The Importance of Prenatal Care

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Recommended: Pros and cons of prenatal health

The Importance of Prenatal Care

Prenatal care is widely accepted as an important element in improving pregnancy outcome. (Gorrie, McKinney, Murray, 1998). Prenatal care is defined as care of a pregnant woman during the time in the maternity cycle that begins with conception and ends with the onset of labor. A medical, surgical, gynecologic, obstretic, social and family history is taken (Mosby's Medical, Nursing, and Allied Health Dictionary, 1998). It is important for a pregnant woman as well as our society to know that everything that you do has an effect on your baby. Because so many women opt not to receive the benefits of prenatal care, our society sees the ramification, which include a variety of complications primarily related to the baby. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommendations, prenatal care must be started prior to the fourth month of gestation and have more than 13 visits to be considered adequate. Any deviation in the guidelines deems the care as inadequate.

Focus

The focus of this paper is to inform not just women about the problems that can arise from inadequate care, but our entire society. By being well informed about the benefits of prenatal care, people can make more accurate decisions. We must also focus on the reasons why women choose not to obtain adequate care, and strive to improve medical care in hopes of increasing the number of women who receive prenatal care. It is essential for nurses to have a clear understanding of prenatal care, why some women did not have it, and how to educate clients and families about the benefits.

Incidence, Prevalence, Population

Approximately 475 newborns were born each day to mothers who began prenatal care in t...

... middle of paper ...

...adelphia: W. B. Saunders, p.45.

Hawkins, J., Aber, C., Cannan, A., Coppinger, C. and Rafferty, K., (1998). Women's reported self-care behaviors during pregnancy. Health Care for Women International, 19, 529-538.

Hays, B., Kaiser, K., McMabon, C., and Kaup, K., (2000). Public Health Nursing Data: Building the Knowledge Base for High-Risk Prenatal Clients. MCN, 25 (3), 151-158.

Higgins, P., and Woods, P., (1999) Reasons, health behaviors, and outcomes of no prenatal care: research that changed practice. Health Care for Women International, 20, 127-136.

Moore, M. and Freda, M., (1998). Reducing Preterm and Low Birthweight Births: Still a nursing Challenge. MCN, 23 (4). Retrieved on October 18, 2000 from http://www.nursingcenter.com.

Prenatal Care. National Vital Statistics Report, 48, (3). Retrieved on October 19, 2000 from http://www.cdc.gov/prenatstats.

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