Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 04 January 2023

Did you know that you need at least four prenatal visits during pregnancy? Prenatal care is medical care intended for pregnant women. It can help you ensure a healthy pregnancy until childbirth. During the prenatal visits, mothers can discuss important matters regarding their health and that of their baby with the doctor. Based on the recommendations from the Family Health Guide of the Department of Health, pregnant women must have at least four (4) prenatal check-ups (at least 1 visit during the first 3 months; at least 1 visit during the 4th to 6th months; and at least 2 visits during the 7th to 9th months) and receive Tetanus Toxoid.

During pregnancy checkups, mothers undergo health risk assessment, physical exams, weight checks, laboratory tests, imaging scans, and doctors can also prescribe prenatal vitamins to promote the healthy development of the fetus inside the womb. Prenatal calcium supplementation can reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia morbidity and mortality and antenatal iron-folic acid may reduce anemia, a condition that may be an underlying factor in postpartum hemorrhage. By following the pregnancy check-up schedule, pregnant women can assure about avoiding pregnancy-related complications. Pregnant women who experienced signs including swelling of the legs, hands and/or face, severe headache, dizziness, blurring of vision, vaginal bleeding, pale skin, vomiting, convulsion, difficulty in breathing, fever and chills, weakness, severe abdominal pain, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, watery vaginal discharge, painful urination, and absence or decrease in baby’s movement inside the womb must go to the nearest health facility immediately. These signs are considered “danger signs” and require an immediate care from medical professionals.

The first 1000 days spanning from conception to 2 years of life are a critical period of time and considered as the “golden window of opportunity” when nutritional needs must be ensured. Failure to do so can lead to adverse impacts on short-term survival as well as long-term health and development. Without proper prenatal care, both the mother and their babies could be in danger, especially if they deliver without the assistance of a midwife, nurse or doctor, and if the child do not receive proper care after delivery. Babies of mothers who do not get prenatal care are three times more likely to have a low birth weight and five times more likely to die than those born to mothers who have an access to adequate care. Healthy pregnancy means a healthy baby. Visit your Obstetrics and gynecology doctors now!

ZDN DMO II Rowence F. Zorilla, RND

References:

1. Form 2D: Health Plan Implementation for Maternal Health: Pregnancy/Prenatal Care

https://doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/publications/Form_2D_Health_Plan_Implementation_Pregnancy_Prenatal_Care.pdf

2. Prenatal Care

https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/prenatal-care