Ideally, it is a good idea to start pregnancy health care even before one is pregnant. If a couple is planning to have a baby, they should make time to visit a doctor and talk about any health problems that the woman might be having.

Regular Intake Of Folic Acid Is Essential

Issues can include serious health problems like diabetes, epilepsy, high blood pressure or obesity. If a woman is already undergoing treatment and medication for some health problem, it is important to clarify with a doctor if the medication is harmful for the fetus. Also, if the woman has harmful habits like smoking and drinking, it is essential to stop them before pregnancy as they are extremely dangerous for the fetus. Many times, a woman may become pregnant before she can consult a doctor. In such situations, she should seek a doctor's advice as early as possible in her pregnancy. An essential part of pregnancy health care is to take a vitamin supplement which contains folic acid before or in early pregnancy, as this helps to reduce chances of any genetic defects that may occur in the baby. Deformities in the spine and nervous system which can be prevented by regular intake of folic acid can occur during early pregnancy. Once the woman misses her menstrual cycle by two to four weeks, she should immediately consult a doctor to test for pregnancy. Many home kits are available but it is still best to confirm with a doctor. The woman can opt for a gynecologist and obstetrician or a nurse trained in midwifery for appropriate pregnancy health care.

Balanced Diet Is Important For Proper Fetal Development

Initially, the expecting mother will be required to visit the doctor once a month. As the pregnancy advances, she will need such visits every fifteen days and during the ninth month, once every week. During these visits, she will be checked for signs of high blood pressure and edema or water retention. Also, the abdomen will be examined to assess the shape and size of her uterus, as that will give an idea if the fetus is developing well. An ultrasound may also be carried out to check the fetal heart beat and development. Also, iron and calcium supplements will be prescribed to ensure proper growth of the fetus. For good pregnancy health care it is important to pay special attention to the woman's diet as the development of the fetus will depend on it. There should be sufficient proteins in the food like milk, eggs, meat and fish and vitamins through fresh vegetables and fruits. However, the woman should avoid shellfish, as they have a high mercury content which can cause certain defects in the baby. Also, she should avoid eating raw eggs or foods which are not well-cooked, as they can cause infections in the mother which in turn can harm the fetus.

Light exercises, like gentle breathing and mild stretches of the arms and limbs, are also important for good pregnancy health care, as they keep the mother in good health and spirits.