ANTE-NATAL CARE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 37, 5 January 1949, Page 2

ANTE-NATAL CARE

Much Suffering' Is Reduced

(By the Department of Health)

One of the most important forms of free insurance in New Zealand is the provision made for ante-natal care. This means simply the devotion of a certain amount of time and thought by the conscientious doctor to the mother-to-be, and on the patient’s side it involves regular attendance at her doctor’s' surgery for several months and the execution of his instructions. This co-operation between doctor and expectant mother is the best guarantee of a normal, healthy birth. Ante-natal care is merely systematic oversight of the expectant mother throughout the period of pregnancy. The first step toward the production of a happy result is an early visit to the doctor as soon as pregnancy is suspected. If the doctor establishes the fact, then give him the chance of doing his best for your sake and your expected baby by telling him. of any disorders which normally effect you. From then on, you should see the doctor at regular intervals until birth takes place. There is unfortunately a proportion of mothers who are inclined to be careless about ante-natal care. In most cities and towns this attention is provided by ante-natal clinics, and in rural areas midwives or district nurses will be glad to help. Ante-natal care removes anxiety and dread from the expectant mother’s mind and bodily suffering is reduced. Adequate attention starting from the first confirmation of pregnancy can make all the difference between a succesful birth and a failure, and can remove or at leasj reduce, the risk of abnormal labour. Some prospective mothers, despite .facilities offered these days, still do not pay sufficient attention to its importance. All should keep the following danger signals in mind: persistent constipation; vom-. iting; severe indigestion or pain after food; undue headaches; change in eyesight; swelling ’o;f the feet, hands or facg; diminished flow of urine over 24 hours; any loss of blood; and giddiness. Any of these symptoms during pregnancy is a sure sign that a doctor must be consulted without delay.