Different stage of pregnancy

Maternal and child health care:

1. Prenatal care of mother
2. Intranatal care (labor)
3. Postnatal care
4. Infant health care

Prenatal care of mother
It refers to the care of women during pregnancy. Such care ensures pregnant women for her proper growth and development of fetus. It includes:
a. Nutritious food
Pregnancy diet should be ideal i.e. light, nutritious, easily digestible.
Pregnant women should drink enough water that prevents conception.
Pregnant women should keep electrolytes of her body balance.
Supplemented with extra calcium and protein.
Pregnant women should be far from liquors and smoking.

b. Cleanliness (Hygiene)
It is essential to keep pregnant women diseases free.
Regular bath, cleaning surrounding environment circulation of fresh air is essential for pregnant women to be free from diseases.
She should clean genitals as well.

c. Health checkup
It helps to get proper condition about pregnant women and fetus.
It helps to detect problems through USG, blood and urine test to detect the problems and solve them.
Pregnant women should visit to the doctor at least four times from the day of conception to before delivery.
First time: immediately after conception.
Second time: between 5 to 7 months of pregnancy.
Third time: after starting 9 months of pregnancy.
Fourth time: last week of delivery.
Besides, pregnant women should visit nearby hospitals for any emergency serious complications.

d. Exercise and rest
Light exercise can be beneficial during pregnancy.
It includes light household activities.
Heavy and stressful works can cause miscarriage therefore care should be taken properly.
Long journey by vehicles should be avoided during early and later period of pregnancy.
Light and pregnancy friendly exercise, at least eight hour sleep and 2 hours rest in a day is good for pregnant women.
She should be happy all the time.

e. Immunization
It refers to artificial immunity administration to pregnant women.
The prescribed vaccination during pregnancy to pregnant women is TD vaccine which is effective against tetanus and diphtheria.
It is given in two dose.