Prenatal care (Also known as antenatal care) refers to the regular medical and nursing care recommended for

or women during pregnancy. Prenatal care is a type of preventative care with the goal of providing regular check-ups that allow doctors or midwives to treat and prevent potential health problems throughout the course of the pregnancy while promoting healthy lifestyles that benefit both mother and child.

Quickening sensations of fetal movement in the abdomen, occurs between 16 20 week. Fatigue - other possible causes are intestinal gas, peristalsis or pseudocyesis Striae gravidarum is a skin pigment condition where the midline of the abdominal skin becomes darker, usually a brownish black color. Linea nigra-are a badge of courage for some and a curse to others. Our skin has three layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous layer

Probable Sign of Pregnancy Chadwicks sign bluish discoloration vaginal wall. Goodells sign Softening of the cervix Hegars sign softening of the lower uterine segment Positive HCG Enlarged abdomen At 12 wks, uterus can be felt through the abdominal wall just above the symphysis pubis. Braxton hicks contractions painless contraction at 28 weeks. Ballottement sinking and rebound of fetus in response to a sudden tap on the uterus.

Presumptive Sign of Pregnancy Amenorrhea - absence of menstruation Nausea and Vomiting (Morning Sickness)- begins about 6 weeks after the last menstrual period and usually disappears by about 14 weeks Frequent Urination - begins about 6 weeks after the last menstrual period and usually disappears by about 14 weeks. Breast Changes - begins at about the sixth week of pregnancy

Positive Sign of Pregnancy Fetal Heart Beat 12 wks by Doppler & 18 to 20 wks by auscultation Fetal Movement- Felt by examiner usually by 20wks Fetal Skeleton- By sonography (8wks) or x-ray (16wks)

Danger Sign of Pregnancy Vaginal bleeding Abdominal pain/chest pain Persistent vomiting Severe, persistent headache Escape of vaginal fluids Edema of face and hands Visual Changes

Prenatal Assessment
Health History Demographic Data Chief Concern Family and social profile Gynecologic History Obstetric History Review of System Baseline Data System Assessment Pelvic Examination

Health Promotion Self Care Needs Bathing Dental Care Perineal Hygiene Clothing Sexual Activity Exercise Sleep