Pregnancy, oh pregnancy! The roller coaster of hormones, cravings, morning sickness and emotions that plague women all around the world. It's a beautiful journey that can often be overwhelming for first-time mothers; where do you even begin? What is considered too early or too late to begin taking care of yourself and your growing fetus? With so much conflicting advice out there on when to start prenatal care, it's easy to feel lost in the sea of information. Fear not dear reader because I've got some juicy info for you today!
Overview
Prenatal care refers specifically to regular medical checkups with an OBGYN throughout your pregnancy. These visits are crucial for ensuring both mother and baby remain healthy during gestation.
Going without prenatal care triples the chance of injury /complications before childbirth
The recommended time at which pregnant women should start their prenatal care varies depending on individual circumstances such as age, pre-existing conditions etc., but generally should commence within the first trimester (the initial 12 weeks).
12 week trimester- Give or take
Here are some ways you can determine if now, dear reader may be a good time-
Signs That You Need To Begin Now!
- If you're thinking about getting pregnant soon.
- You may have underlying health issues i.e diabetes/high blood pressure/asthma/celiac disease
- Multiple miscarriages in one family/genetic history
- Ongoing medication history including recreational drugs/alcohol/tobacco use
- Obesity - this relates loosely with modern-day fast foods diet correlated struggles such as insulin resistance/A1c levels
No matter who you are; just from these few examples above we know very well each woman’s situation may differ substantially from another.
Why So Early?
While it might seem early in your pregnancy cycle to begin visiting doctors regularly and receive recommendations for a medical program/supplements, that early start enables the identification of any issues - pregnancies can bring them on. Those first few months are a critical period in your baby's development where physical and neural (brain) growth occurs at an exponential rate; meaning those who avoid or delay prenatal care run risk of complications such as: Preterm birth Low Birth Weight High Risk Pregnancy due to conditions like Diabetes Mellitus/hypertension/epilepsy etc. Congenital Abnormalities
The Schedule Wears The Crown
As previously mentioned, most medical experts generally suggest beginning prenatal care within the 1st trimester- before even hearing that precious heartbeat (though it's not necessarily mandatory at this stage). Scheduling regular appointments post-first visit will remain with you throughout your pregnancy given fluctuations vary per individual.
The Perks? Several!
It won't only give doctors essentials regarding scheduling further routine check-ups but screening tests used help determine if any irregular fetal growth has occurred or injuries have progressively grown since previous visits. This doesn’t just affect the child though mummies also receive staples needed recommendations like folic acid supplements/source vitamin D/vitamin C/B complex vitamins/Iron and Magnesium infusions/up-to-date vaccines
And What If You're Late To The Party?
Your physician may schedule additional screening for instances where pre-existing pregnancy symptoms occur without prior routine visitations so long as no associated evidence which one could assume shows any devastating consequences of neglect. Though important to note treatment cannot occur retroactively rather once abnormalities become visible as bones begin developing towards late weeks into trimesters options immediately reduce/increase substantially risking either’s health when compared to treating from day one!
Adjustments Of Prenatal Routine Spring Into Action:
Stopping bad habits is encouraged including ceasing alcohol consumption/tobacco use/recreational drugs/intense exercise regimes during gestation whilst less intense workouts remain ideal since they’re not only beneficial towards relieving mood swings aiding in higher endorphin and blood oxygen levels, but also bring much-needed balance alleviating pregnancy insomnia/symptoms/weights woes!
Monitoring nutritional consumption by keeping track of the types of foods eaten i.e. high-fat fast food items should cut dramatically to strengthen nutrients integration from a mix that resolutely includes i.e folic acid-rich whole grains/citrus fruits increasing immunity/storing up energy enhancing overall health/growth.
Conclusion
Pregnancy is a time for celebration! A beautiful moment where your body is growing another human being - how extraordinary life can be? Taking control over prenatal care visiting physicians with regularity throughout gestation ensures you receive adequate treatment recommendations helping curb irregularities which arise without proper medical attention. In turn this helps reduce complications associated with conditions such as low birth weight/ preterm prophaxis/birthing injuries when proactive measures cease them before becoming ‘catastrophic’. So get started now and ensure both you and your baby have all needed resources at the ready within optimal timeframe first trimester (give or take 12 weeks)!