The Miracle of Motherhood: Nurturing Life with Love and Care

By Dr. Joyce Kathrine F. Baltazar

Summary

Embrace motherhood with love, strength, and care. Discover how prenatal support helps nurture a healthier journey for you and your baby.

Table of Contents

Woman was thought to have evolved from "Womb Man" as depicted by Renaissance thinkers. The Bible teaches us that a woman was brought out of a man and created for man, thus a life-bearer. A woman's body is a magnificent miracle—designed to nourish and to nurture. Pregnancy and motherhood go hand in hand in depicting a woman's role in society, a role challenging and rewarding, at times referred to as "the light of the home."

Pregnancy is defined by a woman having cessation of menses, a positive pregnancy test, and confirmation by ultrasound of an intrauterine pregnancy with an embryo that has good cardiac activity. A tiny human being begins to develop in the womb, and a life-changing experience has begun. The first trimester is the most critical period, when most miscarriages and congenital malformations occur. As pregnancy progresses, a woman's body is subjected to far-reaching physical and physiological changes—the pregnancy roller-coaster ride has begun.

Maternal health is the health of the woman while pregnant, during childbirth, and after childbirth. Each of these is a chance to make the mother and child healthy. Every pregnancy is different and must be treated separately, with each woman being treated on an individual basis.

A Journey of Love and Life

An angel sent from the heavens above,
A life to cherish, a heart to love.

With the purest love, we gently hold,
A precious soul more dear than gold.

The journey unfolds—its highs and lows,
A dance of joy, a tear that flows.

Every choice, each step we take,
Is for the life we soon embrace.

A tiny treasure, safe within,
Your gentle kicks, a love begins.

In God’s own image, bright and true,
May faith and kindness grow in you.

Time moves swiftly, the moment nears,
With every day, more love appears.

A brand-new chapter, soft and bright,
Where your existence is pure light.

A miracle so small, yet grand,
Who holds my heart within your hands.

Blessed am I, the chosen one,
To be your mother, my daughter or son.

The Importance of Prenatal Care

Prenatal care involves consultations with experienced health providers who provide counseling and education regarding pregnancy problems. It involves regular check-ups, lab tests, diagnosis, and nutrition to ensure a smooth pregnancy process. This must be initiated as early as pregnancy has been confirmed to ensure optimal maternal health and well-being. Proper prenatal care averts pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and other maternal and fetal complications.

International guidelines emphasize prenatal supplementation, dietetic nutrition, and lifestyle. Ideally, women should start supplementing even preconceptionally, especially with folic acid, which prevents neural tube defects. The time of intake, dosage, and daily dietary intake are also important factors. For example, iron supplements are best taken on an empty stomach.

Benefits of Prenatal Supplements

Embracing the Gift of Motherhood

We invite all pregnant women to come and see OB-GYN specialists for an integrated approach to maternity care. We collaborate with them for the best possible care of our patients, with due respect to the role of motherhood as guardians of life.

Pregnancy is a time of happiness, hope, and great love. It is a holy journey, a witness to a woman's beauty and strength. A healthy child and a healthy mother are the most valuable possessions in life—a miracle to be treasured for a lifetime.

4

References

1. Cunningham, F. G., Leveno, K. J., Bloom, S. L., Spong, C. Y., Dashe, J. S., Hoffman, B. L., ... & Sheffield, J. S. (2022). Williams Obstetrics (26th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
2. World Health Organization. (2016). WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience. World Health Organization.
3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). Guidelines for Perinatal Care (8th ed.). American Academy of Pediatrics.

4. Gabbe, S. G., Niebyl, J. R., Simpson, J. L., Landon, M. B., Galan, H. L., Jauniaux, E. R., ... & Grobman, W. A. (2021). Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies (8th ed.). Elsevier.