Antenatal care

Published on 09/03/2015 by admin

Filed under Obstetrics & Gynecology

Last modified 09/03/2015

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Chapter 26 Antenatal care

Prepregnancy care

Ideally, all couples should seek prepregnancy care. Most couples are not reviewed until after the critical fetal developmental period.

Aims of counselling before conception

• Advise the woman and her partner on general healthcare (e.g. on nutrition/diet/folate, smoking, alcohol and drugs).

• As the oral contraceptive pill may deplete red cell folate, use alternative contraception for 1 month while commencing folic acid.

• Carry out general screening, including rubella and varicella serology, and immunise when required; cervical cytology; blood pressure.

• Assess and advise on the effects of existing disease and its management on the pregnancy, and the effects of pregnancy on the disease. Treat preexisting diseases to minimise the problems that may arise in pregnancy.

• Assess and advise on the problems that may recur from previous pregnancies and deliveries.

• Provide genetic counselling with full genetic history, especially in high-risk racial groups.

• Preconception care often requires a team of obstetricians, physicians, geneticists, dietitians, and specialised educators such as diabetic educators.

Related

Examination Obstetrics _ Gynaecology