Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

o The importance of regular antenatal check-ups, and encourage her to go to the
doctor for antenatal check-ups. (The family may not know the benefits of
antenatal care and may see no reason to go, especially if the pregnant woman has
no complaint.)
o That during the antenatal visits, the pregnant woman should be able to obtain the
following services:
• An examination to make sure that she is generally healthy and that the fetus is
growing well
• Tablets of iron, folic acid and vitamins to prevent anemia
• Tetanus immunization to safeguard her and the baby against tetanus.
• Treatment and medical advice for ailments during pregnancy.
• Counseling on how to prepare for safe delivery, how to breastfeed the baby,
and how to space or avoid future pregnancies (effective contraception after
childbirth).
• The doctor’s assessment of her likelihood of having a normal delivery (by the
position of the baby in her womb, the size of her pelvis, etc.)
Ask participants:
‣ When does a pregnant woman need to go to the doctor for the first time during her
pregnancy?
‣ How often should a pregnant woman go to the doctor for regular consultations?
Listen to their answers and make corrections if necessary.
• The first consultation should take place in the first trimester of pregnancy. Usually,
during the first visit the family doctor checks the woman’s health status, takes a
medical history and recommends some tests. Sometimes it is necessary to perform a
pregnancy test or an ultrasound exam to confirm the pregnancy.
• During the second trimester of pregnancy, a monthly visit is generally adequate for
monitoring the mother’s and baby’s health status, for recommending preventive
measures and for providing special counseling, depending on the mother’s needs.
• In the third trimester of pregnancy, more consultations are necessary (every two or
three weeks) because most of the complications appear during this stage of
pregnancy, and most women need more counseling for birth preparation.
‣ Besides the regular visits to the doctor, what other situations might signal a need
for medical help?
Answers will vary. Probably alarm signs and emergencies will be mentioned
Emphasize that:
• Although most of a woman’s needs can be cared for by herself and her family at
home, she needs to be seen by the doctor as soon as possible if any of the
following alarm signs appear:
o Fever
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 6: Pregnancy