Understand obstetrics and gynecology care: key considerations before and after pregnancy!

Obstetrics and gynecology care refers to the process of providing professional care and support before, during, and after pregnancy. Pregnancy is a major moment in every woman's life, so it is very important to master basic obstetrics and gynecology care knowledge before and during pregnancy. Key considerations before and after pregnancy include diet and nutrition, physical exercise, mental health, and avoidance of medications and drugs. In this article, we will discuss the importance of the above aspects and their relationship to the health of expectant mothers.

1. Diet and nutrition

First of all, the diet before pregnancy should contain rich vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, ensuring adequate protein, carbohydrates and healthy fat sources. It is also important to pay attention to the intake of iron, calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for the healthy development of the fetus during pregnancy. Folic acid is an important nutrient and is very important before and during pregnancy. It is recommended to start folic acid supplementation at least three months before planning pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects. Folic acid can be supplemented through food, such as dark green vegetables, citrus fruits and whole grains, or folic acid supplements can be used under the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist. In addition, reaching the appropriate weight range before pregnancy is important for the preparation stage of pregnancy. Being too light or too heavy may affect fertility and health during pregnancy. When preparing for pregnancy, it is recommended to work with a doctor or nutritionist to develop a weight management plan that suits your body shape and health.

Secondly, after pregnancy, pregnant women need more nutrients than usual, so the impact of diet and nutrient intake during pregnancy cannot be underestimated. Pregnant women should ensure that they have enough protein, lipids and carbohydrates, as well as calcium, iron, folic acid and other nutrients, which can help the healthy development of the fetus and also play an important role in the recovery of the mother. In addition, during pregnancy, you should stay away from caffeine and alcohol. Too much caffeine will increase the birth weight of the baby, and alcohol will cause direct harm to the fetus. Pregnant women should also avoid eating a lot of fish containing mercury and eating unclean food to avoid harming the baby's nervous system.

2. Physical exercise

Moderate physical exercise is beneficial for preparing for pregnancy, but a suitable exercise plan should be developed according to one's physical condition and health. Generally speaking, it is recommended to do moderate aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling, etc., and add strength training to an appropriate amount, but be careful not to overdo it. In addition, for women who want to improve their ability to conceive, increasing the intensity of exercise can help promote the body's metabolism and blood flow, and improve fertility, but be careful to avoid too strenuous exercise to prevent the increase in body temperature from affecting ovulation and pregnancy health.

Appropriate physical exercise has obvious benefits in alleviating discomfort during pregnancy, maintaining weight, and promoting cardiovascular and respiratory health. However, pregnant women need to avoid strenuous or high-intensity activities to avoid affecting the health of the fetus and the pregnant woman herself. Pregnant women are advised to adopt slow and gentle fitness methods, such as jogging, yoga, swimming, etc. When exercising during pregnancy, you should also pay attention to balanced steps and stable postures to maintain body balance and stability. You should not lie down or lie prone for a long time, which will cause unnecessary pressure on the cardiovascular system and affect the health of pregnant women.

3. Mental Health

Prenatal and postnatal mental health is very important for the health of the expectant mother and the fetus. Pregnant women need to experience the birth of the baby, the care of the newborn, and the changes in their own body, which may have adverse effects on the emotional and physical health of expectant mothers. Therefore, pregnant women need enough sleep and rest time to control stress. They can go out for a walk, participate in exercise classes and other activities appropriately, which will help control the unstable emotions, stress and depression during pregnancy.

4. Medication

The use of some drugs during pregnancy may have an adverse effect on the development of the fetus. Some drugs may be passed to the baby through breast milk and even cause harm to the fetus during pregnancy. Before and during pregnancy, if expectant mothers need to take medication, they must consult a doctor. The doctor will understand the specific situation and provide safe and appropriate drug options. Even some seemingly ordinary drugs, such as cold medicines, antipyretics, painkillers, etc., need to be used under the guidance of a doctor. In addition, during pregnancy, you should avoid exposure to harmful substances and environmental pollutants, such as toxic chemicals, pesticides, heavy metals, etc., which may have an adverse effect on the growth and development of the fetus.

Understanding the key considerations of obstetrics and gynecology care before and after pregnancy is crucial to the health of pregnant women and fetuses. It should be noted that each woman's situation is unique. The above is only a personal opinion. If you have any questions, please be sure to consult your doctor for personalized advice and guidance. (Yu Yanyan, Shijiazhuang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Hebei Province)