The Antenatal Appointment

Question 1

What are the aims of early antenatal care?

Answer 1

1) Establish EDD
2) Educate about do’s and don’t for a healthy pregnancy
3) Discuss screening tests
4) Identify “the high-risk pregnancy” - any medical conditions that may affect the pregnancy and generate a management plan (this will inform model of care)

Question 2

If I’m lucky enough to get a patient coming for pre-conception care, what should I run through?

Answer 2

By optimising her health, we can optimise the health of her pregnancy.

1) Folate, nutrition and exercise
2) Smoking cessation, alcohol abstinence
3) Immunisation history, screening blood tests and Pap
4) Medications
5) Medical conditions

Question 3

What immunisations are recommended prior to pregnancy?

Answer 3

MMR
DTP
Varicella (if not clear hx of chickenpox)
Influenza vaccine (this is safe IN pregnancy too)