Topic Area 2 Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is the definition of antenatal?
The healthcare you receive before birth to ensure the woman and baby are healthy
When is the 1st antenatal appointment
8-10 weeks into pregnancy
What is an antenatal clinic appointment and why are they important?
Consultation with midwife. Helps monitor pregnant woman’s health. Asked about lifestyle, drug/alcohol use etc.
What is an antenatal class and why are they important?
Led by community midwives privately or with the NHS. Attended in the last trimester of pregnancy where tests and information is given and gives advise on where child should be born
What is a general practitioner?
The family doctor who knows the pregnant woman’s medical history and can refer her to specialist care if needed. They arrange tests, consult pre-existing conditions, treat problems, advise on contraception methods after birth
What is a midwife?
A specialist nurse who is trained to assist women during pregnancy, deliver a baby and offer short term care after birth. They screen tests, monitor health of pregnant woman, deliver parenting classes, lead labour process and care for the women
What is an obstetrician?
A doctor who specialises in pregnancy and labour. They are called to attend more complex cases and assist in difficult pregnancies, perform C sections and decide on medication to prescribe
Why do we check the baby’s heartbeat and what kind of test is it?
Check baby is alive and not distressed, regular heartbeat should be 110-160 beats in an unborn, Routine Testing
Why do we check the woman’s blood pressure and what kind of test is it?
High blood pressure could be a sign of pre-eclampsia, may need medication, Routine Testing
Why do we run blood tests and what kind of test is it?
Check levels of haemoglobin and iron, prevent anaemia, checks for infectious diseases and pregnancy complications, identify blood group and rhesus factor, Routine Testing
Why do we do a uterus examination and what kind of test is it?
Measure from top of woman’s abdomen to pubic bone, midwife can see how baby is growing, check baby’s movement and position, check baby isn’t breeched (head facing up for birth), Routine Testing
Why do we run urine tests and what kind of test is it?
Sample checked for protein and glucose traces, detect pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and urinary tract infections
Why do we check the woman’s weight and what kind of test is it?
Monitored to check if she’s gaining weight, if too much weight is gained it can indicate pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and unhealthy habits, if there is weight loss it can show the baby isn’t growing, Routine Testing
What does the non-invasive prenatal testing check for and what kind of test is it?
Has to be paid for privately, can be done as early as 10 weeks until the end of the pregnancy, checks for genetic mutations and chromosomal abnormalities, Screening tests (blood)
What does the triple test check for and what kind of test is it?
Offered by the NHS between 10-14 weeks, can be done at 20 weeks, mainly check down syndrome, Edward syndrome and Patau syndrome, Screening tests (blood)
What does the dating scan check for and what kind of test is it?
Takes place between 10-14 weeks, the sonographer checks size/growth and confirms due date, shows if single or twins, second scan confirms sex of the baby, Screening tests (ultrasound)
What does the anomaly scan check for and what kind of test is it?
Takes place between 18-21 weeks, check growth and development and checks for conditions, Screening tests (ultrasound)
What does the nuchal fold translucency scan check for and what kind of test is it?
Takes place between 11-14 weeks, offered alongside dating scan, nuchal thickness checked to see likelihood of down syndrome, Screening tests (ultrasound)
What does amniocentesis check for and what kind of test is it?
Takes place between 15-20 weeks of pregnancy, sample of amniotic fluid extracted, invasive and could cause a miscarriage, confirms if baby has genetic /chromosomal abnormalities, Diagnostic test
What does chorionic villus sampling check for and what kind of test is it?
Can be done between weeks of 11-14, sample taken from placenta, recommended for higher health risk, confirms if baby has genetic/chromosomal abnormalities, Diagnostic test
How do antenatal classes help parents?
Promotes healthy lifestyle and diet, advice on caring for the baby, chance to learn about labour options, meet other parents in same situation, prepares both parents for experience
Why are antenatal classes beneficial to the father/partner?
Can offer emotional support to the woman, learn how to care for the baby once born, learn how to support the woman in labour, can have questions answered and share concerns, can socialise with other parents
What is a birthing partner?
Someone who helps during labour
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a home birth?
A- familiar with personal items, no need to travel, unrestricted number of visitors, not separated from partner, familiar midwife for delivery, more privacy
D- less pain relief, no specialists if complications, cleaning must be done, must be prepared, might not be as clean, mother is less likely to rest after
