receive guidance on best practices to ascertain that potential risks are lowered.Maternal and foetal health is preserved as the woman receives constant monitoring through medical and psychosocial support. Her weight is monitored to ensure it increases gradually and the consistent check-ups targeted to monitor foetal development allow for the early detection of arising complications, in turn prompting solutions.
It is important that you attend regular ANC visits to optimize the likelihood of a successful pregnancy. You will receive routine check-ups, medical reviews, genetic and STI tests , all of which will reduce the risks likely to affect your pregnancy. You will also receive education on how to improve your nutrition and lifestyle choices , how to care for your baby and how to introduce exclusive breastfeeding. As you progress through the pregnancy, the number of visits will increase especially during the third trimester. You will also get to ask any queries you may have to do with your pregnancy during those visits.