7 Minimum Standards of Antenatal Care

7 Minimum Standards of Antenatal Care

Obstetrical Nursing   October 04, 2013

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.

Headaches During Pregnancy - Prevention and Pain Management

Headaches During Pregnancy - Prevention and Pain Management

Pain Management   October 04, 2013

Headaches experienced during the first trimester due to the rapidly changing hormone levels, resulting in increased blood volume in the body. In addition, feelings of stress which is often plagued pregnant women is also one of the triggers of these symptoms. There are several types of headaches that can occur during pregnancy. One of them is feeling like a squeezing pain on both sides of the head or the back of the neck.

Many women who experience tension headaches during pregnancy and this may become more severe during the first trimester. This type of headache is usually caused by lack of sleep and depression during pregnancy. However, the increased levels of the hormone can also be one cause.

Mothers who are pregnant should not take carelessly known cure for fear of affecting the fetus in the womb. Most of headache medications may have harmful effects or unknown impact on infant development.


Prevention

For that to know a few things that can prevent the occurrence of headaches during pregnancy :

1. Avoiding triggers, various things are known can be a trigger like eating late, certain smells or foods consumed.
2. Physical activity in your daily routine, such as walking every day or doing light aerobic exercise.
3. Perform relaxation exercises, soothing activities such as yoga, deep breathing and visualization can help keep headaches.
4. Eat small meals but more frequently, so they can keep blood sugar levels stable and prevent headaches. If you do not eat for 2-3 hours, a quick snack consumption, such as biscuits. This will immediately raise blood sugar levels.
5. Consume enough fluids to keep the body well hydrated. Immediately drink water or juice.
6. Maintain a regular sleep schedule, due to fatigue and lack of sleep can contribute to headaches during pregnancy, and be sure to go to bed and wake up at the same time even on weekends.
7. Maintain good posture, due to poor posture or muscle tension can cause headaches, especially the weight gain to support the pregnancy.
8. First of all, sit down first. This method helps reduce the pain (because blood flow to the head so much smoother), also prevents falling pregnant women.
9. If it will change the position of the body, do it slowly. For example, if you stand up from a lying position, try to sit down, then stand slowly.

But if the inevitable headaches and attacking pregnant women , then do the following steps :

1. Do the rest by lying in a dark room or dim , quiet atmosphere and eyes closed .
2. Using warm compresses to the eyes , face and temples or forehead , or could also try a cold compress on the back of the neck .
3. Ask someone to do massage on the shoulders and neck to relieve tension , or massaging the temples also can help . Actually , headache disorders are not severe .

But , if the second trimester headaches for the first time ( both with impaired vision or not , abdominal pain , skyrocketing weight gain , and swelling of the face or hands ) , soon to consult a midwife or a doctor . Could be , blood pressure and urine should be examined in the laboratory to see the possibility of developing pre - eclampsia or pregnancy poisoning . This is also the reason for the importance of antenatal care on a regular basis .