Prenatal care is one of the most important things you can do for your baby, before it is born. What is prenatal care? It is a program of care for a pregnant woman prior to giving birth to her baby. Many women begin prenatal care in the first trimester (3 months) of pregnancy. Visiting the doctor will become a ritual starting at once a month for the first 6 months if you are having a normal pregnancy. The frequency of visits increases to every two or three weeks for the remainder of the pregnancy.
There are several tests are performed during these first visits. Tests performed during the first visit include blood tests to check blood type, anemia, immunity, and Rh factor to several diseases including rubella and hepatitis B. Then you will take a urine tests to check for sugar and protein as signs of diabetes and kidney changes, respectively, are also performed. A pap smear test will be done to detect changes in the cervix that could be forerunners to cancer. Following visits include urine samples to continue to check for sugar and proteins, measuring weight to make sure the expectant mother is gaining enough, measuring blood pressure, listening to the fetal heartbeat and checking the size and position of the uterus and fetus. The doctor can also perform various tests to check the fetus for birth defects if you decide you want them done.
Another important thing before you baby is born is bonding with your unborn child. This may sound odd, how can you bond with a baby that is not even here? Well, you can! There are many things you can do before your baby is born to get a closer attachment and have your baby recognize you voice before it's even born.
Talking with your belly is a great way for a father to bond with the baby. The father can gently rub your belly with lotion to stimulate touch and hear his voice. Mom you can talk to your belly as well, women have been doing this for centuries. You may feel odd talking out loud, but maybe when you're in private you can take a few moments each day to bond with pre bundle of joy.
You should touch your baby as well. If you push gently on your belly where you feel your baby you may be surprised to feel a push back! You will not hurt your baby by doing this because of all the amniotic fluid. Try letting daddy push on his little one as well. You can only imagine how he will feel inside of thrill when he feels a foot or shoulder.
Play music or sing to your baby. This will provide healthy stimulation for his or her development. Listen to music such as Beethoven and Mozart, this type of music has been linked with making your baby smarter in language skills.
Your baby is always listening! You will be surprised when your child is born and you sing a song or play something you have been playing for your child while it was still in the belly and they turn their head or open their eyes wider.
There are plenty of ways to bond with your baby before they get here. Try some of these tips. You can also try a subliminal CD called Prenatal Care Mother & Baby. This is a loving program that is directed toward the unborn child as well as the mother to regard a healthy pregnancy and delivery.