Why do people choose not to get prenatal care? Epidemiologic and statistical studies have prenatal care to be significant to the well-being of mothers and their babies. According to the NHHS (Check website) 3.2% of white females, 5.7% African American,7.9% American Indian or Alaska Native,3.0% Asian or Pacific Islander, and 3.6% total receive late to no prenatal care. Additionally, 16% do not seek prenatal care until after the 1st trimester, and I:24 females get late or NO prenatal care. There are many benefits to prenatal care. The most important being preventative measures such as: monitoring for Preeclampsia (PIH). PIH is high blood pressure during pregnancy. By catching it early you can manage and monitor it and in worst case scenarios prevent the risk of a stroke. Early prenatal care can also detect birth defects and anomalies, in addition to gestational diabetes is becoming more prevalent in the US. Going untreated, gestational diabetes can cause problems not only with the mother but the baby as well. Other prenatal problems: such as pre-term labor, short cervix, oligohydramnios (too little amniotic fluid), and polyhydramnios (too much amniotic fluid) generally require continuous monitoring to ensure a successful birth. By catching many of these pregnancy problems early, necessary precautions can be taken to correct them and make sure you have the child safely.
Counseling on proper nutrition which will improve natal and maternal health is very important. A healthy diet is required even if you are taking prenatal vitamins, including folic acid, calcium (3 serving of milk or yogurt), iron and only an additional 300 calories a day: Pregnant women are not really “eating for 2.” By eating a healthy diet, women can improve the health of their baby and ensure proper growth. Additionally, proper nutrition during pregnancy reduces the rick of chronic disease in both mother and baby. Moderate exercise is also very important for the pregnant women. Moderate exercise improves the health of both mother and baby. It can also help reduce delivery complications, and lends for a faster return to pre-pregnancy physical state.

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