Obstetric care ensures the health and well-being of both mother and baby from preconception to postpartum. It includes prenatal check-ups, safe delivery procedures, and postnatal care, providing essential medical support at every stage of pregnancy.
Procedure in Obstetric Care
Preconception Counselling: Includes family planning, lifestyle modifications, and pre-pregnancy health checkups to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Initial Prenatal Visit: This visit typically includes a thorough medical history review, physical exams, lab tests, and an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy and estimate the due date.
Routine Check-ups: Regular prenatal visits to monitor the health of the mother and baby. These visits include physical examinations, blood pressure monitoring, weight tracking, and fetal heart rate checks.
Ultrasound Scans: At various stages of pregnancy (usually 12 weeks, 20 weeks, and later if needed) to monitor the growth and development of the fetus.
Labor and Delivery
Preconception counselling: Includes family planning, lifestyle modifications, and pre-pregnancy health checkups to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Vaginal Delivery: The most common form of childbirth, where the baby is delivered through the birth canal.
Cesarean Section (C-Section): A surgical procedure used to deliver the baby through incisions made in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. This may be planned or an emergency decision.
Labor Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of the baby’s heart rate and the mother’s contractions during labour.
Pain Management: Options such as epidurals, analgesics, or natural pain relief methods are discussed with the mother.
Post-delivery Care: Immediate care for the newborn (such as APGAR scoring) and support for the mother in breastfeeding and recovery.
Postpartum Care
Postnatal Visits: These occur after childbirth to ensure the mother’s physical and emotional recovery, addressing issues such as breastfeeding, uterine healing, and any postpartum depression.
Birth Control and Family Planning: Post-delivery discussions about future pregnancies, birth control methods, and long-term reproductive health.
Key Considerations in Obstetric Care:
Health of the Mother: Regular health checkups are crucial to monitor conditions like high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, or preeclampsia, which can affect pregnancy.
Health of the Baby: Regular ultrasounds and prenatal tests ensure the baby is growing properly and without complications.
Diet and Exercise: Mothers are advised on proper nutrition, weight management, and safe physical activities during pregnancy.
Medical History: Past pregnancies, surgeries, and chronic conditions should be discussed with the obstetrician for tailored care.
Emotional and Mental Health: Pregnancy can bring emotional challenges, and psychological support is important throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period.
Conclusion:
Comprehensive obstetric care is essential for ensuring a safe and healthy journey from pregnancy to postpartum recovery. From prenatal check-ups to labor management and postpartum care, every step plays a vital role in maternal and newborn well-being. For more information about prenatal care, delivery procedures, and postpartum recovery, reach Amrutha Mother and Child Hospital. Book your appointment today!
