Antenatal Care & Assessment

Question 1

State the aims of antenatal care (7)

Answer 1

• building relationships
• monitoring progress
• checking mother is doing well in herself
• health promotion - addictions, pregnancy problems
• informing choice
• referrals where necessary
• safeguarding

Question 2

Physical factors to consider when planning antenatal care?

Answer 2

disabilities, mobility, age, existing health conditions, previous pregnancies, surgery, abuse, BMI, surrogacy, paragravida, fertility, smoking, alcohol, genetics

Question 3

Physiological factors to consider when planning antenatal care?

Answer 3

mental health, addiction, body image, trauma (rape, domestic abuse, previous birth, childhood sexual attack, exploitation), tocophobia (fear of birth), postnatal depression, genetics, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, planned/unplanned pregnancy

Question 4

Social factors to consider when planning antenatal care?

Answer 4

relationship status, alcohol, smoking, drugs, minority groups, isolation, social services (safeguarding), education, sexuality, body image, self confidence, employment, criminal record

Question 5

Environment factors to consider when planning antenatal care?

Answer 5

where they live, housing, funding, addictions in the household, employment, benefits, positive atmosphere, children, pollution (co2 screening)

Question 6

Spiritual factors to consider when planning antenatal care?

Answer 6

values, beliefs, culture, religion, community, hypnobirthing, aromatherapy, against male midwife care, woman centred, emergency care plan (e.g. no blood products)

Question 7

What physical examinations take place during antenatal appointments?

Answer 7

weight, blood pressure, urinalysis, oedema, nausea, blood tests

Question 8

What models of care are there for midwifery care?

Answer 8

midwife led
shared care
consultant led care
team midwifery
caseload 
independant midwifery

Question 9

Principles of care (7)

Answer 9

• woman centred care - enabling informed decisions
• NICE guidelines, evidenced based practice
• care flexibility
• appropriate follow up
• continuity of care
• recognition of changes for required intervention
• direct line of referral