Recommendation, as used in the pregnancy and birthing world, is a term that refers to the act of suggesting or recommending something. It also denotes a course of action or a set of guidelines that are suggested by an expert panel or an individual to pregnant women and new mothers. It is usually done by healthcare professionals in order to help pregnant women make informed decisions about their pregnancy and childbirth.
Recommendations can be based on scientific evidence or on personal experience. They can be made for different purposes, such as to improve pregnancy outcomes, to reduce complications during childbirth, or to promote breastfeeding. Some recommendations are general, while others are specific to individual cases. There is often debate about which recommendations are best, and new recommendations may be made as more evidence becomes available.
The strength of a recommendation depends on the quality of the evidence supporting it. The strongest recommendations are based on multiple well-designed studies that show consistent results. Weaker recommendations may be based on fewer studies or weaker study designs.
Complications can arise when there is confusion over which recommendations are applicable in a given situation, or when there is disagreement among experts about the best course of action. In some cases, recommendations may conflict with each other, or with the wishes of the pregnant woman or new mother.
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Types of Recommendations
There are many different types of recommendation, but some of the most common are listed below:
- Routine prenatal care: This includes regular visits to a healthcare provider during pregnancy, typically once per month. Prenatal care can help identify potential problems and ensure that both mother and baby are healthy.
- Nutrition: A healthy diet is important for all pregnant women, but there are some specific nutrients that are especially important for pregnant women to get enough of, such as folic acid and iron. Women who are pregnant should talk to their healthcare provider about their diet and whether they need to take any supplements.
- Exercise: Exercise is generally safe for pregnant women, but it is important to talk to a healthcare provider before starting or changing an exercise routine. Some types of exercise may not be appropriate during pregnancy, such as contact sports or high-impact activities.
- Weight gain: Gaining too much or too little weight during pregnancy can be harmful for both mother and baby. Healthcare providers usually recommend that women gain between 25 and 35 pounds (11 and 16 kilograms) during pregnancy.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defects and other problems for the developing baby. For this reason, most experts recommend avoiding alcohol entirely during pregnancy.
- Smoking: Smoking cigarettes during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and other health problems for both mother and baby. Quitting smoking is one of the best things a woman can do for her health and her baby’s health.
This image shows how often the term ‘Recommendation’ is used in relation to other, similar birth terms:
Other Related Terms
Some terms that are closely associated with Recommendation include:
- Assess
- Advise
- Pre-Referral
- Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs)
- Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM), Expert Opinion
- Patient Preferences
- Monitoring
- Reassessment
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