Prenatal care

Prenatal care is about assessing pregnant clients, providing education, and promoting healthy outcomes.

Prenatal visits are scheduled monthly (weeks 16-28), bi-weekly (weeks 29-36), and weekly (week 36-birth).

The first prenatal visit, typically within the first 12 weeks, includes a medical history, physical exam, & vital lab testing.

Fetal heart rate (FHR) is usually detected using ultrasound early in pregnancy and Doppler techniques later.

Measuring fundal height estimates fetal growth during pregnancy.

Information about a client's past pregnancies, contraception use, STIs, and gynecological diagnoses.

Prenatal assessment includes details of existing medical conditions, surgeries, and immune statuses.

Emotional response to pregnancy, spousal support, depression, violence, and hazardous exposures are included in a psychosocial history.

Prenatal care effectively reduces infant and maternal mortality, by diagnosing problems and treating early in pregnancy.

Many birth defects happen within the first 8 weeks gestation (2-8 weeks).

A series of physical examinations used to determine the position and presentation of the fetus.

A protein found on red blood cells. An Rh-negative mother may need Rho(D) immune globulin if the baby is Rh-positive

Blood test that checks for infection and anemia by analyzing the different types of blood cells.

Group B Streptococcus, a type of bacteria. Screening for GBS infection is important to assist in delivery plans.

Blood test used to detect high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), particularly to screen for gestational diabetes, in early and mid-pregnancy.

High blood sugar during pregnancy.

Blood test measuring average blood sugar levels over 2-3 months. Useful for assessing diabetes.

Screening for infections which can affect fetal development during pregnancy

A test for cervical cancer, some STIs (sexually transmitted infections) or other issues.

Instruction for pregnant women to prepare for pregnancy and childbirth. Topics include health promotion, discomforts, and warning signs.

Physical and emotional changes experienced during the first three months of pregnancy, including common discomforts and lifestyle adjustments.

Regular moderate exercise (like walking or swimming) during pregnancy can offer physical and mental benefits to the mother and baby.

Common physical discomforts, like posture changes, that may arise during the second trimester along with lifestyle adjustments.

Classes that educate pregnant people about birthing methods and create a birth plan.

Monitoring fetal movements is crucial for tracking baby's well-being. Decreased movement might indicate a problem.

Different methods to manage pain during labor, including natural childbirth techniques and epidurals.

Care given after childbirth focusing on both the mother and the newborn.

Educating expectant parents according to their individual needs and previous pregnancy experiences using relevant tools like pamphlets or videos.

Diagnostic tests, such as non-stress tests and ultrasounds, monitor the health of the developing baby during pregnancy.

Importance of healthy diet, hydration, and avoiding tobacco /alcohol use during pregnancy for a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Morning sickness, often relieved by eating before rising, avoiding empty stomachs, and avoiding greasy/spicy foods.

Discomfort due to hormonal changes in the early stages of pregnancy.

Frequent urination, common in early & late pregnancy.

Higher UTI risk due to body changes. Hygiene is key.

Feeling tired is common, especially in early & late pregnancy.

Burning sensation in chest from stomach acid reflux, often exacerbated by position.

Difficulty passing stools, common in pregnancy.

Pain/discomfort in the back due to posture changes.

Low blood pressure when laying on the back due to uterus pressure.

Conditions requiring immediate medical attention: severe vomiting, fever, vaginal bleeding, etc.

A sudden gush of fluid from the vagina before 37 weeks of gestation, indicating potential preterm labor.

Unusual vaginal bleeding during pregnancy can indicate placental problems such as abruptio or previa, requiring immediate medical evaluation.

Persistent abdominal pain during pregnancy may signify preterm labor, abruptio placentae, or ectopic pregnancy, necessitating prompt medical assessment.

Reduced fetal movement can signal fetal distress, prompting a doctor visit for fetal monitoring or further investigation.

A condition characterized by headaches, blurred vision, edema of the face and hands, and epigastric pain, requiring immediate medical intervention.

A common issue during pregnancy that can lead to preterm labor, and necessitates prompt medical attention and treatment.

Elevated blood sugar levels in pregnancy requiring medical attention, indicated by flushed dry skin, fruity breath, rapid breathing, increased thirst and urination, and headache.

Low blood sugar levels in pregnancy requiring medical attention, indicated by clammy pale skin, weakness, tremors, irritability, and lightheadedness.