2. postnatal/child health Flashcards
when taking a mothers HISTORY at her 6 week postnatal check, what are the 3 broad areas you need to cover?
her physical symptoms
psychological problems
social problems
give an example of a question to ask a mother at her 6 week postnatal check-up
- physical history
Is your perineum/caesarean section scar healing well? Is there any pain?
Do you feel your bowel and bladder are functioning normally? Is there any incontinence?
Are you breastfeeding?
give an example of a question to ask a mother at her 6 week postnatal check-up
- psychological history
How was the birth? Are there any issues you want to talk through?
How is your mood?
Do you have any worries about the baby?
give an example of a question to ask a mother at her 6 week postnatal check-up
- social history
Do you feel well supported at home?
How are you sleeping?
Encourage household smokers to quit
why is having a household smoker dangerous for a newborn?
increased risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome)
increases risk of childhood asthma
how is postnatal depression screened?
the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score
what physical examinations would you do to the mother at her 6 week post natal check up ?
Palpate the abdomen -
if able to feel the uterus, consider retained products of conception , or endometritis if tender.
Check blood pressure and weight
Perform vaginal examination if she has:
Problems with vaginal tears or episiotomy
Abnormal bleeding or vaginal discharge.
Pain on intercourse.
Urinary or faecal incontinence.
what might be discussed to do with family planning with the mother at her 6 week check up?
- reassure her it is safe to resume sexual intercourse
- discuss if contraception is needed
- full time breastfeeding provides good contraception for up to six months
- recommend condoms, IUCD, Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system, progesterone only pills and implants, combined oral contraceptive pills
what help would you recommend a mother who has developed stress urinary incontinence after birth?
pelvic floor exercises
(higher risk with vaginal delivery combined with elective caesarean)
give her a leaflet, recommend classes
what are some benefits of breastfeeding for the baby?
breast milk protects your baby from infections and diseases
reduces babies risk of obesity, SIDS, cardiovascular disease in adulthood
what are some benefits of breastfeeding for the mother?
breastfeeding can build a strong emotional bond between you and your baby
lowers mothers risk of osteoporosis, breast cancer, cardiovascular diseases
what do growth charts show?
Growth charts are used to plot a child’s weight, height and head circumference against the the normal distribution for their age and gender
what are concerning trends on a growth chart you should look out for?
if the child is not maintaining their percentile
which condition in children means that they have a separate growth chart, specifically for that condition?
downsyndrome
because tend to be shorter
Outline the newborn and childhood health screening programme in the UK and describe which members of the MDT are involved in its delivery.
examples of the aims of the The ‘Healthy Child Programme’ :
- Help parents develop a strong bond with children.
- Encourage care that keeps children healthy and safe.
- Protect children from serious diseases, through screening and immunisation.
- Reduce childhood obesity by promoting healthy eating and physical activity.
- Encourage mothers to breastfeed.
The programme is delivered by health visitors, midwifery staff, Sure Start children’s centres, GPs and the primary health care team.
