Antenatal care is described as the level of health care received from the period of conception, throughout pregnancy, till labor and eventual delivery of your baby. Many women are aware of this term but most people especially young expectant Mothers and men do not fully understand what it means and why it is very important to ensure the health of the mother and child throughout the period of pregnancy and delivery. 

Pregnancy is a very delicate period and from conception till delivery the body keeps adjusting itself to the changes it experiences in accommodating the child growing in the mother’s womb.   The pregnancy period is usually described in trimesters. (Three trimesters each about 13 weeks). Mothers experience different symptoms during these periods hence, the need for adequate monitoring by experts. The first trimester is most often associated with vomiting and morning sickness.  As the pregnancy progresses, symptoms such as unusual cravings, back pains, and in some special cases, high blood pressure or high blood sugar levels occur both of which are very dangerous to the child and the mother. Malaria and urinary tract infections are also quite common and equally as harmful.  Women are predisposed to anemia a condition where there is a reduction in the level or red blood cells responsible for the transportation of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.  

Obvious changes include weight gain which could be a source of concern for women who are very conscious of their looks. However, many individuals refuse to seek medical care during this critical period but would rather take herbal concoctions and listen to the advice of people who would recommend traditional remedies for their symptoms which would worsen the situation and put the mother and child at risk. The antenatal care clinic is designed to address such issues as they are run by experts who are aware of the symptom’s women experience during the period of pregnancy and can appropriately treat such conditions. Drugs are recommended to prevent common illnesses such as malaria and anemia during pregnancy and Investigations are also carried out to confirm the health status of the mother and baby.  The fear most mothers have about operative delivery (caesarean section) as the case may be are allayed at the antenatal clinic, as it is only an option taken when normal delivery is not possible. It is important to note that there is a higher risk of operative delivery in women who do not attend antenatal clinics than those who do. 

Antenatal care largely ensures the health of your baby till delivery. The growth and well-being of your baby is also monitored at every antenatal visit. Africa still has the largest child and maternal death rates which would largely be reduced if mothers attend antenatal clinics.  Women also need the support of fathers who are well informed to ensure the mothers attend these clinics. 

Let’s encourage our women as they are the key to building a healthier world and a vibrant younger generation.