Antepartum Care
Promoting Patient Education
Since the goal of antepartum care is to help achieve a maternal and infant outcome as much as possible, this means that psychosocial issues as well as biological issues needs to be addressed. One of the major components of pre-natal care is HEALTH TEACHING. The following are some important health teaching during the antepartum period.
- Nutrition. This is the most important aspect of health teaching.
Nutritional Risk Factors during pregnancy:
- Teenagers or adolescent
- Follow food fads
- Underweight or overweight
- Low income women
- Short interval between pregnancies
- Drug use (including cigarettes and alcohol)
- Existence of a chronic illness requiring a special diet
- Lactose intolerance
- Multiple pregnancy
- Anemic at conception
Weight gain. The recommended average weight gain in pregnancy is 11.2 to 15.9 kg or 25-35 lbs. Weight gain in pregnancy occurs at approximately 1 lb per month during the first trimester and then 1 lb per week during the last two trimesters. For a more accurate estimation of adequate weight gain, computation of body mass index (BMI) can be done. To calculate for BMI, refer at the box below. The following are the normal prepregnancy BMI:
- Underweight – under 18.5
- Normal weight – 18.5 – 24.9
- Overweight – 25 – 29.9
- Obese – above 30
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Calculating the Body Mass Index (BMI)
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Example: Mrs. White is 5’4” tall and weighs 130 lbs. To determine her BMI: |
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130 / 2.2 = 59 kg |
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5 x 12 = 60 + 4 = 64 inches (foot to inches)
64 inches x 2.5 = 160 cm (inches to cm) |
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160 / 100 = 1.6 meters |
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1.6 x 1.6 = 2.56 |
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59 / 2.56 = 23 BMI |
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Interpretation of Result: 23 BMI = Normal Weight, thus, Mrs. White enters pregnancy at normal weight. |
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- Calorie needs. The easiest way for determining a woman’s caloric intake is assessing the weight she is gaining. The pattern of weight gain is as important as the total weight gain.
- Protein needs. The daily recommended intake in women is 44 to 50 grams. During pregnancy, the need for protein increases to 60 g daily. Foods rich in protein are meats, fish, eggs, milk, poultry, cheese, beans and monggo.
Daisy Jane Antipuesto RN MN
Currently a Nursing Local Board Examination Reviewer. Subjects handled are Pediatric, Obstetric and Psychiatric Nursing. Previous work experiences include: Clinical instructor/lecturer, clinical coordinator (Level II), caregiver instructor/lecturer, NC2 examination reviewer and staff/clinic nurse. Areas of specialization: Emergency room, Orthopedic Ward and Delivery Room. Also an IELTS passer.
