Obstetrics and gynecology nursing: caring starts from pregnancy

Pregnancy and childbirth are undoubtedly the most special and important periods in a woman's life. This period not only involves the physical and mental health of the mother, but also the health and development of the newborn. Therefore, the care of pregnant women is particularly important. As an obstetrics and gynecology nurse, our responsibility is not only to provide medical services to patients, but also to provide them with all-round care and support.

1. Pre-pregnancy preparation

Preparing for pregnancy is an important part of childbirth. Before planning a pregnancy, women are advised to undergo pre-pregnancy counseling and health checks, which include assessment of potential genetic risks, chronic disease management, nutritional status, and lifestyle adjustments. The purpose is to ensure that pregnant women are in good health before pregnancy and reduce risks during pregnancy and delivery. For example, ensuring proper folic acid intake can reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the future fetus. In addition, avoiding exposure to harmful substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs is essential to ensure the healthy development of the future baby.

2. Pregnancy Care

The main goal of pregnancy care is to monitor the health of the mother and fetus and to prevent or identify possible problems early. Regular prenatal visits are at the core of this phase and usually include the following:

Weight monitoring: Ensure that the pregnant woman's weight gain is within a reasonable range.

Blood pressure testing: timely detection and treatment of gestational hypertension.

Urine test: detects proteinuria and prevents preeclampsia.

Blood tests: monitor blood sugar levels to prevent gestational diabetes; test hemoglobin to prevent anemia.

Ultrasound: To track the growth and development of the fetus and to make sure the fetus is in the normal position.

Fetal heart rate monitoring: Listen to the fetal heartbeat regularly to ensure the health of the fetus.

In addition to medical monitoring, dietary and lifestyle guidance is also part of pregnancy care.

The nutritional intake of pregnant women directly affects the growth and development of the fetus and the health of the mother. During pregnancy, the energy demand of pregnant women increases, and they need to increase the intake of nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals to meet the growth and development needs of the fetus. At the same time, pregnant women should avoid consuming too much fat and sugar to prevent complications such as obesity and gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Therefore, nurses need to provide reasonable dietary guidance to pregnant women and help them develop scientific and reasonable diet plans to ensure that the nutritional needs of the fetus and mother are met.

In addition, a good lifestyle is essential. Pregnant women should quit smoking and drinking, avoid exposure to harmful substances, and maintain good living habits and regular work and rest. Moderate physical exercise can also help to strengthen the physical fitness of pregnant women and promote the healthy development of the fetus. In addition, pregnant women should maintain a good attitude, actively face the various changes and challenges brought about by pregnancy, and avoid the impact of emotional fluctuations on the fetus. Nurses can provide psychological support for pregnant women to help them face the various difficulties and challenges during pregnancy and maintain physical and mental health.

3. Delivery Care

Birth is the most stressful and challenging part of pregnancy. Care during this phase is designed to keep mother and baby safe and provide necessary support and intervention. This includes:

Preparation for childbirth: Be fully prepared for a natural or epidural birth, including anesthesia consultation and consent form.

Uterine contraction and fetal heartbeat monitoring: Continuously monitor the frequency and intensity of uterine contractions, as well as the fetal heartbeat to ensure that the delivery process is normal.

Pain management: Provide effective pain relief methods such as painless delivery, breathing techniques, relaxation techniques, etc.

Psychological support: Encourage pregnant women and provide emotional support to help them get through this difficult time.

Emergency preparedness: Be prepared to deal with possible emergencies, such as abnormal fetal position, bleeding, etc.

4. Postpartum Care

After childbirth, the mother's body needs to adapt to the new physiological state, and it is necessary to focus on the mother's recovery, including the following aspects:

Uterine contraction: monitor uterine recovery and prevent bleeding.

Wound healing: If you had a cesarean section or episiotomy, you need to check the wound regularly to prevent infection.

Breast care: guide breastfeeding and prevent mastitis.

Emotional regulation: Pay attention to postpartum depression and provide necessary psychological support and consultation.

Baby care: Provide guidance on daily care for newborns, including feeding, bathing, and diaper changing.

5. Neonatal Care

Newborn care is the first step to ensure the healthy growth of your baby. It includes routine health checks for newborns, implementation of immunization schedules, and providing parents with education on daily care for their babies. Parent training includes how to properly hold a baby, change diapers, bathe, and recognize baby hunger cues and sleep patterns.

In summary, obstetrics and gynecology nursing is an all-round, multidisciplinary field, from pre-pregnancy preparation to postpartum care, to newborn care, it requires nurses to have not only solid theoretical knowledge, but also rich practical experience and a deep humanistic care spirit. Through this article, I hope to improve the public's understanding of obstetrics and gynecology nursing and ensure that every mother and her baby can safely and smoothly go through this special period. (Mi Huiying, Lingshou County People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province)