Component Task: Health Education on Danger Signs During Pregnancy

This is the process of sharing information with the pregnant woman and her family on early detection and recognition of specific signs which can be life threatening and complicate the pregnancy. Some of the danger signs are vaginal bleeding, severe headache, blurred vision and epigastric pain.

Aims

·         Creates awareness on danger signs of pregnancy

·         Seek prompt attention

·         Promotes early health seeking behaviour

·         Helps plan for appropriate referral

·         Reduce maternal and prenatal morbidity and mortality

Types

·         Individual

·         Group

Requirements

·         Maternal and Child Health Book (Manual and Electronic)

·         Conducive room or enclosed area

·         Ball pen

·         Chairs

Steps

1.        Establish rapport (refer to steps)

2.      Explain procedure to client (refer to steps)

3.      Provide privacy and ensure client assume desired position

4.      Explain to client the need to attend antenatal clinic regularly

5.      Inform client about the importance of physical examination, laboratory investigation, scan etc.

6.      Enquire about client knowledge on danger signs

7.       Educate client on the following danger signs (Convulsions, severe headache, swollen legs, arms or face, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, vaginal bleeding, severe fever and difficulty in breathing)

8.      Inform client/support persons to make prior arrangement towards transportation for emergencies

9.      Assist client to decide on the health facility to attend during emergency

10.    Enquire about any valid Health Insurance Scheme (HIS) and advice where necessary

11.      Enquire from client preparation made towards delivery and educate appropriately

12.    Assist client in deciding on the necessary support including significant other to contact during emergency

13.    Counsel client on the need for a skilled provider during delivery

14.    Counsel client/support persons on how to save money towards delivery and emergency

15.    Encourage client to ask questions and give appropriate answers

16.    Emphasize the need for client to adhere to information given

17.    Express appreciation to client for her cooperation

18.    Record and report all information in the Maternal and Child Health Book (Manual or Electronic)