Mother and Child - Good Health Lesson 14

MOTHER AND CHILD - GOOD HEALTH LESSON 14

Pregnancy and childbirth are normal events which most women experience at some time in their lives. Being pregnant and giving birth to a baby should be a time of joy and health in the life of a woman. During the nine months of a woman's pregnancy, it is essential she visit her Doctor and Ante-Natal Clinic regularly to ensure that she receives the very best pre-birth care for both herself and her baby/babies. During the nine months of pregnancy and during the time the mother is breastfeeding, the woman must take very good care of her health if she is to have a healthy child and remain well throughout pregnancy and after the birth.

CARE DURING PREGNANCY
Mothers and mothers-to-be should aim to achieve a  healthy and happy pregnancy and motherhood and a fine, well-nourished baby. A woman will first notice that she may be pregnant where her monthly period, or flow, does not occur. Another sign is morning sickness (nausea) and perhaps vomitting. Often the breasts feel full and tender to the touch. There may be a feeling of wanting to pass urine more often than usual.

Each of these signs on its own may not mean that a woman is pregnant. However, it they are all present it is possible she is pregnant. Sometimes there are other reasons why the monthly flow stays away, which have nothing to do with pregnancy. If you have any concerns, immediately visit your Doctor. 
It is very easy to take a pregnancy test, and make sure whether are not you are pregnant. If you are in a squatter camp or refugee camp, and do not have ready access to pregnancy tests, visit your Doctor. Keep in mind the date when the first period was missed, as the Doctor can work out from this when the baby is likely to be born.

Waiting for your baby to grow within you until the time comes for him or her to be born should be a happy time for the mother who looks forward to holding her baby in her arms. The mother-to-be's main priority should be to see that she eats well and follows simple rules which help her unborn baby to develop normally and healthily.

VISIT YOUR DOCTOR OR MATERNITY NURSE REGULARLY
During your pregnancy visit your Doctor or Maternity Clinic regularly. Seek your Doctor or Maternity Nurse's advice as to how regularly you should visit. The Doctor or Maternity Nurse will check your and your baby's general health as the baby grows within you. Between your regular visits to the Ante-Natal Clinic, you should see the Doctor immediately if you notice bleeding from the vagina, which is the canal through which the baby is born. If you notice swelling of the feet, face or hands; severe headache, dizziness, very bad vomitting, pain in the lower part of the body, leaking of urine or shortness of breath, or any other symptoms that worry you, immediately see your Doctor.

*Disclaimer; Please note that the information on this Health Post is not meant to replace your Doctor or Health Professional care