Prenatal ~~

Prenatal basically means

•      Medical care provided to a pregnant woman from the time of conception until the birth process occurs.

•      is crucial to maternal as well as infant health .

Antenatal  care is in short comprises of pregnancy monitoring and treatment of conditions arising from pregnancy; VDRL and HIV testing (voluntary); health and nutrition education; dental care during pregnancy…..

          Maternal mortality rate based on ethnic till 2000….

Early booking..before 12^th week of gestation.At booking , the red book(antenatal card ) is given.Mother’s particulars are taken such as permanent home address(including important landmark),husband’s occupation and income,past medical and obstetric history,details of last normal menstrual cycle,types of contraception practiced,blood group,mother’s immunization details (e.g. rubella),history of chronic illness in the family such as diabetes and hypertension…

Physical examination on mothers :

–    height and weight

–    inspection from head to toe palpation of the abdomen (presentation, lie)

–    breast and thyroid examination (lump/swelling)

–    dental check-up

Investigations:

–    venous hemoglobin

–    urine albumin and sugar

–    random blood sugar

–    blood pressure

–    ultrasound

–    modified glucose tolerance test(MGTT) – indications :

family Hx of diabetes,age > 40 years old,previous unexplained stillbirth,Hx of recurrent infections,Recurrent abortions,Obesity(>80 kg),Previous GDM,VDRL, HIV screening..

Anti-tetanus toxoid(ATT)  

•      for primi during quickening(18 to 20th weeks of gestation,for multiple gravida, it is given at 16th weeks of gestationsecond dose is given after 4 weeks of first dose…

Considerable points during antenatal and prenatal care:

•      Working during pregnancy

•      Nutritional supplements

•      Infections especially food borne.

•      Exercise during pregancy

•      Sexual intercourse (not a problem )

•      Alcohol consumption during pregnancy especially avoid it in FIRST 3 MONTHS .

•      No smoking

•      Air travel or long journey must be avoided

- by JEEVA-