Benefits of Pre Natal Care

The benefits of pre natal care cannot be overstated. Proper pre natal care can make the difference between a happy and healthy pregnancy and birth and one which is filled with pain and anguish.



One of the major benefits of pre natal care is that it doesn't just cover pregnancy health; you will learn what to expect of the stages of your pregnancy, what you should and shouldn't eat, what exercises you can do and ultimately how to care for your baby.



Even if you are just considering trying for a baby, see a doctor for pre natal advice and a check on your current health. Before you become pregnant is a good time to ensure you take precautions against possible future health issues.



For example, both rubella (German measles) and chickenpox, while being very common diseases, can be very dangerous to a foetus if a pregnant woman contracts them. Rubella can cause cataracts, heart disease, deafness and even mental retardation in a foetus and chickenpox can cause congenital varicella which may result in atrophied limbs, scarred skin and abnormalities of the eye.



If you want to have a baby then you definitely do not want to catch German measles or chickenpox while you're pregnant so immunisation is the obvious answer. If you had either or both diseases as a child or were immunised then you may be immune to further infection but it's worth getting a blood test to be absolutely sure. It's recommended that you wait at least a month between immunisation and conception and if you are already pregnant, do not have either vaccination.



Other benefits of pre natal care include knowing what comprises a healthy lifestyle to make your pregnancy a pleasure for you and your foetus.



You will learn about a healthy diet and weight so that you and your baby will receive all the vitamins and minerals you both need. You have the extra strain of being pregnant to cope with and your baby needs the correct nutrition to develop normally. It may be recommended that you take a supplement of folic acid, iron or Vitamin A, all of which are necessary for a healthy pregnancy and may become deficient.



Just as important as what you should eat is what you shouldn't eat or ingest. Ask your doctor if it is safe to continue with any existing medication or vitamin supplements as some of these can hinder conception.



It is a known fact that the use of even small amounts of tobacco, alcohol and drugs can do untold damage to a foetus. Your doctor will probably recommend that you don't use any of these while you try to get pregnant, during pregnancy or while breast feeding.



Exercise is another important factor both before and during pregnancy. If you are already fit, then you will be able to continue to exercise while you are expecting. Exercise will help you to keep your weight as it should be, keep your cardio vascular system in good condition and perhaps more importantly, will strengthen your back, legs and pelvis, all of which will be under considerable strain while you're carrying the extra weight of a baby around. Always consult a medical professional before exercising during pregnancy.



The benefits of pre natal care are so many that you really should seek professional advice as soon as you decide to become pregnant. Make sure that your partner attends pre natal sessions with you so that he will know and understand what you need to do to protect your pregnancy.



Ella McGinley is a firm believer in the benefits of pre natal care and offers further advice about pregnancy on her website Learning About Pregnancy.