Antenatal Examinations Flashcards
Key components of an antenatal exam
- blood pressure and analysis of urine
- well-being assessment
- bladder and bowel function
- vaginal discharge
- abdominal examination
- health promotion
What does an abdominal exam allow midwives to do?
- observe and assess fetal growth
- measure baby heart rate
- locate fetal parts
Prep for an abdominal exam
- ask her to empty bladder
- wear gloves/ wash hands
- woman adopts a semi recumbent position with arms by her side and legs straight
- close door/ curtain
What to look for during the abdominal exam?
- normal and concerning physiological changes
- fetal position
- signs of self harm, DV
How to measure symphysis fundal height measurement?
- recorded at every appointment from 25 weeks
- 1cm=1week (approximately)
- using a tape measure, measure from symphysis pubis to fundus
How to fundal palpate?
- palpate from xiphisternum to locate top of fundus
- identifies the fetal pole (head or sacrum)
What is lateral palpating and what does it look for?
- palpating across the abdomen
- looks for fetal lie, attitude and position
What is a fetal lie?
Relationship between long axis of fetus and long axis of mum
Longitudinal fetal lie
Back are in line
Oblique fetal lie
Fetal back is diagonal to mothers
Transverse fetal line
Fetal back is perpendicular to mothers back
What is fetal attitude?
Relationship of head and limbs to trunk
Flexion attitude
Curled up, chin on chest, snug with arms and legs tucked in
Smallest diameter
Extension attitude
Neck extended and chin away from chest
Larger diameter presenting
What is a pelvic palpation?
Identifies the fetal presentation at the pelvis
