So, you just found out that you’re pregnant! Congrats. Many emotions might be brewing within you right now including excitement, anxiety, joy, fear, apprehension and stress. Not to worry, this is normal. Finding out you’re pregnant whether you and your partner were trying (or not) can bring a whole slew of feelings. This new world you have just entered will allow you to experience the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. From the excitement of picking names, buying baby clothes, and decorating the nursery to swelling feet, trouble sleeping and well…moving at all sometimes, pregnancy is a roller coaster ride!
Part of this ride includes selecting an OBGYN and visiting the Doctor more often than you ever have before. While visiting your physician for regular prenatal care appointments isn’t quite as fun as picking a nursery theme, it’s one of the most important things you can do for your unborn child.
1. One of the main benefits of prenatal care is to reduce your risk of pregnancy complications. Complications can arise from improper diet, medication, heredity, or environmental exposure. You will be screened regularly for potentially life threatening conditions like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. Your doctor can also work with you to manage pre-existing conditions, like high blood pressure, to ensure your pregnancy journey is a healthy one for you and your baby.
2. Proper prenatal care can also help to reduce your baby’s risk of complications due to alcohol/drug use, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, STD’s, infections and more. Scheduled ultrasounds will also ensure your baby is growing properly and can reveal any potential birth defects or conditions.
3. At your scheduled visits your OBGYN will make sure you are taking prenatal vitamins to ensure that both you and your baby get the proper nutrients needed during pregnancy, such as folic acid. Folic acid can lower the risk for neural tube defects by 50% or more.*
4. Your OBGYN will also make sure you aren’t taking medications or eating any foods that could be unsafe during pregnancy. Certain pain medications, acne treatments, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies can be harmful to you and your baby during pregnancy. Common foods such as lunch meats and unpasteurized cheeses can also be detrimental during pregnancy due to listeria risk. Your Doctor will provide you with a comprehensive list of foods and medications to avoid during this time.
5. Your prenatal visits also offer you the chance to discuss your labor and delivery plan with your physician, prepare for any deviations and gain peace of mind for when the big day comes. Having a written birth plan can help your OBGYN to know whether you want an epidural (or not), want to bank your baby’s cord blood or if you prefer your baby remain unwashed after birth. Just make sure you also prepare for your birth plan to get flipped on its head because it can happen!
—
Dr. Sefa-Boakye of A Lady’s Doctor has been practicing medicine since 1989 and is dedicated to ensuring his patients are happy and healthy throughout their pregnancy, delivery and postpartum! Learn more about our clinic here: https://aladysdoctor.com/about-us/
*Source: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/104/2/325
*This is only an appointment request. A staff member will call you within 1-2 days to confirm your appointment. Thank you!
This Post Has One Comment
Great tips of prenatal care! Loved the article Dr. Sefa.