Pregnancy and Antenatal Care: Experts from MGS Hospital suggest ways to optimise maternal and fetal health

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.