Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations. (Jeremiah 1:5)
Just as a mother instantly forms a bond with a child, God has already known and appointed the child's place in the world. It is important for a mother to have access to affordable healthcare during her pregnancy to ensure a safe and healthy delivery.
Choosing a Physician
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)
Since unborn babies have unique needs, the mother should start prenatal care as soon as she knows she is pregnant. Choosing and visiting a physician for regularly scheduled checkups ensure the proper development of the unborn child.
In addition, the mother's health is directly related to that of the unborn child. Once born, the baby will need to frequently visit the doctor for checkups and regular vaccines. This makes finding a physician a very important aspect of ensuring the safety of the child and mother. A few tips for finding the best physician are explained below.
- Interview a number of physicians in order to determine which physician will provide the greatest degree of comfort for the expectant mother.
- Understand the physician’s office hours and their policies regarding after-hour emergencies.
- Get recommendations from friends, family members, or other patients for a potential physician.
Healthy Habits during Pregnancy
“For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” (Timothy 4:8)
An expectant mother’s positive lifestyle choices before and during pregnancy can have a significant effect on the health of a child. As is abundantly clear to expectant mothers, they are no longer responsible for just themselves – what a mother puts into her body and her level of activity affect her child as well. Sustaining the following healthy habits can help a mother remain strong physically, mentally and spiritually.
- Regular exercise is a key component to good health in general. But for expectant mothers, remaining active, with their physician’s approval, can increase their energy level and may also help them to better handle the delivery process.
- Not smoking is a must for pregnant women. Studies show that smoking while pregnant increases the likelihood of low birth weight and the danger of a miscarriage.
- Abstinence from alcohol is the best policy when pregnant. Alcohol that isn’t broken down by a mother’s body may affect the baby’s development and lead to birth defects.
- Pregnancy may be stressful at times, but limiting this stress whenever possible is beneficial to both mother and child. Prayer may prove helpful in limiting stress.
Life is Precious
But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: yea are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:7)
Even though the parents of the unborn child may not have chosen a name, God already calls the child "His own." With such an exquisite being inside of the mother, it is important that the mother has access to all of the modern medical conveniences to make the unborn child's birth a success. And it is of equal importance that an expectant mother takes proper care of herself in the lead-up to this sacred event.
Proper health care is of paramount importance during the time of your pregnancy. Find out more about our Medi-Share program online or call us at 1-800-772-5623
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