BERNICE SERQUINA

February 7, 2017
HFDS 12 C2

A PAPER ON PRE-NATAL CARE

On February 4, 2017, was a seminar held for pregnant women in St.

Augustine Church in Bay. One of the things discussed there was the
importance of pre-natal care. Pre-natal care is caring for the baby during its
development inside the womb. Pregnant women tend to listen to the gossip
of people around them and in turn get scared that something wrong with
them. This was one of the problems addressed by the doctor during the
lecture and thus said that the only trusted sources when it came to
pregnancy should either be a nurse, a doctor, or a midwife. She stressed the
importance of visiting the doctor as soon as possible once full menstruation
stops in order to be able to properly take care of the baby during the
pregnancy. Once in an appointment with the doctor, numerous tests were to
be conducted, as well as blood tests to avoid any sort of complications
during the pregnancy. The doctor also stressed the importance of knowing
ones blood type in case of emergency that would involve blood loss. During
pregnancy, folic acid and ferric acid were one of the most important
substances to be taken. Folic acid prevents malformations on the fetus and
ferric acid helps in red blood cell production.
One of the things she also addressed was the tendency of pregnant
women not to get a check-up until only the last possible minute. She stated
that an early ultrasound, which should preferably be in the first trimester of
the pregnancy, produces more accurate results. This was also important
especially for those women who were not able to take note of their last full
menstruation. As for appointment with the doctor, the minimum number of
pre-natal check-ups should be four.
The doctor also discussed some of the symptoms to be experienced
during pregnancy. During the first trimester, which is the first three months
of pregnancy, it is normal to experience nausea, vomiting, increased
irritability and other symptoms. The symptoms are due to the increased
progesterone hormone in the body, which also decreases metabolism. The
second trimester, which includes the fourth up to the sixth month of
pregnancy and often called the golden trimester, is the easiest period since
the symptoms during the first trimester are usually gone by that time. The
womb is also still not large enough to be a hindrance to everyday activities.
This is also where the mother may experience the first movements of the
baby inside the uterus. The doctor also discussed the possible formation of
stretch marks, and the appearance of a thin, dark line extending downwards
from the belly button. The last trimester, which is the last three months of
pregnancy, usually brings about a new number of symptoms, aside from the
increased weight of the womb, such as heart burn, almuranas, sensitivity
and pain in the breasts due to milk production, and hardening of the belly.
During this time, increased frequency of check-ups should be done. Aside
from that, danger signs were also discussed, where in if the following
symptoms, abbreviated as ABCS, were to occur, an immediate visit to the
doctor is important. The first symptom, A, which stands for abdominal pain
could be a signal of ectopic pregnancy, as well as pre-term labor. The second
symptom, B, stands for blurred vision and bleeding. The third symptom, C,
stands for chills and fever, a signal of infection, and cerebral disturbances.
Lastly, S, stands for swelling and sudden escape of fluid. Before ending the
lecture, the doctor stressed the importance of having a birth plan for the
pregnant women, in case emergency happens, as well as check-up within six
months after pregnancy to quickly see any abnormalities for the baby as well
as complications for the mother.
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SPC MM MCFARLAND