Prenatal Care and Safe Motherhood

A mother is not just the greatest feeling or call in the world; motherhood is a woman's greatest fulfillment. However, when a woman becomes pregnant for the first time, many things are unknown to her. Therefore, from conception until childbirth, a mother must exercise caution and awareness in many matters. Let's learn some important information about prenatal care and safe motherhood.

The family members and close relatives play the primary role in ensuring proper care for a pregnant mother. But the mother herself must also be careful, because the health of the unborn child depends on the mother's well-being.

Nutrition and Mental & Physical Care for the Pregnant Mother:
A baby's organs are formed while in the womb. Therefore, special attention must be paid to the mother's diet during this time. The food the mother eats enters the baby's body through the placenta.

So, it's important to ensure that what the mother eats provides adequate nutrition for both mother and child. On the other hand, if the mother is ill or mentally anxious about anything, it can be equally harmful to both. Therefore, it is extremely important to provide both physical and mental care for a mother during pregnancy. She must be aware of staying stress-free, not lifting heavy weights, and avoiding uneven terrain.

Planned pregnancy is very safe for both mother and child. Before conception, it is necessary for the mother to undergo physical check-ups for diabetes, thyroid, heart disease, high blood pressure, etc. Additionally, as per the doctor's advice, it may be necessary to regularly take folic acid and other medications starting three months before planning a pregnancy.

Pregnant women should also be conscious about their clothing. It is best to wear clean, comfortable, easy-to-wear, loose-fitting clothes, well-fitting soft shoes, and avoid high heels.

Doctor Visits and Important Stages:
An expectant mother should visit her doctor almost every month. According to World Health Organization information, an expectant mother must consult a doctor at least four times: specifically in the 16th, 28th, 32nd, and 36th weeks. Furthermore, if any physical complications arise, a doctor should be consulted immediately.

The first and last three months are extremely important for an expectant mother. The baby's organs take their complete form in the first three months in the womb. During pregnancy, mothers often develop a hemoglobin deficiency because, after meeting the iron demands of the unborn baby's body, the mother can become anemic. Therefore, during this time, the pregnant mother must be given necessary medicines along with green vegetables, fruits, and other nutritious foods.

During the last three months in the womb, the baby grows very rapidly. This can cause swelling (edema) in the mother's feet. Additionally, in the last three months, the enlarged belly can cause significant discomfort for the mother. Some complications can also arise during this time, such as an abnormally large or small belly, sudden bleeding, very high fever, or excessively high blood pressure. In such situations, a doctor must be seen without delay.

Expert Care at Evercare:
Evercare Hospital Chattogram, equipped with world-class facilities, has a Mother and Child Care Center for mothers and babies. With specialist doctors and state-of-the-art amenities, this hospital is a trusted place for ensuring the health of mother and child. Therefore, if a pregnant mother has diabetes, high blood pressure, bleeding, onset of pain, or decreased baby movement, do not hesitate to contact the Mother and Child Care Center at Evercare Hospital Chattogram.

---

Dr. Farzana Haseen (Mukti)
MBBS, DGO, FCPS (Gynae & Obs)
MCPS (Gynae & Obs)
Senior Consultant - Obs & Gynae
Evercare Hospital Chattogram