Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

‣ What are the first signs of pregnancy?
• The woman misses her period (often is the first sign)
• 'Morning sickness' (nausea or feeling you are going to vomit, especially in the
morning).
• Sleepiness, tiredness, dizziness
• Modified appetite, food cravings
• The breasts get bigger or feel tender
• She may have to urinate more often
Discuss with the group why a mediator should know the common signs and symptoms of
pregnancy, and what their role could be in this regard:
• The mediator could identify pregnant women in the community by asking the
following questions to women she suspects of being pregnant:
‣ Have you missed your period? When did your last menstrual period begin?
‣ Do you experience nausea, vomiting, loss/increase of appetite or food cravings?
‣ Do you feel tired, or sleepy or dizzy?
‣ Do you feel heaviness, pain or tingling in your breasts?
‣ Do you have frequent urination?
If most of the answers are 'yes', she will know that the woman is most probably in the
early stage of pregnancy.
• If the woman’s situation is uncertain, the mediator could explain what a pregnancy
test is, where it can be obtained, and how it can be done at home.
Then ask participants:
‣ What are the signs in the later stages of pregnancy?
Mid-term Stage or Second Trimester:
• Enlargement of the abdomen and palpable uterus
• Women begin to feel fetal movements
• Women generally feel better during this period
Late Stage or Third Trimester:
• Uterus becomes very big in size and fetal parts and movements are felt
• Fetus becomes viable, that is, capable of an independent existence
• Breast changes are more pronounced and there may be some milk-secretion
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty in sleeping, walking
Using the trainer document Normal Body Changes During Pregnancy, briefly explain the
normal changes during pregnancy.
Indicate the pages in the Roma Health Mediator’s Manual containing this information.
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 6: Pregnancy