Several pregnant women are recorded to suffer from one pregnancy-related complication or other each year. They fall victim of such complications due to their own ignorance. Also, pregnant women fail to take proper prenatal care which results in pregnancy complications.
Prenatal care is best handled by trained hands and that is why pregnant women have to know of the right people to consult. Obstetricians and gynecologists are medical practitioners who have been specially trained to take care of women in pregnancy and at childbirth. Family practitioners and certified nurse-midwives can provide specialized services to pregnant women such as obstetrical care, labor and delivery as well as postpartum care without the risk of complications.
Health care providers are proficient enough to take care of pregnant women till the time they safely deliver their babies. Doctors with expertise in high-risk pregnancies may however be contacted in cases where there are complications. Such cases include pregnant women:
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With chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart problems
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Older than 35 years in age
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With more than one fetus
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With increased risk of preterm labor
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Having any of the other complication factors that may put them in the high-risk category
Important Factors to Be Considered By Pregnant Women
There is a whole range of advice for you as a woman about the factors you have to put into consideration before and after you become pregnant. These factors are all embedded in prenatal care during pregnancy and they are very important for the development, growth as well as the overall health of the mother and the well-being of the unborn child. For the child to be able to survive after birth, adequate care must be taken before its birth.
Proper Diet
The baby in a pregnant woman is not capable to feed itself and is totally dependent on the mother for support and nutrition. The health of a baby while in the womb and even after it has been delivered is determined by prenatal nutrition to a large extent. It is therefore important for you as a pregnant woman to live on a pregnancy diet that is balanced. Your choice of food must include a profusion of fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds as well as other healthy choices. You must avoid all synthetic and processed foods. Spicy and oily foods can lead to indigestion and heat, while excess weight gain will be the resultant effect of living on processed food. It is always recommended for pregnant women to live on wholesome diets and plenty of water.
Proper Lifestyle
While proper diet will do its own part, the correct lifestyle during pregnancy must be followed by every woman. A pregnant woman must learn of the right type of pregnancy exercises that will keep her fit and healthy. You must never allow stress and pressure to build up in your body during this stage.
Apart from all these, there are some other factors that can not be overlooked in the course of pregnancy in any woman. Supplements prescribed by your medical doctor like iron and calcium must be taken. If for any reason a pregnant woman suffers the lack of prenatal care during her pregnancy, she becomes vulnerable to the risk of complications that can affect her health and that of her baby.