There is a miracle in the world - this is the birth of a child. However, its conception and development in the bosom of the mother is no less amazing action. People have long studied this process. In the modern world, there are even laws in which the state guarantees the protection of motherhood and childhood. We will talk about how antenatal protection of the fetus in the conditions of a antenatal clinic should proceed.
Antenatal period
First, consider what the antenatal period is. This is the period of time that begins with the formation of the zygote and ends with the onset of the labor process.
This period is divided into:
Fetal begins with the formation of the zygote and lasts 12 weeks. This is a very important point in the formation of the fetus, it is during this period that the main systems, organs, tissues are laid, the brain begins to form. At this time, the risk of abortion is very high. Especially if there are a lot of factors that negatively affect the development of the fetus.
Then comes the early fetal period. It lasts until the 29th week. During this period of time, all the organs of the unborn child are almost completely formed. During this period, it is very important to protect a woman from negative factors, among which the following:
- Stress.
- Infections
- Viruses.
- Medications.
- Alcohol.
- Smoking.
In addition to the above factors, genetic abnormalities and chromosomal abnormalities can affect the fetus. If any factor has occurred, the fetus may develop developmental abnormalities. All this is real to see on an ultrasound scan. The doctor will immediately notice the intrauterine growth retardation.
After 29 weeks, a late fetal period begins. At this moment, there is also the danger of fetal growth retardation due to inadequate nutrition and lack of oxygen. The sources of the problem may be as follows:
- Pathology of the uterus.
- Abnormal development of the umbilical cord.
- Placenta previa.
- Multiple pregnancy.
- Gestosis.
Periods requiring special attention
There are periods during pregnancy in which the fetus requires close attention:
- At the time of implantation of the embryo - 7-12 days.
- Gestation - from 3 to 6 weeks.
- From 9 to 12 weeks of gestation.
- For a period of 18-22 weeks.
In order for a child to be born healthy, it is necessary to be very attentive to his condition. There are several laws in the state that guarantee the protection of motherhood and childhood. Next, a few words about how the antenatal protection of the fetus is carried out by law.
Laws and decrees
In Geneva, at the General Conference of the International Labor Organization on June 28, 1952, the Convention on the Protection of Maternity was adopted. It states that any woman who provides a medical certificate of the estimated duration of her birth is entitled to maternity leave. While on maternity leave, she is entitled to cash benefits and medical assistance. The latter includes care and supervision before, during and after childbirth, which turn out to be a qualified midwife or doctor. A woman has the right to choose not only a doctor, but also the institution in which she will be observed. Also, the employer has no right to dismiss a woman who is on maternity leave or on parental leave. There are some variations in these laws depending on the country.
Pregnancy and fetal development are monitored in antenatal clinics, and then in maternity hospitals. Let's take a closer look at what the antenatal protection of the fetus is.
From conception to birth
Almost everyone understands that the health of a pregnant woman should be carefully monitored. What does the concept of antenatal care include? This is a set of measures, such as diagnosis, treatment and prevention, carried out to ensure normal intrauterine development from conception to birth. Direction of antenatal protection of the fetus:
- The fight against congenital pathologies.
- Elimination of negative factors that affect the formation of the fetus.
- The fight against mortality of the fetus and newborn up to 7 days of life.
What includes antenatal care of the fetus and newborn:
- Monitoring early pregnancy.
- Identification and treatment of infectious diseases.
- Elimination of toxicosis.
- Compliance with a rational diet.
- Exclusion of alcohol and smoking.
- X-ray exposure is prohibited without a doctor’s testimony.
- Compliance with the regime of work and rest.
- Light exercise recommended.
- Preparation at school for expectant mothers.
- Preparation for labor.
What is the role of antenatal care in antenatal care?
First stage
As soon as the representative of the fair sex became pregnant, she needs to register with the antenatal clinic. Then her data is transferred to the children's clinic and entered into a special journal.
However, it is worth noting that antenatal protection of the fetus should begin already at the moment when the woman decides to become pregnant, since the state of health of the parents is of great importance in the formation and ontogenesis of the fetus. It is worth paying more attention to those who have already had cases of adverse pregnancy, or there are factors that increase the risk of complications. Therefore, spouses are best to undergo a series of examinations before they decide to replenish their family. Who needs to pay close attention:
- If there is a risk of genetic changes in the fetus.
- Women who do not bear pregnancy.
- If there was stillbirth.
- Women who have cardiovascular diseases, ailments of blood, liver, kidneys.
LCD
If the pregnancy proceeds without any deviations, the expectant mother should visit a antenatal clinic: at first - 1 time per month, after 20 weeks - 2 times, after 30 weeks - every week.
Antenatal protection of the fetus in a antenatal clinic satisfies several conditions:
- A detailed medical examination.
- Early pregnancy monitoring.
- Identification of pathologies.
- Patronage must be carried out.
- A pregnant woman must comply with the doctor’s instructions, work and rest, and eat rationally.
- The development of the fetus must be assessed in a timely manner, namely:
- fetal heart rate measurement;
- measuring the height of the uterine fundus;
- Ultrasound
In complicated pregnancy, a number of additional studies are carried out.
First visit of a nurse
The first patronage is carried out by the nurse of the children's clinic. Her task is to conduct a conversation in order to collect information about the pregnant woman and her immediate family to establish contact and obtain information about possible hereditary diseases, pathologies, previous operations, and pregnancies.
It is important to have a conversation with the future mother about a healthy diet, compliance with the regime of work and rest. The future mother and her husband are invited to the "School of the Young Mother", which is located in the children's department of the clinic.
All information is recorded in the history of the development of the child. If necessary, the pregnant doctor is visited by the local doctor at home.
Antenatal care
This patronage takes place at 31-38 weeks of gestation. The nurse checks how the doctor’s prescriptions are followed, risk factors are evaluated, and advice is given on preparing for the postpartum period. Mandatory topics for briefing:
- The advantage of breastfeeding.
- Arrangement of the territory for the baby.
- Items and things needed for a newborn.
- What medicines and means are necessary for mother and child.
- A conversation with family members and the expectant mother, who will prepare them for the birth of a child.
- Obligatory information about the phones of the clinic and emergency pediatric care.
All these actions, as indicated, should be carried out by a nurse in the children's department, and what is the role of the midwife in antenatal fetal care?
Midwives responsibilities
The midwife is, first of all, the first assistant to the gynecologist. After all, it is she:
- Provides medical and diagnostic assistance to pregnant women and women in childbirth at an appointment in a antenatal clinic or at home with a doctor or individually.
- Visits and consults pregnant women and puerperas at home.
- Provides medical care for uncomplicated childbirth, and her duties include treating the newborn.
- She watches the future mother and teaches the rules of hygiene during and after pregnancy.
- Should be able to identify dangerous changes during pregnancy and inform the doctor in a timely manner.
- Prepares a pregnant woman for labor.
- Draws up all relevant documentation.
If the duties of the midwife for antenatal protection of the fetus are fulfilled in full, then the condition of the pregnant woman and the development of the fetus are under control. This reduces potential risks.
The task of the future mother
Antenatal protection of the fetus is not only the actions of the midwife and gynecologist, but also the great responsibility of the expectant mother. Indeed, it is disease prevention that reduces the risks of developing fetal pathologies. Therefore, before deciding to have a baby, a woman is recommended:
1. Visit the therapist and take a series of tests:
- general urine analysis;
- detailed blood test;
- determine your blood type and Rh factor;
- ECG;
- find out your blood pressure indicators;
- undergo fluorography.
2. It is necessary to clarify what vaccinations were given, it is especially important against rubella, if it was not done, then this gap needs to be filled. Rubella leads to fetal abnormalities, do not risk it.
3. Have an examination with a gynecologist.
4. Screened for infection:
- Hepatitis.
- HIV
- Syphilis.
- TORCH complex.
- Herpes.
- Rubella.
- Chlamydia
5. Have an examination by a neurologist, optometrist, endocrinologist and ENT doctor.
6. It is recommended to take tests showing the condition of the thyroid gland.
7. Visit the dentist.
All these measures will help to identify diseases before pregnancy, thereby reducing the risk of developing pathologies in the fetus.
Of course, it is necessary to adhere to a healthy lifestyle, give up smoking and alcohol, establish good nutrition and monitor compliance with the regime of work and rest. Then your baby will be born healthy, and pregnancy will become one of the most vivid memories in life.