Component Task: Health Education on Nutrition to a Pregnant Client

This is the process of educating the pregnant woman on appropriate nutrition for the well-being of the mother and proper development of the foetus. This spans from before, during and after pregnancy.

Aims

·         Educate on importance of appropriate nutrition during pregnancy

·         Teach the various food nutrients and their sources

·         Assist the woman/client to have an appropriate dietary plan

·         Assist the woman/client to avoid harmful cravings

·         Assist the woman/client to prevent nutritional deficiencies (anaemia)

·         Assist the woman/client to prevent birth defects

Types

·         Individual education

·         Group education

Requirements

·         Visual aids (flip chart)

·         Maternal and Child Health Book (Manual or Electronic)

·         Sample of various food items in a tray

·         Conducive room or an enclosed area

·         Chairs

Steps

1.        Establish rapport (refer steps)

2.      Explain procedure to client (refer steps)

3.      Provide privacy and ensure client assume desired position

4.      Explain to client the need to attend antenatal clinic and procedures involved

5.      Find out about client’s eating habits

6.      Find out about the local foods available and food taboos

7.       Find out client’s socio economic status and counsel appropriately

8.      Inform client about the importance of adequate and nutritious diet

9.      Teach client about the sources of protective, energy giving and body building foods with examples

10.    Explain the importance of roughage and fluids in the diet

11.      Educate client on the avoidance of intake of non-nutritious substances (Pica)

12.    Advice client to report to the clinic in case of severe vomiting

13.    Encourage client to take prescribed iron supplements and folic acid regularly

14.    Educate on the avoidance of alcohol and smoking

15.    Educate on the elimination/reduction of caffeinated beverages

16.    Encourage client to ask questions and give appropriate answers

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

18.    Express appreciation of client for her cooperation

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