Which of the following is a benefit of antenatal care?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Early detection of pregnancy complications. Antenatal care involves regular check-ups during pregnancy to monitor the health of both the mother and the baby. Early detection of pregnancy complications through antenatal care allows for timely intervention and management, reducing the risks to both the mother and the baby. This can help prevent serious complications and improve outcomes. Incorrect choices: B: Increased risk of preterm labor - Antenatal care aims to reduce the risk of preterm labor through monitoring and appropriate management. C: Decreased maternal weight gain - Antenatal care focuses on ensuring appropriate weight gain for a healthy pregnancy. D: Delayed fetal growth - Antenatal care helps monitor fetal growth and detect any issues early to prevent delayed growth.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Iron. Iron is essential for preventing anemia in pregnant women because it is a key component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues and organs. During pregnancy, the demand for iron increases to support the growing fetus and the mother's increased blood volume. Without adequate iron intake, pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing iron-deficiency anemia, which can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby. Other choices are incorrect because: A: Vitamin C is important for iron absorption but does not directly prevent anemia. B: Vitamin D is important for bone health but does not prevent anemia. D: Calcium is important for bone health but does not prevent anemia in pregnant women.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Vaccination. Preventive measures aim to prevent diseases before they occur. Vaccination helps the immune system recognize and fight specific pathogens, reducing the risk of infection and disease transmission. Chemotherapy (A) is a treatment for cancer, not prevention. Radiation therapy (C) and surgical intervention (D) are also treatments rather than preventive measures. Vaccination stands out as the only option that directly addresses disease prevention, making it the correct choice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary goal of health education is to change behavior for improved health. This involves educating individuals on healthy lifestyle choices, preventive measures, and disease management strategies. By empowering individuals with knowledge and skills, health education aims to promote better health outcomes. Diagnosing diseases (choice A) and providing emergency medical care (choice C) are responsibilities of healthcare professionals, not the primary goal of health education. Performing surgeries (choice D) is a medical intervention and not within the scope of health education's primary goal.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Step 1: Weight monitoring is crucial to assess maternal health and fetal growth. Step 2: Blood pressure measurement helps detect and manage hypertension in pregnancy. Step 3: Nutritional counseling ensures proper intake of nutrients for maternal and fetal well-being. Step 4: All components (A, B, C) are essential for a comprehensive antenatal care program to address different aspects of maternal and fetal health. Thus, D is the correct answer. Weight monitoring, blood pressure measurement, and nutritional counseling are all vital components of antenatal care to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby.