The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a
pediatric prenatal visit before delivery to help children reach their
healthiest potential, starting from Day 1
Itasca, IL – The American
Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends all parents-to-be visit a pediatrician
during the third trimester of pregnancy as an important first step in
establishing a trusted relationship and supportive medical home for their
child. The recommendation comes in an updated clinical report, “The Prenatal Visit,” published in the July 2018 Pediatrics (published online June
25).
Besides answering any urgent
questions parents have about bringing home a new baby, a prenatal visit can
help anticipate under-recognized challenges such as postpartum depression. At
the same time, it can introduce positive parenting strategies to help buffer
the health effects of stress in a child’s life and the supportive role
pediatricians can play.
“It’s a chance to talk about
how to keep a baby safe and thriving physically, but also ways build
strong parent-child bonds that promote resilience and help a child stay
emotionally healthy,” said Michael Yogman, MD, FAAP, lead author of the report
and chair of the AAP Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family
Health.
While more than three-quarters
of pediatricians offer a prenatal visit, surveys show only 5 percent to 39
percent of first-time parents attend one. Dr. Yogman said it’s concerning that
less than 5 percent of urban poor pregnant women see a pediatrician during the
prenatal period, even though they are at higher risk of problems during
pregnancy that can affect the health of their child. Data suggests pregnant
women in rural areas may have even more difficulty accessing a prenatal visit.
According to the AAP, a
prenatal visit with the pediatrician is especially helpful for first-time
parents and those who are facing a high high-risk pregnancy, experiencing
complications, expecting more than one child, or in the process of adopting a
child.
At a prenatal visit, a
pediatrician can cover safety topics like car seats, what kind of bedding
parents need for a crib or bassinet, and what immunizations family members need
to protect the newborn. It’s an opportunity to talk about breastfeeding and
donating cord blood. The clinical report – which updates a previous version
published in 2009 – also includes recommendations on recognizing depression and
other challenges that can harm child health.
The pediatric prenatal visit
is a good time to talk about normal feelings of stress from a baby crying or
other demands of caring for an infant, as well as setting clear plans to help
cope with the stress before feeling overwhelmed, said Arthur Lavin, MD, FAAP,
co-author of the report, and incoming chair of the AAP Committee on
Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health. Parents are encouraged to
bring other family members who are going to play important role in the baby’s
life to the visit.
“This is the only routine
child wellness visit recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics that
doesn’t actually require a child in the room,” Dr. Lavin said. “It gives
parents an opportunity to really focus on any questions and concerns they may
have. They can talk with a pediatrician before the fatigue of new parenthood
sets in and there’s an adorably distracting little human in their arms who may
be crying, spitting up, or in immediate need of feeding or a diaper change.”
“At its heart and soul,” Dr.
Lavin said, “this visit is about laying a foundation for a trusting, supportive
relationship between the family and their pediatrician, who will work together
to keep the child healthy for the next 18 or 20 years.”
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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 66,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. For more information, visit www.aap.org and follow us on Twitter @AmerAcadPeds