In most of the rural areas, sisters fall into a dilemma - "When to go to the hospital for the first time? , "" How often and when to do video X-ray (USG)? , "" What to check? . " In some cases, it is too late to go to the hospital because you have to walk far away.
In today's video, we will talk in very simple language about how many times to go to the hospital during pregnancy, when to do video X-ray and what to check, according to the health rules of the Government of Nepal. Watch this video and show it to all the pregnant women in your family.
When do you go to the hospital or clinic? (ANC Contacts)
Earlier, only four tests used to conducted in Nepal. But now the government of Nepal advises to contact the health institution at least 8 times or get tested so that both mother and child are more safe. I mean, do you ever know?
- For the first time (within 12 weeks) after stoping menstruation, go to the health post or hospital as soon as the pregnancy is detected (before the of 3 months).
- The second trimester (16 weeks) in the fourth month.
- The third time (20 weeks) in the fifth month.
- The fourth time (24 weeks) in the sixth month.
- The fifth time (28 weeks) in the seventh month.
- The sixth time (32 weeks) in the eighth month.
- The seventh time (36 weeks) at the beginning of the ninth month.
- The eighth time (38 to 40 weeks) is just before childbirth.
Special note (for the village sisters)
"If a big hospital is far away from your home, you don't always have to go to a big hospital for all these tests. You can also get many services and advice by contacting the health post or women's health volunteer (FCHV) in your village. "
When and why do you use video (USG)?
Many sisters ask, "Does too much video X-ray affect the child? . " In general, it is considered safe and necessary to do video x-rays at least 2 to 3 times throughout pregnancy.
- The first USG (within 3 months - Dating Scan) shows whether the fetus is in the right place (in the uterus), whether the baby is a twin, and whether the baby has a heartbeat. In some cases in rural areas the first test may not happen as "Video X-ray facility is not in the village." But as soon as possible get it checked by going to the nearby market or hospital.
- The second USG (5 months - anomaly scan) is the most important X-ray. It shows whether the child's organs such as hands, feet, heart, liver are well-formed (whether there is any defect). It is also known where the placenta lies.
- The third USG (at 8 or 9 months - Growth Scan) is done to check how much the baby weighs, whether the amount of water (amniotic fluid) in the stomach is sufficient, and whether the baby is upside or down. It helps to plan how to deliver.
So what are the blood, urine and other necessary tests?
On the way to the hospital, the doctor or nurse prescribes some blood and urine tests. Why do you need these tests?
1. Blood group: It is very important to know whether the mother's blood group is positive or negative. If it is negative then special medicine have to be injected.
2. Hemoglobin in the blood
The amount of blood in the body is measured. 'Anemia' meaning lack of blood is seen a lot in sisters in villages. If there is less blood then on the advice of the doctor one should eat by adding iron supplement in diet.
3. Blood sugar and BP: There is a risk of increased sugar and pressure during pregnancy, which puts both the mother and the baby at risk. So do not forget to measure the pressure every time you go to the hospital.
4. Urine testing is done to see if there is an infection in the urine and if the protein is broken down.
5. HIV, Hepatitis B and VDRL are early screening to ensure that these transmitted diseases do not pass from mother to child.
6. The tetanus vaccine (Td) should be used twice during pregnancy to protect the baby and mother from tetanus.
Danger signs (especially in rural areas)
Sisters, the time for testing is in its place. But if any of these signs of danger appear during pregnancy, lasting for months or weeks, immediately go to the hospital:
- Bleeding from the vagina or breakdown of water
- A sudden onset of severe pain
- Severe pain in the head or eye
- Hands, feet, or face suddenly numb
- Fever more than 100 degree
- After 6 months, if the baby's movement decreases or stops
The government of Nepal also provides transportation expenses and free services under the 'Mother Protection Program' when giving birth at a health post or government hospital. So, never make the mistake of doing delivery in the house. Go to the health post or hospital and get a safe delivery.
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey to bring a new life to the earth. Get tested on time and stay healthy.
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