The usefulness of pretenatal consultations is obvious even in poor countries. It is recommended to pass a monthly consultation as from the 3rd month of pregnancy. But generally speaking, it is proven that 3 consultations or more are necessary for a pregnancy with no high risk. A 4th consultation will be needed for high-risk pregnancies and makes it possible to foresee conditions of delivery. However, when possible, a monthly consultation is desirable.
Consultations are taken with the gynaecologist, but also in child care centers of public or church hospitals, and also at private clinics.
For the sake of clarity, one can summarize that follow-up in 4 Consultations.
1st Consultation: 1st quarter : 3 months pregnancy
Clinical examination: interrogation, weight and blood pressure measurement, gynaecological examination: breast touch, speculum and vaginal examination
Additional examinations: echography and laboratory. Among the laboratory tests: blood group, syphilis blood test, HIV, toxoplasmose, rubella, hepatitises B and C.
Medical prescriptions according to patient discomfort.
2nd Consultation : 20 - 24 SA
Clinical examination: weight, Blood Pressure, HU, TV
Results of additional examinations and treatment of specific pathologies such as HIV/AIDS, syphilis, anaemia
Morphological echography is indicated
Prevention against malaria.
3rd Consultation : 3rd quarter : 28 - 32 SA
Clinical examination: weight, Blood Pressure, HU, TV
Sugar, albuminuria, threatening signs of premature chidbirth
An echography to locate placenta and evaluate weight of baby
Treatment against anaemia, prevention against malaria
Search for signs of probable complications, examination of the basin
Starting to prepare for childbirth.
Initiate treatment against MTCT.
4th Consultation : 36 - 37 SA
Clinical examination: weight, Blood Pressure, HU, TV
Sugar, albumin
Basin examination
Prognosis of childbirth: indication of caesarean.xamen clinique : poids, TA, HU, TV
Delivery
It may be spontaneous or will be planned for. Patients who did not take necessary tests will always have time to do at least the HIV/AIDS test to protect against MTCT.