Antenatal Ward: Prenatal Care and Support Services

A section of the hospital which manages pregnant women

An antenatal ward is a special place dedicated to providing the best possible care for expectant mothers and their unborn babies. Here, mothers-to-be benefit from the expertise of experienced medical staff and are able to receive a range of treatments designed to ensure their health and safety. The ward boasts state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, including ultrasound scanners, and fetal monitoring systems. Women in labor can also find comfort in a dedicated delivery suite with access to epidurals and other pain relief options. Private rooms are available for prenatal consultations, as well as postnatal checkups after the baby is born. The antenatal ward provides compassionate and comprehensive care throughout pregnancy to ensure that both mother and child have the best start in life. Please keep reading for details on the following topic:

What to expect on the antenatal ward

Expectant mother receiving care in the antenatal ward during doctors rounds

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE ANTENATAL WARD

  1. Welcome and Support: Upon arrival, the woman and her family will be warmly welcomed to the antenatal ward, and any questions they have will be addressed by the staff.

  2. Review of Birth Plan: The woman’s birth plan, outlining her preferences for labor and delivery, will be carefully reviewed to ensure her wishes are understood and respected.
  3. Orientation: The woman will be given an orientation to the layout of the ward, including the location of amenities such as the bathroom, meal area, nursing station, and patient call bell, as well as information on bed settings.
  4. Monitoring Vital Signs and Medication Schedule: Regular monitoring of vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate, will occur according to a schedule tailored to the woman’s risk level. Medications will be administered at specific times each day to maintain health and manage any conditions.
  5. Assessment of Signs of Labor: The woman will be educated on the signs of labor, such as contractions and rupture of membranes, and encouraged to report any changes or concerns to the medical staff.
  6. Equipment Explanation: The woman will be familiarized with the equipment used in monitoring her health and the wellbeing of her baby, such as vital signs monitors and non-stress test (NST) machines.
  7. Maternal Health Monitoring: Maternal vital signs will be assessed regularly to detect any signs of complications, with more frequent monitoring for high-risk women, such as those with elevated blood pressure.
  8. Fetal Monitoring: Fetal heart rate will be monitored daily for all pregnant women from 24 weeks gestation, with increased frequency for high-risk women, to ensure the baby’s wellbeing.
  9. Non-Stress Test: A non-stress test may be performed as needed to assess the baby’s response to movement and contractions and ensure adequate oxygenation.
  10. Medication Administration: Medications, including pain relief or preventive treatments, will be administered according to the prescribed schedule to maintain the woman’s health and comfort.
  11. Intravenous Line Monitoring: If the woman requires intravenous medications or fluids, the IV line will be monitored regularly to prevent complications such as pain or swelling.
  12. Education and Support: The woman will receive ongoing education on topics such as labor and delivery preparation, exercise, and healthy lifestyle practices to promote her overall well-being during pregnancy.
  13. Contractions Monitoring and Comfort Measures: If the woman experiences contractions, their frequency, duration, and severity will be monitored, and she will be offered exercises and pain-relieving measures to promote physical comfort.

  14. Communication with Obstetrician or Midwife: The woman’s progress and any unexpected symptoms will be communicated to the obstetrician or midwife overseeing her care to ensure timely and appropriate management of her pregnancy.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this content is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or healthcare decisions.

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