Introduction:
Women in Singapore can enjoy healthy pregnancies with regular prenatal care. It can help both first-time moms and those with several children reduce the chances of having complications during pregnancy. However, what exactly is prenatal care? What is its importance? Please read on to find out more.
Overview of Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is the healthcare a woman receives during her pregnancy. It helps ensure both the baby and the pregnant woman are safe all through the pregnancy. This involves regular visits to an obstetrician in Singapore. He or she will find out how you are coping with your pregnancy, examine you, check your weight and blood pressure and perform an ultrasound scan to check your baby’s growth and well being.
Typically, the examinations during prenatal care aim at the mother and baby’s health. Besides, if you may have any questions regarding your pregnancy, this is the time to enquire. Therefore, pregnant women in Singapore should ensure they go for regular prenatal care throughout their pregnancy journey.
The 1st visit should be scheduled 6 to 8 weeks after the last menses and pregnancy is confirmed with the urine test. However, the frequency of the visits will vary depending on the pregnancy. Is it a high-risk pregnancy or not? The following factors (not exhaustive) may present as a high-risk pregnancy;
- Age over 35 to 40 years old.
- Being severely overweight or underweight
- Having experienced complications in previous pregnancies.
- Having a preexisting medical condition such as diabetes, cancer, HIV, or high blood pressure.
Therefore, if yours is a high-risk pregnancy, your prenatal visits maybe more frequent. This is to detect and treat any early complications that may result during pregnancy or childbirth.
Importance of Prenatal Care
If you suspect you are pregnant, we recommend you schedule a visit to a qualified obstetrician in Singapore so you can start your prenatal care. The following are the importance of prenatal care;
Reduces Risks Of Pregnancy Complications
Regularly going for prenatal visits equips you with vital information regarding the changes to expect in your body, and those that may put your pregnancy at risk. Therefore, it prevents complications that may affect you, the fetus or baby, or both of you.
Also, you will provide your doctor with information about your previous pregnancies, operations, or overall medical history. With this, he can offer you the best care during the pregnancy. Nonetheless, your obsytetrician may spot new problems like anemia, pregnancy induced hypertension or gestational diabetes and offer the best treatment.
Helps Monitor the Baby
Your fetus and its growth will be monitored all through your pregnancy during prenatal care. This way, the doctor can know whether or not there are problems to be worried about. You will get the chance to see your baby on the US monitor and hear your baby’s heartbeat at each visit.
Ensures The Woman Take Safe Medication
Prenatal care advises pregnant women on safe medications for their health and their babies. Also, your obstetrician will provide advice on what to avoid to avoid harm to the baby.
Helps Mothers Learn More About Labour and Delivery
Mothers-to-be can learn a lot from prenatal care. For instance, they will know what to expect; the changes that will take place, and what happens during labor. This way, she can be at ease and plan well for her coming baby.
Conclusion
Prenatal care is important for all pregnant women. It helps prevent any complications that may arise during the pregnancy. Also, it helps prepare the mother-to-be with what to expect during the pregnancy and labour.
