Medical brain notes 11

  Introduction The birth of a live, healthy baby at the end of pregnancy is the goal of prenatal care. To achieve this, the woman must have adequate care during pregnancy. The root of maternal and child care lies in the care of the woman during pregnancy. In this unit, we shall define antenatal care and discuss the adequate care that the woman requires to have a pleasant pregnancy experience with minimal discomfort during the antenatal period.   Definition   This is the advice, supervision and attention given to a pregnant woman from the time of conception is confirmed until the beginning of labor. Antenatal care is a part of preventive medium and should be conducted by both the Midwife and the Doctor, each with clearly defined roles towards the achievement of the same goals.   Objectives By the end of this discussion you will be able to: ·                Diagnose pregnancy and confirm pregnancy ...

  Aim of antenatal care   ·                To promote and maintain good physical and mental health during pregnancy through health education on nutrition, hygiene etc.   ·                To promote an awareness of the socio-logical aspects of childbearing and the influence these may have on the family.   ·                To build up a trusting relationship between the family and the care-givers, which will encourage client to participate in and make informed choices about the care she receive.   ·                To monitor the progress of pregnancy in order to ensure maternal health and normal fetal development.   ·            ...

  Booking   Women are encouraged to start antenatal visit as soon as pregnancy is suspected or they miss their menses for two months. This is necessary to confirm pregnancy and plan for appropriate care. To ascertain baseline data recording of vital signs – B/P, blood values, urinalysis and fetal development. This will serve as a standard to assess as the pregnancy progress. It also helps to assess the level of health of the women. Patient could attend antennal clinic in either at health centre, hospital or maternity homes. During this period a comprehensive history is taken. These provide important information about the woman’s general and reproductive health, both past and present. This starts by history taking.   History taking   The aim of history taking is not just for record keeping but it is a means of assessing the health of the woman. To know what to guide against in her management and method of delivery. Decision can be made if she will require hospital con...

  Advice to the Pregnant Woman   Mother craft talk should be an integral part of antenatal care. Mothers want the best for their babies so they are ready to learn and comply with the instructions that promote their health and that of the baby. Health instruction should be given in a simple and interesting manner.   Hygiene:   Pregnant woman should imbibe practice that promote personal and environmental hygiene. Bath regularly, clothing especially under wears must be kept clean. Home surroundings, cooking utensils should be kept clean.   Fresh Air & sunshine: Women are encouraged to have adequate sunshine (e.g. women in Purdah) morning sunshine generates vitamin D which is necessary for development of bones. Fresh air is essential at night and overcrowding should be avoided.   Recreation and Exercise:  Mild exercise should be encouragedstrenuous exercises, lifting of heavy weight should be avoided. She should not climb high object as this may cause ...

  General examination of the ante-natal patients   The general examination of the ante-natal patient is embarked upon after the routine examinations have been completed. These are as follows:   The blood pressure is checked and recorded, the weight and height are estimated and documented, the urinalysis is checked and findings are noted and recorded. Any abnormal finding is reported to the doctor and investigation of such abnormality is done and necessary treatment accorded.   Preparation   Ensure patient empties her bladder, Create some privacy by screening the patient, Explain procedure to the patient, Patient removes all her clothes and underwears, she then covers up with a wrapper or a sheet, the patient lies on the couch in a dorsal position, the midwife communicates with her in an understanding language and friendly approach that promotes adequate relaxation.   Procedure   Examination is done by observing the patient from head to toes =appearance...