Many people view childbirth as a joyful and fulfilling event. Writer Paul Carvel said, “Witnessing the birth of a child is our best opportunity to discover the meaning of the word miracle” (quoted in Brill, 2011, Well Pregnancy Links section, para. 3). Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw further explained, “Life is a flame that always goes out, but it is rekindled every time a child is born” (quoted in Moncur, 2010, p. 1). Yet, along with the joy of bringing another human being into the world is added concern about the appropriate medical decisions that must be made by the mother. It's not uncommon for women to have questions and concerns about what they can and can't do throughout their pregnancy. Without a doubt, the key to a healthy pregnancy lies in seeking adequate prenatal care. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services [Office on Women's Health] (2009), "babies whose mothers do not receive prenatal care are three times more likely to have low birth weight and five times more likely to die than those whose mothers did not receive prenatal care. born to mothers who receive care” (p. 1). This is where the prenatal nurse educator plays a major role. A prenatal nurse educator specializes in prenatal care and has acquired advanced knowledge, usually a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing, that ensures the health of mother and baby. Prenatal nurse job requirements include performing physical assessments, ordering and interpreting laboratory results, and teaching various childbirth techniques. The prenatal nurse educator helps the mother-to-be throughout the prenatal period, during childbirth and even after the baby is delivered. The nurse educator is able to better prepare pregnant women for...... middle of paper ......the pregnant mother consumes alcohol, it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and passes through the placenta, which exposes the fetus to the risk of fetal alcohol abuse. fetal spectrum disorder (FASD), which causes permanent birth defects. “Approximately 40,000 infants are born with FASD, a number that has remained unchanged over the past 10 years in the United States” (March and Frozena, 2010). Childbirth is a very exceptional experience that comes with its own set of medical anxieties. Babies are born every day to scared mothers who don't know what to expect. Antenatal nurses help make childbirth less terrifying by guiding mothers through the process. As a result, the prenatal nursing profession is experiencing significant growth. Prenatal nurse educators are a great strength for pregnant women. Prenatal nurse educators help make the experience of giving birth more enjoyable.