Antenatal examination

Antenatal examination:

A complete general examinations of the body is conducted, including

2.     Height: The height is carefully recorded, as patients measuring 5 feet or less is more likely to have a small pelvis that may cause difficulty during delivery.

3.     Weight: Weight should be regularly taken using an accurate weighing machine. Periodic and regular weight checking helps in detecting abnormalities.

4.     Pallor: Colour of conjuctiva, soft palate, tongue, and nail beds are to be noted. (Paleness indicates anemia)

5.     Jaundice: Eyes and mouth are to be observed for yellow discolouration. (yellow discolouration indicates of jaundice)

6.     Tongue, teeth, gums: Observe for signs of infection and malnutrition.

7.     Legs: Legs are to be examined for oedema.

8.     Breasts: Examination of the breasts is mandatory, to note the presence of pregnancy charges and condition of the nipples (cracked / depressed / inverted).

9.     Abdominal and vaginal examinations: Position of the uterus is noted in abdominal examination. Unless necessary,

vaginal examinations is not routinely done except for the first time when the woman attends the clinic to confirm pregnancy.

Laboratory investigations:

1.     Complete blood count including haemoglobin level,

2.     Blood grouping and Rh typing.

3.     Blood for VDRL

4.     Urine examinations:

5.     Urine should be tested for albumin, sugar, pus cells,

One to two doses of tetanus toxoid is given to immunize against tetanus infection iron and folic acid supplements is given

Subsequent visits:

1.     Up to 28 week -- the antenatal check up should be done at an interval of 4 weeks from the first visit.

2.     Beyond 28 weeks, the antenatal check up should be done at interval of 2 weeks upto 36 week and

3.     thereafter weekly, till the expected date of delivery.

At each visit, the findings are to be recorded in the same card for better evaluation.