Lab. 3
Lab. 3
care
Antenatal care refers to the medical and health care provided to a pregnant
woman from conception through childbirth. Its primary goals are to monitor the
health of both the mother and the developing baby, identify and manage any
potential complications, and provide education and support for a healthy
pregnancy and delivery.
Components of Antenatal Care:
• 1. Regular Check-ups: Routine visits with a healthcare provider to monitor vital signs, fetal growth, and overall health.
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• 2. Screening Tests: Various tests such as blood tests, urine tests, and ultrasounds to check for any issues or
abnormalities.
• 3. Immunizations: Ensuring vaccinations are up to date, such as for influenza or whooping cough, which are important
for both maternal and infant health.
• 4. Education and Counseling: Providing information on nutrition, exercise, childbirth, breastfeeding, and managing
pregnancy-related symptoms.
• 5. Monitoring for Complications: Keeping an eye out for conditions such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or fetal
growth issues.
• 6. Preparation for Labor and Delivery: Discussing birth plans, pain management options, and what to expect during
labor.
• Regular antenatal care helps ensure a safer pregnancy and delivery by addressing potential issues early and providing
the necessary support and guidance.
Components of Antenatal Care:
• Regular check-ups are crucial in antenatal care to ensure the health and well-
being of both the mother and the baby. These visits typically include:
• 1. Monitoring Vital Signs: Checking blood pressure, heart rate, and weight.
• 2. Fetal Monitoring: Assessing the baby's heartbeat, growth, and movements
through ultrasound and other tests.
• 3. Laboratory Tests: Conducting blood tests to screen for anemia, infections,
and other conditions.
• 4. Urinalysis: Checking for signs of preeclampsia or urinary tract infections.
• 5. Ultrasounds: To track the baby's development and check for any anomalies
Regular check- up
• 6. Screening for Gestational Diabetes: Usually done around 24-28
weeks.
• 7. Counseling and Education: Discussing any concerns, providing
information on childbirth, and preparing for breastfeeding and
postpartum care.
• These visits are generally scheduled monthly until 28 weeks, then bi-
weekly until 36 weeks, and weekly thereafter. Regular check-ups
help in identifying potential issues early and ensuring a healthy
pregnancy and delivery.
Nutrition in pregnancy
• Nutrition during antenatal care is essential for the health of both the mother
and the developing baby. Key nutritional guidelines include:
• 1. Balanced Diet: Emphasize a variety of foods to ensure adequate intake of
vitamins and minerals. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins,
and dairy.
• 5. Folate: Crucial for preventing neural tube defects. Found in leafy greens,
legumes, and fortified cereals.
• 6. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Support fetal brain development. Sources include fish
like salmon and flaxseeds.
• 9. Safe Food Handling: To avoid foodborne illnesses, practice good hygiene and avoid
raw or undercooked foods.