Home / Glossary Ambulatory By Motherly Editors April 2, 2024 Rectangle Inside this article DefinitionKey TakeawaysImportanceExplanationExamples of AmbulatoryFAQs on Ambulatory MotherhoodWhat does Ambulatory in Motherhood mean?How can a mother be more ambulatory?Is it necessary for a new mother to be ambulatory?What are the challenges in ambulatory motherhood?How can ambulatory motherhood benefit the mother and the child?Related Motherhood TermsSources for More Information Table of Contents Toggle DefinitionKey TakeawaysImportanceExplanationExamples of AmbulatoryFAQs on Ambulatory MotherhoodWhat does Ambulatory in Motherhood mean?How can a mother be more ambulatory?Is it necessary for a new mother to be ambulatory?What are the challenges in ambulatory motherhood?How can ambulatory motherhood benefit the mother and the child?Related Motherhood TermsSources for More Information Definition In motherhood context, the term “ambulatory” refers to the capability of walking or movement. It often comes into play post childbirth when discussing the mother’s recovery. It suggests that she can move around independently, an indicator of her progressing health and recovery. Key Takeaways “Ambulatory” in the context of motherhood generally refers to the ability of the mother to move around or be mobile during and after childbirth. This refers to the period of walking or slight physical activity that is considered safe and necessary for recovery and health. Ambulatory motherhood sometimes also refers to procedures or treatments associated with pregnancy and childbirth that do not require hospitalization. This means the mother can go home the same day, such as in case of ambulatory prenatal care or postpartum checkups. Embracing ambulatory practices in motherhood can impact both the physical and psychological health of the mother. This can stimulate faster recovery, provide comfort and flexibility, reduce hospital-induced stress, and even lower healthcare costs in certain scenarios. Importance The term “ambulatory” in the context of motherhood is important because it refers to the mother’s mobility and ability to move around independently, a factor which plays a crucial role in both prenatal and postnatal phases. During pregnancy, a woman’s level of ambulation can impact her overall health and that of her developing baby, positively contributing to physical fitness, reducing the risks of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, and easing childbirth. Postpartum, ambulation is critical as well in allowing the mother to care for her newborn and return to her regular daily activities. Thus, it’s important to encourage and support ambulation during motherhood for both maternal and child health. Explanation In the context of motherhood, ambulatory refers to maternity care provided on an outpatient basis, where mothers do not need to be admitted to a hospital overnight. This type of care is beneficial for expectant mothers during their pregnancy and even after childbirth for check-ups or minor treatments. The essence of ambulatory care is to make healthcare provision more accessible, cost-effective, and convenient, ensuring that women can continue with their daily routine yet still access all the necessary medical attention they require. The purpose of ambulatory care in motherhood is manifold. Firstly, it serves to reduce potential stress and anxiety in expectant and new mothers as they can go about their normal routine without the disruption of hospital stays. It also tends to provide a more personalized and intimate care regimen. Secondly, it helps cut down unnecessary hospital costs and admissions allowing medical facilities to direct resources to more critical cases. This establishes a well-integrated healthcare system that aims at early detection and management of potential complications during pregnancy, while also encouraging mothers to actively participate in maintaining their health and well-being. Examples of Ambulatory The term “Ambulatory” usually refers to the ability to move around and is often used in medical terms. But when it comes to motherhood, it may not have a specific context. However, here are three potential examples of how the term could be related to the motherhood: Ambulatory Care: This is a type of health care where mothers receive treatment without being admitted to the hospital. For instance, regular pregnancy check-ups, prenatal screenings, or minor treatments for postpartum issues can usually be carried out in ambulatory care. Ambulatory Labor: In some cases, women prefer or are encouraged to move around during labor, as it is believed to help labor progress and can also ease discomfort. It’s often contrasted with the traditional method of labor, where women are confined to a hospital bed. This practice reflects the term “ambulatory” as it involves the ability to walk or move around. Ambulatory Breast Pump: For breastfeeding mothers, an ambulatory breast pump can be vital. These portable devices allow mothers to pump breast milk while on the go, accommodating the busy schedules and varied responsibilities that come with motherhood.Remember, these examples are not typically associated with the term ambulatory in relation to motherhood but are rather extrapolations based on its definition. FAQs on Ambulatory Motherhood What does Ambulatory in Motherhood mean? Ambulatory in motherhood relates to the activities and tasks a mother can do while being mobile or moving around. It emphasizes on the ability of a mother to take care of her child while carrying out her daily activities. How can a mother be more ambulatory? To be more ambulatory, a mother can use various baby gear designed for mobility such as baby carriers, strollers and wrap slings. Proper planning and time management also helps in achieving more chores while taking care of the baby. Is it necessary for a new mother to be ambulatory? While it’s not a strict necessity, being ambulatory can greatly help a new mother in managing both her personal life and responsibilities towards her newborn. It allows for greater freedom to carry out necessary tasks along with motherhood obligations. What are the challenges in ambulatory motherhood? The challenges in ambulatory motherhood often entail finding a balance between personal tasks and duties towards the baby. It can be difficult at first to manage both aspects, but with practice and right equipment, it becomes easier over time. How can ambulatory motherhood benefit the mother and the child? Ambulatory motherhood benefits the mother by giving her the freedom to fulfill her personal and professional commitments. For the child, it provides a sense of security being close to the mother and a chance to explore the surroundings. Related Motherhood Terms Prenatal Care Postnatal Recovery Childbirth Education Lactation Support Maternal Wellness Sources for More Information National Center for Biotechnology Information The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists World Health Organization Mayo Clinic Inside this article DefinitionKey TakeawaysImportanceExplanationExamples of AmbulatoryFAQs on Ambulatory MotherhoodWhat does Ambulatory in Motherhood mean?How can a mother be more ambulatory?Is it necessary for a new mother to be ambulatory?What are the challenges in ambulatory motherhood?How can ambulatory motherhood benefit the mother and the child?Related Motherhood TermsSources for More Information More terms HIV April 2, 2024 Doula Support February 26, 2024 Side Lying April 2, 2024 Practical Life Exercises For Kids February 26, 2024 Estimated date of delivery (EDD) April 2, 2024