When contemplating pregnancy, prospective parents should be evaluated for conditions that may affect a future pregnancy. The early diagnosis of pregnancy is important in establishing a management plan. This plan should take into consideration the medical, nutritional, psychosocial, and educational needs of the patient and her family, and it should be periodically reevaluated and revised in accordance with the progress of the pregnancy. At some time during the prenatal period, parents should identify a pediatrician or family physician for newborn care. They may benefit from a consultation regarding newborn and pediatric care.
Most women can plan to return to work several weeks after an uncomplicated vaginal delivery.
Althougha period of 4-6 weeks is generally required for a woman's physiciologic condition to return to normal, the patient's individual circumstances should be considered when recommending resumption of full activity. Women with negative feelings about their pregnancies should receive additional support from the health care team, and may need professional advice on the alternatives to completing the pregnancy, keeping the bay, and adoption. The adolescent, her family, and her partner may have strong feelings about the pregnancy that seriously disturb family and social relationships. Late diagnosis of pregnancy may complicate considerations for counseling, education, and the use of community and social resources. It has been reported that one in four women in the USA will be physically abuse as some time during her life and that pregnancy is a risk factor for abuse.