7 Minimum Standards of Antenatal Care

Antenatal Care (ANC) is a prenatal care provided by a midwife or doctor to the mother during pregnancy to optimize mental and physical health of pregnant women, so as to face childbirth, childbirth preparation, breastfeeding, and the return of normal reproductive health (Manuaba, 1998) .

Antenatal antenatal examination is done to check on the mother and fetus at regular intervals, followed by efforts to correct the deviations found (Antenatal Care Guidelines on Basic Service Level, 2004: 1).

7 Minimum Standards Antenatal Care

According to Saifuddin (2002) Antenatal care covers a lot of things, but in the application of the minimum standards of known operations consist of:

1. Measure weight
During pregnancy is between 0.3-0.5 kg per week. When gestational age was associated with weight gain during early pregnancy ± 1 kg, then the second and third trimester, respectively increases of 5 kg. At the end of pregnancy weight gain total is 9-12 kg. If there is excessive weight gain should be considered towards the risk as swelling, multiple pregnancy, hydramnios, and a great kid.

2. Measure blood pressure
During pregnancy, high blood pressure when more than 140/90 mmHg. When blood pressure increases, ie 30 mmHg systolic or more and or diastolic 15 mm Hg or more. These abnormalities may progress to preeclampsia and eclampsia if not handled properly.

3. Measure the height of fundus of uterus

Normal fundus height is as follows:
12 weeks: 1-2 fingers above the symphysis.
16 weeks: halfway between the symphysis-center.
20 weeks: 3 fingers under center.
24 weeks: tall center.
28 weeks: 3 fingers above the center.
32 weeks: mid-center - processus xiphoideus.
36 weeks: three fingers below the processus xiphoideus.
40 weeks: midway between the processus xiphoideus - center (Mochtar, 1998)

4. TT immunization
Giving TT, will lead to a protective effect when given at least twice with a minimum interval of 4 weeks. Except if the mother had previously received TT twice in the last pregnancy or at the time of the TT pretty bride was given only once.

5. Provision of iron tablets
Basically giving iron tablets initially treated with a single daily tablet as soon as possible after the nausea passes.

6. Tests for sexually transmitted diseases.
During pregnancy, mothers should be tested for sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV / AIDS, Gonorrhoe, syphilis. That is because very influential on the fetus. If found disease - sexually transmitted diseases should be addressed.

7. Counseling
Preparation refers to higher health care, need to be prepared because the maternal and infant mortality due to delay in reaching health facilities.