Maternal health is a term that refers to the care of women's health and maintaining their well-being, starting from the period of planning for pregnancy, during pregnancy, and until the time of birth and the postpartum period.
Maternal health care encompasses the physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of health. It aims to make every pregnancy and childbirth experience a positive one, ensuring the safety and care of both mother and child, while making every effort to prevent any risks and complications that the mother may be exposed to during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
Mother's care is child care
The road to motherhood is at the door. I have just made up my mind to take care of myself. With your kindness The one you'll hold in your arms. What more do you want right now? And as a parent, I know one thing all mothers have in common: a determination to keep their babies safe and healthy at all costs. This is the basic nature of a mother and a blessing to every child.
But somewhere along the line, they forget about themselves, lose their individuality, and place an unnatural burden on their bodies and minds, hoping to function like a superwoman. Even with the best interests of the child in mind, this is not recommended.
It's not selfish to take time for your hobbies, treat yourself to the food you love, watch a movie, soak in a warm bath, and get a good night's sleep. Sounds like a dream? Well, it's not.
All of this can be done if you want. If you feel guilty about not being with your child during relax or enjoy So, think about the following:
Only a healthy mother can nurture a healthy baby. It makes sense? Your body has gone through tremendous stress and strain throughout pregnancy and childbirth. Your body is recovering now and needs your help.
Doing so. Food, sleep, and care are needed in this system.
- Eat a healthy diet, don't forget meals and take multivitamins. to the sympathy To eat, whatever it is. Hand the child over to a nanny, babysitter, or other family member while you eat. Enjoy.
- Sleeping Sounds like a crazy dream with a newborn? It's hard to get 8 hours of sleep, but there are other ways. One is to nap when your baby sleeps. So you can sleep 1 or 2 hours intermittently throughout the day. It helps a lot. All other chores can wait. While you sleep, your body is in recovery mode. Also, sleep deprivation can make you irritable, sad, and depressed. Another idea is to pump breast milk, store it in zip-lock bags or bottles, or hand the baby over to your partner or support person while they nap. This way you can sleep longer because the baby doesn't need you while sleeping. Happy.
- Your baby is the center of your universe, but you are an individual too. Respect their needs and nurture them. A newborn can put a lot of stress on your mind, too. Go for a walk, eat your favorite chocolate (dark chocolate is a mood booster), listen to your favorite audio tracks, and take at least an hour out to do something you love. Taking care of them will make you healthier and more emotionally strong.
Doing all of this has a powerful and long-lasting impact on you and can lead to a better parenting experience. When you hold your baby after a good meal, proper rest, and calm, you're better prepared to nurture and shower your baby with love and care because you feel better inside.
Your energy resonates with the child. You will bring out the positivity around you to be the best parent.
the scientist.
Often, the key to being a good parent isn't sacrificing your own needs for the sake of your child. It's the opposite. The better you take care of yourself, the more energized you'll feel when you hold your child. Parenting will be far more nuanced and rewarding.
Early care for the mother's health before pregnancy
Pre-pregnancy care helps prepare for a healthy pregnancy, avoid potential complications, and deliver a healthy baby. Ideally, care begins at least three months before attempting to conceive. It's worth noting that the time needed to prepare physically and psychologically for pregnancy varies from woman to woman.
Talking to your doctor or healthcare provider before becoming pregnant is an important first step when planning a pregnancy. Some of the most important points to consider and discuss with your doctor include:
Health and family history: It's recommended that you inform your doctor and consult with them about any family members' medical conditions, as some diseases are hereditary and can affect the fetus's health, such as sickle cell anemia. You should also discuss steps you can take to avoid any problems in previous pregnancies, such as bleeding, recurrent miscarriages, or birth defects during a previous pregnancy.
Health problems: It is important to control chronic diseases or treat any health problems before pregnancy, such as sexually transmitted diseases, diabetes, thyroid disease, high blood pressure, and gum and dental disease.
pharmaceutical: Taking certain medications shortly before or during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. Therefore, it is important to inform your doctor of all medications, nutritional supplements, and herbs you are taking when planning to become pregnant, and to consult your doctor before taking any of them during pregnancy.
Lifestyle and surrounding environment: Some daily routines that may affect the health of the mother and fetus should be discussed, such as smoking or alcohol. In addition, toxic substances and environmental pollutants should be avoided, such as fertilizers, pesticides, and cat feces, as exposure to these substances can cause serious problems, such as birth defects, fetal death, or premature birth.
vitaminsThere are certain vitamins that are important to take before and during pregnancy, in doses determined by your doctor. The most important of these vitamins is folic acid, which plays a key role in preventing birth defects in the fetus's spine.
Mental and psychological healthWomen may experience some fears and anxieties about pregnancy, so it's important to provide emotional and social support to the expectant mother from her husband and family, or through other support services. All appropriate treatment options for any psychological issues requiring therapeutic intervention during pregnancy can also be discussed.
Maternal health care during pregnancy
Once pregnancy occurs, it is important to continue monitoring the mother's physical and psychological health throughout the months of pregnancy to ensure her safety and that of the fetus, and to address any medical emergencies early. This can be achieved by adhering to a regular doctor's visit schedule, which is usually as follows:
- Monthly visit during the first six months of pregnancy.
- Visit every two weeks during the seventh and eighth months of pregnancy.
- Weekly visit during the ninth month of pregnancy.
During routine prenatal visits, the doctor performs various tests to help monitor the fetus's development, ensure the mother's health, and determine whether there is a risk of any complications or problems during the pregnancy. These tests may include:
- Pelvic examination to check the size and shape of the uterus.
- Blood test, to check for anemia.
- Check iron levels in the body.
- Tests for infectious diseases, such as hepatitis.
- Measuring the height of the uterus after the twentieth week.
- Checking glucose levels to check for gestational diabetes.
- Check protein levels, which can be elevated in preeclampsia.
- Ultrasound imaging to monitor fetal development and measure fetal heart rate.
- Blood tests or other important tests to monitor any chronic illness the mother had before pregnancy.
The doctor also helps the pregnant woman relieve or manage common pregnancy symptoms, such as morning sickness, back pain, and sleep problems. He also advises her on the following aspects, which can help reduce the risk of certain pregnancy complications and facilitate delivery:
Wight:
Gaining more weight during pregnancy helps the fetus grow and develop. However, gaining too much weight during pregnancy can cause health problems and complications that affect the pregnant mother and fetus, such as:
- Gestational diabetes.
- developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
- Hypertension.
- A more difficult birth process.
- Difficulty losing excess weight after giving birth.
- Increased risk of future obesity for the mother or child.
On the other hand, trying to lose weight or gaining too little weight during pregnancy may affect the health of the mother and fetus, so it is important to monitor your weight with your doctor.
nutrition
One aspect of caring for a pregnant mother's health is ensuring her nutrition, as the need for vitamins and minerals, such as folic acid and calcium, increases during pregnancy. There are also certain foods that are recommended to be consumed during pregnancy and others that are recommended to be avoided.
Foods recommended during pregnancy
Foods that provide many vitamins and minerals for pregnant women include the following:
- Fruits and vegetables.
- Whole grains, such as oatmeal.
- Skim or low-fat milk and dairy products.
- Protein from healthy sources, such as beans and lean meats.
For more: The ideal food for pregnant women
Foods to avoid during pregnancy
There are some Foods that may harm the mother's health And the fetus during pregnancy, such as:
- Caffeine: It is recommended to drink decaffeinated coffee or tea or reduce caffeine intake to less than 200 mg per day.
- Fish and seafood that contain high levels of mercury.
- Unpasteurized cheeses and undercooked meats can transmit certain types of parasites and bacteria.
Alcohol.
It's worth noting that some women may crave clay, ash, or other non-food items. This could be an indication of a nutritional deficiency in the pregnant woman. It's recommended to consult a doctor if you experience this.
Physical activity
Maintaining physical activity during pregnancy is an important factor in maintaining and caring for the mother's health. Unless there is a medical impediment, engaging in some physical activity has various benefits for the pregnant woman, such as:
- Gaining weight at an appropriate rate.
- Reduce back pain and bloating.
- Reducing the risk of gestational diabetes.
- Reducing the risk of postpartum depression.
- Reducing labor and facilitating delivery.
- Reducing the time needed to recover after childbirth.
It's recommended to consult your doctor about the types of physical activities and exercises that are safe to engage in during pregnancy. Examples of physical activities that are generally considered safe during pregnancy include walking, yoga, and swimming.
Postpartum maternal health care
Taking care of a mother's health isn't limited to pregnancy. It's also crucial to care for her physical and mental health after giving birth, as the mother undergoes numerous physical and emotional changes. Some of the most important steps in postpartum care include:
The mother should get enough rest, and the following can help achieve this:
- Mother sleeping at baby's sleeping time.
- Place the baby's bed near the mother's bed, to facilitate feeding at night.
- Asking others to help watch and care for the baby while the mother takes a nap.
Proper nutrition for the mother after childbirth is crucial to maintaining the mother's ability to breastfeed, while also taking into account physical changes. Nutritional guidelines for the mother after childbirth include the following:
- Avoid high-fat meals.
- Eat low-fat foods.
- Eat healthy snacks, such as fruits and vegetables.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
Vaginal care after childbirthNew mothers who have had a vaginal delivery may experience some problems, such as vaginal pain, trouble urinating, or pain from the cesarean section wound. Therefore, it is recommended to follow up with a doctor after delivery to address any symptoms or problems the mother is experiencing. It is also important to abstain from sexual intercourse for at least 4-6 weeks until the vagina heals.
Postpartum mental health care
Some new mothers experience depression and stress after giving birth. These are normal feelings resulting from hormonal changes, fatigue, lack of sleep, and taking on new responsibilities. Support and assistance with childcare are among the most important steps in postpartum care, as they can help reduce and prevent postpartum emotional distress.
The following are also recommended to enhance the mother's mental health and positive feelings after the birth of the child:
- Talk to someone about the feelings you are experiencing.
- Do some light exercise, such as walking.
- Proper nutrition.
- Get enough sleep.
Some women also experience postpartum depression, a condition known as postpartum depression. This condition should not be hidden or ignored. Rather, it is recommended to consult a doctor for help in treating and eliminating it. Its symptoms can range from mild to severe, including crying for no apparent reason and feelings of anxiety and sadness for weeks or more after the baby's birth.
