The Value of Prenatal Care
by Pat Bourke, NP
Taking care of our keiki begins long before they are in our arms.
It begins BEFORE we become pregnant when we:
* give up smoking, alcohol, and drugs,
* start eating well and getting in shape,
* begin thinking about what becoming a parent will mean,
* begin our prenatal care with a doctor, midwife, or nurse practitioner.
Pregnancy is usually a very normal, healthy time for a family, but problems can occur that could be prevented by a routine visit to a health care provider. Anemia (low iron count) and urinary tract infections are just two of the major causes of complications in pregnancy which can be prevented with regular prenatal care.
Your prenatal visits provide time for you to ask questions and gather information on exercise, diet, medications, and how your baby is developing. The entire family can be included in these visits.
Your health care provider can help you process insurance applications, connect you with community resources, and find a Lamaze class to attend.
Please don't risk the future health of your child by delaying your prenatal care. Choose a health care provider as early in the pregnancy as you can. Please feel free to call me, Pat Bourke, Nurse Practitioner at Waimanalo Health Center, at 259-7948 for more information.