Summary

In this Study Session, you have learned that:

• The probable signs and symptoms of pregnancy are abdominal enlargement; a positive pregnancy test for the hormone HCG; and painless uterine contractions. The positive (sure) signs are the detection of fetal heart tones and palpation of the fetus.
• Making a pregnancy diagnosis is based on a combination of possible symptoms (health history) reported by the woman, and the probable as well as the positive signs and symptoms that you observe yourself, or which can be confirmed by a physical examination or chemical test.
• The most commonly reported possible symptoms of early pregnancy are the absence of monthly bleeding, breast changes, nausea and vomiting especially in the morning, feeling tired during the day, frequent urination than usual, quickening (feeling light movements of the baby) and chloasma.
• It is important to maintain the trust of the woman when you ask her about her health history and by keeping your notes confidential (not telling anyone the information you gathered). The questions you ask the woman must be clear and should include also risk factors such as, previous miscarriage or abortion, previous very large or small sized babies at birth, the type of labor (prolonged or short), tear or a fistula when giving birth, caesarian surgery or heavy bleeding experienced before or after birth, retained placenta, postnatal depression, stillbirth or a baby with birth defect, history of medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, anemia, preeclampsia or eclampsia, infections and/or cardiac, kidney and/or liver problems.
• Be respectful and use simple language when you speak to the pregnant woman to create a common understanding.
• Very young or older women, first-time mothers, and women who have had many previous births are more likely to experience antenatal problems, and should be referred to a health facility for labour and delivery.
• It is important to ask the woman clearly focused questions to identify other risk factors, such as: a previous miscarriage or abortion; very large or small babies at birth; a prolonged or very short labour; a fistula; caesarian surgery or heavy bleeding before or after the birth; retained placenta; postnatal depression; a baby who died or had birth defects; or a history of medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, anaemia, pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, infections, and heart, kidney or liver problems.