What is “positive pregnancy experience”?

The mother and the baby are healthy. The risks and possible illnesses she may experience during pregnancy are identified and treated.

The mother is prepared to meet the challenges as she transitions from pregnancy to labor and birth.

The  woman is confident of her new role as a mother. She has gained knowledge and skills in caring for the baby on her own.

REFERENCE: WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience. World Health Organization 2016

To achieve positive pregnancy experience, health experts recommend:

Proper nutrition and staying active. Adequate energy, protein, vitamins and minerals by eating of green and orange vegetables, meat, fish, beans, nuts, whole grains and fruit.  Guided aerobic and strength-conditioning exercises will maintain good level of fitness.

Iron and folic acid supplements. This will prevent anemia, infections after giving birth, and low birth weight in the newborn.

Calcium supplements. In countries with low calcium intake, supplement is advised. This will prevent high blood pressure and a complication called pre-eclampsia.

Thinking Healthy. Pregnancy and childbirth may bring about daily stress and burden. These may affect self-esteem, thinking, behavior and coping skills of a woman. She may experience sadness, loss of interest and enjoyment, low energy and would not want to do anything. Positive experience is achieved when the intimate partner and the family understand her emotions and really care for her.