Pregnancy is the most beautiful
phase in a woman’s life. And everything, right from the mother’s health,
behaviour and disposition, affects the baby’s development. Hence, taking good
care and visiting a specialist for regular antenatal (before birth) check-ups is
absolutely necessary for a mother-to-be.
Dr Dheerja Babbar, Head of Physiotherapy
Department at MGS Hospital, states,
“Antenatal check-ups are important in order to stay and feel fit during
pregnancy. These screenings also help in making sure that the baby is
absolutely safe and healthy in the womb.”
Why
are antenatal check-ups important?
ü Antenatal
screenings keep a woman updated on the progress of her pregnancy so that she can
make informed decisions for the baby.
ü Regular
antenatal check-ups play a significant role in early detection and control of
most medical problems that a woman might face during pregnancy, such as stress
on the kidneys, urinary tract infection, high blood pressure, diabetes, or weight
gain.
ü Antenatal
care provides evidence-based information and advice to a pregnant woman on
everyday lifestyle habits, safe eating, food hygiene, smoking cessation,
avoidance of alcohol or drugs, use of medications, etc.
ü Antenatal
sessions educate a woman on the right kind of diet to be followed during
pregnancy, and also prepare her for labour pain, birth, and breast-feeding.
ü Such
classes give a pregnant woman the opportunity to discuss any mental health
issues she is struggling with, such as perinatal anxiety, or depression.
Importance
of antenatal exercise
Dr Dheerja Babbar throws light on
the benefits of having a daily prenatal exercise regimen. She mentions, “Regular involvement in prenatal
exercise is recommended during all three trimesters.”
According to Dr DheerjaBabbar,
activities like walking, swimming, and yoga help in:
ü Strengthening
back and pelvic muscles
ü Realising
endorphins, the body's natural ‘feel-good’ chemicals
ü Boosting
circulation
ü Reducing
stress
ü Relieving
pregnancy discomforts
ü Improving
posture
ü Managing
weight
ü Regaining
muscle tone after the antenatal period
Advised
antenatal appointment schedule
Dr Dheerja Babbar from MGS Hospital states
that a woman must go for her first antenatal visit ideally by week 10 of her
pregnancy.Further appointments should be scheduled at 16 weeks, 20 weeks, 25
weeks, 28 weeks, 31 weeks, 34 weeks, 36 weeks, 38 weeks, 40 weeks and 41 weeks.
Undoubtedly, attending antenatal classes
is a great way for many women and their partners to learn about parenting a new
life.
If you are also going through a
similar phase, feel free to get in touch with Dr Dheerja Babbar at MGS Hospital to know how antenatal care can
work wonders for you and your baby. Simply visit (link)for details related to special
antenatal sessions.
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