The Importance of Prenatal or Antenatal Care

Renowned singer and actress Beyoncé has been vocal about her experiences with pregnancy and highlighted the importance of prenatal care. In her documentary, she shared insights on her challenging pregnancy with twins. Beyoncé emphasized the critical role of prenatal care, stating, “Having a good doctor and taking care of yourself during pregnancy is crucial. Regular check-ups and being informed about your health can make all the difference.” Should I say more, still, in this article I, as a Gynecologist, sharing the importance of Regular Prenatal or Antenatal Care.

The Importance of Prenatal or Antenatal Care

You will agree with me that Pregnancy is a transformative journey, one that requires careful attention of parents and support of family, friends, your gynaecologist and other doctors to ensure the health and well-being of both mother and baby. It is proven and accepted fact that Prenatal care, which involves regular medical check-ups, diagnostic tests- such as ultrasound scans to check baby growth, nutritional guidance, and lifestyle adjustments, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding a healthy pregnancy. This comprehensive care helps identify potential health issues early, promotes healthy habits, and provides invaluable support and education to expectant mothers.

As per World Health Organization- “Most maternal deaths are preventable, as the health-care solutions to prevent or manage complications are well known. All women need access to high quality care in pregnancy, and during and after childbirth. Maternal health and newborn health are closely linked. It is particularly important that all births are attended by skilled health professionals, as timely management and treatment can make the difference between life and death for the women as well as for the newborns.”

Why Prenatal Care Matters

1. Monitoring Fetal Development: During regular prenatal visits your Gynaecologist monitors the growth and development of the fetus. Gynaecologist prescribes the suitable ultrasound scan for the stage of pregnancy. Ultrasounds and other diagnostic tools help track milestones, ensuring that the baby is developing as expected.
2. Managing Health Conditions: Pregnancy can bring about or exacerbate health issues such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia. How to know whether these issues are pertaining to your pregnancy or not? A regular Prenatal care helps manage these conditions, reducing risks for both mother and baby. A good Gynecologist maintains your pregnancy cards so that she can help you out through advising lifestyle changes or treatments in case of any risk factors.
3. Nutritional Guidance: Proper nutrition is crucial during pregnancy. Gynecologist offer dietary recommendations and supplements like folic acid, iron, and calcium to support the health of the mother and the developing baby. The period or trimesters for which these supplements are to be taken may be different and some additional requirements may be there based on blood tests or diagnostic tests of mother.
4. Advance detection of Anomalies in foetus: Now-a-days, diagnostic tests are available through which you can check any developmental anomalies in the foetus and accordingly take the decision in consultation with Gynaecologist.
5. Educational Support: Prenatal care includes education on childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care. This prepares parents for the upcoming challenges and ensures they are well-informed about the birthing process and postnatal care.
6. Emotional Support: Pregnancy can be an emotional rollercoaster. Prenatal care providers offer emotional support and resources, helping mothers cope with stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.

A Preventable Incident: Serena Williams’ Story

Tennis superstar Serena Williams experienced a life-threatening complication during the birth of her daughter, Olympia. Despite being an elite athlete with access to top-tier medical care, she faced a severe postpartum health crisis due to a pulmonary embolism. Williams has since advocated for greater awareness of prenatal and postnatal care. Her ordeal highlights the necessity of regular and thorough prenatal care, which can help anticipate and prevent complications.

Status of Prenatal Care in India:

Access to Prenatal Care in India

Access to prenatal care is critical for reducing maternal morbidity and improving pregnancy outcomes. Adequate prenatal care involves regular check-ups, nutritional guidance, and early detection and management of complications.

Key Data on Access to Prenatal Care:

1. Antenatal Care Coverage: The percentage of women receiving at least four antenatal care visits (as recommended by WHO).
2. Institutional Deliveries: The percentage of births taking place in healthcare facilities, which is a proxy indicator of access to skilled care during delivery and prenatal visits.
3. Rural vs. Urban Access: There is a significant disparity in access to prenatal care between rural and urban areas, with urban areas having higher coverage rates.

Case Study: Positive Impact of Prenatal Care

In states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where access to prenatal care and institutional deliveries are high, maternal mortality rates are significantly lower compared to states with poorer access. This highlights the importance of regular prenatal care in reducing maternal morbidity and improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

Above details highlight the critical need for improved access to prenatal care across India. Enhancing prenatal care coverage can lead to early detection and management of pregnancy complications, better nutritional support, and higher rates of safe, institutional deliveries. These measures are essential for reducing maternal morbidity and ensuring healthier pregnancies and childbirths for women across the country.

?An Avoidable Tragedy

In another instance, a lack of regular prenatal care contributed to a tragic outcome. A young woman in a rural area, unaware of her high-risk pregnancy due to undiagnosed preeclampsia, suffered from severe complications that could have been managed with proper prenatal care. Unfortunately, without regular check-ups, the warning signs were missed, leading to a preventable medical emergency.

Path Ahead or Learning:

Prenatal care is an essential aspect of a healthy pregnancy. It ensures that both mother and baby are closely monitored, health issues are addressed promptly, and parents are well-prepared for the arrival of their child. Celebrities like Beyoncé and Serena Williams underscore the universal importance of this care, while real-life incidents highlight its potential to prevent serious complications. Every expectant mother deserves access to quality prenatal care, making it a cornerstone of maternal and fetal health.

Investing in prenatal care is investing in the future—ensuring that every pregnancy is a step toward a healthy, happy family.

Author:

Dr Uma Mishra

MD, Obstetrics & Gynecology

Leading Gynecologist in Noida, High Risk Pregnancy Care Expert, Normal Baby Delivery

Call clinic to Book Physical or online Consultation: 8130550269

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