Danger Signs of Pregnancy - Essay Example

"Danger Signs of Pregnancy" is an engrossing example of a paper on pregnancy.
Audience: Mothers attending antenatal clinic

Venue: public health clinic

Time: 8.00am to 9.00am

Teaching approach to be employed: Direct instruction or the teacher-centred approach

Teachers activity: Lecturing, explaining, asking a question and answering the question

Audience activity: Listening, taking notes, asking and answering questions

Resources: Flip charts, overhead projector.

Objectives

The audience to identify and state danger signs

The audience to state the probable problem associated with a danger sign

The audience to state what to do when experiencing any danger sign

Introduction

During pregnancy, women undergo several changes in their body because of hormonal changes. There are some discomforts like nausea, vomiting which are considered fewer problems. However, it is imperative for any pregnant woman to identify any of the adverse signs and symptoms so as to get medical help. The major goal outcome of proper management of pregnancy is to have a healthy baby and mother (Ali et al., 2010). In addition, pregnant women are encouraged to undergo a routine health check-up in the hospital throughout the pregnancy. Some of the tests done during the check-up include blood pressure measurement, urinalysis among others. The tests are done to identify any impending threat to cause loss of pregnancy. It is this dangerous threat that can manifest in different ways, and are termed as danger signs in pregnancy (Okour, Alkhateeb, & Amarin, 2012).

Danger signs in pregnancy

Signs and symptoms

Probable problem

Possible aetiology

Any vaginal bleeding

Placenta previa, abruption placenta and abortion

Placental implantation on the wrong place, hormonal bleeding.

Severe abdominal pain

Abortion, ectopic pregnancy, placenta abruption

A uterine growth, pain from the ligament

Persistent  and continuous back pains

False labour and a miscarriage

Bladder infections, cyst and normal labour pains.

Watery like substance coming out of the vagina

Premature rupture of membranes, preterm labour and abortion/miscarriage

Urinary incontinence or leaking bladder

Swelling of the body especially hands and face

Pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia and eclampsia

Anaemia, low body protein

Severe headaches and blurred visions

Pregnancy-induced hypertension and eclampsia

Intermittent regular contractions before thirty-seven weeks of gestation

Preterm labour, or miscarriage

Gastric problems

No foetal movement

Intrauterine foetal death or foetal distress

Reduced foetal movement

What to do when experiencing any of the danger signs

It is imperative to note that the danger signs are dangerous as they are called, they can lead to foetal and maternal demise. In any circumstance that a pregnant woman experience any of the above described, she must visit the nearest hospital to be reviewed and managed accordingly. Proper management will lead to an outcome of a healthy mother and foetus (Duysburgh et al., 2013).

Conclusion

Pregnancy brings with it different feelings and some of the feelings can be discomforting to pregnant women, however, some changes in the body can be detrimental and lead to both maternal and foetal death. It is important for all pregnant mothers to know of the danger signs and take prompt action when they experience any of the problems. Seeking routine check-up while pregnant will help identify and manage the problems before they escalate to dangerous levels.