The regular prenatal (pregnancy) checkup has 3 main parts: talking with the
mother, checking the mother’s body, and checking the baby. Try to write down
what you learn about the mother and baby during each visit.
For each part of the checkup, we list healthy signs and warning signs. If you
find a warning sign, be sure to follow instructions for what to do. You may be able
to take care of the woman yourself or she may need medical help. At times we
suggest that you get medical advice. This means you will need a skilled health
worker or doctor to help you decide if there is an emergency or if the woman
is OK. If no doctor is willing to give you advice, you will have to send the woman
to a medical center for help.
WARNING! The following are the most important warning
signs to look for in a pregnant woman:
1. bleeding from the vagina (see page 112)
2. severe pain in the belly (see page 113)
3. high fever (see page 120)
4. h igh blood pressure, headache, dizziness, or
blurred vision (see page 125)
At each checkup, remind the mother to get medical help if she
has any of these signs.
Talk with the mother
Start the checkup by talking. Ask the mother
how she has been feeling and how her
pregnancy is going. Find out if she has any
complaints or questions.
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