What A Pregnant Person Should Know About Pregnancy Care
Although getting pregnant is natural for people who are fertile, it does not always end up with a baby being born. Unfortunately, it isn't uncommon for a person to have a miscarriage months before the baby is supposed to be born. If you are pregnant and want to make sure you and your baby are healthy, it is important to make an appointment with an OBGYN for prenatal care as soon as possible. Without the proper pregnancy care, you can face complications throughout the pregnancy and during the delivery process that could have been prevented. Continue reading to learn more about prenatal care and why it is important for you and your unborn baby.
The Importance of Your Medical History
During your initial visit with an OBGYN, they will ask you questions concerning your medical history. The reason is because the doctor will want to know what your risks are for having complications during the pregnancy. Your medical history will also give the doctor a general idea of whether your baby is at risk for developing certain disorders and other types of medical conditions. Your medical records will likely be obtained as well so the doctor will know what you have been treated for in the past that can possibly affect your pregnancy. For example, medical records can show if you have a history of getting treated for high blood pressure, anemia, and various other conditions.
Tracking the Development Progress of Your Baby
Prenatal care is important because it gives you the security of knowing that your baby is developing as they should. Although babies can be born in various sizes, your baby should be growing at an average length and weight throughout your pregnancy. If your baby is growing slower than usual, it could point that there is something wrong that requires prompt medical attention. A doctor can monitor fetal growth in several ways, including measuring your stomach and performing occasional ultrasounds. You might be told to eat more food to improve the health of the baby if their development progress isn't satisfactory.
Delivering Your Baby in a Safe Manner
By going to an OBGYN, you will know if it is safe to deliver your baby vaginally or not. If you experience any problems during the pregnancy, a doctor might determine that it is safer for the baby to be delivered via cesarean section. You can discuss other methods of delivery with your doctor as well, such as giving birth in water.
Contact a medical professional to learn more about pregnancy care.