Indira Gandhi National Open University

SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCE

BNSL-043
Public Health and
Primary Health Care
Skills

Maternal Health Skills

4
 BNSL-043
Public Health and Primary
Health Care Skills
Indira Gandhi
National Open University
School of Health Sciences

Block

4
MATERNAL HEALTH SKILLS
UNIT 1
Assessment of Health Status of Women 5
UNIT 2
Antenatal, Intranatal, Postnatal 20
Examination and Care
UNIT 3
Organising Labour Room 37
UNIT 4
Conducting Normal Deliveries and Partograph 56
UNIT 5
Identification, Care and Referral of 83
Complications during Labour
UNIT 6
Postnatal Examination and Care 107
UNIT 7
Emergency and Injectable Contraceptives and 125
Follow-up Care
CURRICULUM DESIGN COMMITTEE AND EXPERT COMMITTEE
Prof. (Dr.) Pity Koul Mrs. Santosh Mehta Dr. Rajni Ved
Director and Programme Coordinator Principal, RAK College of Nursing, Advisor, NHSRC, New Delhi
Dr. R.S Salhan Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi
Additional DGHS (Retd.) Advisor, Dr. Dilip Singh
Dr. Prakasamma
NHSRC, New Delhi Former Director, National Advisor, NHSRC, New Delhi
Dr. R.K Srivastava Academy of Nursing Studies and Woman Dr. Vinay Bothra
Former DGHS, Govt. of India New Delhi Empowerment (ANSWER) Hyderabad
Sr, Consultant, NHSRC
Dr. Suneela Garg Dr. Sushma Kumari Saini
Sub Dean & Head Dept. of Community National Institute of Nursing Education Dr. Sumitha Chalil
Medicine, MAMC , New Delhi (NINE) PGIMER, Chandigarh. (U.T) NHM, MoHFW, New Delhi
Dr. Amarjeet Singh Dr. Sanjay Rai Dr. Reeta Devi
Professor, Dept. of Community Medicine Associate Professor Department of Assist. Prof. (Sr. Scale) &
PGIMER, Chandigarh Community Medicine, AIIMS,
programme Coordinator
Dr. Subodh. S. Gupta New Delhi
Professor, Dept. of Community Dr. Himanshu Bhushan Mrs. Rohini Bhardwaj Sharma
Medicine, MGIMS, Sevagram, Wardha Advisor, NHSRC, New Delhi Assist. Prof. IGNOU

BLOCK PREPARATION TEAM

Writers Unit- 5 Dr. Rafiqua Bashir Editors
Unit-1 Mrs. Bhavesh Kumari Principal and ProfessorRajiv Dr. H.Bhushan
Lecturer, Safdarjung Hospital, Gandhi College of Nursing, Advisor
New Delhi Jammu
NHSRC, New Delhi
Mrs. Gita Razdan
Prof. Pity Koul
Senior Nursing Tutor CON, Prof. (Dr.)Pity Koul
Director & Prog. Coordinator AIIMS.New Delhi Director and Programme Coordinator
School of Health Sciences,
Prof. Pity Koul
IGNOU, New Delhi Unit Transformation and format editing
Director & Prog. Coordinator
Unit-2 Dr. Manju Chugani School of Health Sciences, Prof. (Dr.) Pity Koul
and 3 Professor ,RufidaCollege of IGNOU, New Delhi Director and Programme Coordinator
Nursing (CON) Unit-6 Dr. Chetna Maliye
Prof. Pity Koul Professor, MGIMS, Sewagram Dr. Reeta Devi
Prof. Pity Koul Director & Assist. Prof. (Sr. Scale) & Programme
Director & Prog. Coordinator
Prog. Coordinator School of Coordinator
School of Health Sciences,
IGNOU, New Delhi Health Sciences, IGNOU, New
Delhi
Unit-4 Prof. Rafiqua Bashir
Unit- 7 Dr. Pragya Sharma
Principal and Professor Rajiv Associate Professor, MAMC,
Gandhi College of Nursing, Dept. of Community Medicine
Jammu New Delhi-2
Prof. Pity Koul Director & Prof. Pity Koul
Prog. CoordinatorSchool of Director & Prog.
Health Sciences, IGNOU, Coordinator School of Health
New Delhi Sciences, IGNOU, New Delhi

COURSE REVIEW COMMITTEE

Dr. Rajesh Kumar Dr. M.M.Singh Dr. Vinay Bothra
Prof. & Head, Dept. of Community Director & Professor MAMC, Sr, Consultant, NHSRC
Medicine, PGIMER, Chandigarh Community Medicine, New Delhi
Dr. Suneela Garg Faculty SOHS, IGNOU
Dr. Jugal Kishore
Sub Dean & Head Director Professor VMMC, Prof. (Dr.) Pity Koul
MAMC, Departmant of Community Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi Director and Programme Coordinator
medicine, New Delhi
Dr. Najam Khalique Dr. Reeta Devi
Dr. Himanshu Bhushan Department of Community Medicine
Advisor, NHSRC, New Delhi Assist. Prof. (Sr. Scale) & programme
AMU, Uttar Pradesh
Dr. A.K. Sood Coordinator
Prof. & Dean of Educations & Training, Dr. Dilip Singh Mairembam
NIHFW, New Delhi Advisor, NHSRC, New Delhi Mrs. Rohini Bhardwaj Sharma
Assist. Prof.
Dr. Prabir Chatterjee Dr. Manju Rani
SHRC, Chattisgarh WHO Brig.(Dr) Kanchan Sharma (Retd.)
Dr. S.B Sinha Dr. Radhika Gupta Senior Consultant, IGNOU
Advisor HCT, NHSRC Consultant, NHSRC R.K. Puram, New Delhi

CO-ORDINATION
Prof. (Dr.) Pity Koul Dr. Reeta Devi
Director & Programme Coordinator Asstt. Professor. (Sr. Scale) & Programme Coordinator
School of Health Sciences, IGNOU, New Delhi School of Health Sciences, IGNOU, New Delhi

PRODUCTION
Mr. T.R. Manoj
Assistant Registrar (P)
SOHS, IGNOU, New Delhi

May, 2017
© Indira Gandhi National Open University, 2016
ISBN :
All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced in any form, by mimeograph or any other means, without
permission in writing from the Indira Gandhi National Open University.
Further information about the School of Health Sciences and the Indira Gandhi National Open University courses
may be obtained from the University’s office at Maidan Garhi, New Delhi-110 068.
Printed and published on behalf of the Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi by
Prof. Pity Koul, Director, School of Health Sciences.
We acknowledge the reference of material and figures from various sources like NNF, AIIMS, WHO, UNICEF,
IGNOU, Govt. of India etc.
Laser Typesetting and Printed at : Akashdeep Printers, 20-Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi-110002
BLOCK INTRODUCTION
Maternal health is a vital component of health care system and refers to the health
of women during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period. As a skilled
health care professional, you must have adequate knowledge and skills to take
care of the mother during antenatal, intranatal and post natal period and make
regular postnatal visits to ensure that the mother and baby are healthy in tackling
maternal and newborn issues and enables to achieve the Sustainable Millennium
Goals.
The focus on antenatal care, institutional delivery/skilled birth attendance,
emergency obstetric care and postnatal care is essential for prevention of maternal
morbidity and mortality.
This block has been designed to enable you to develop and enhance your skills in
maternal care based on knowledge gained from the theory course material and
contact sessions in making assessment, history taking, providing a maternal and
newborn care, monitoring mother in labour and plotting of partograph, conducting
safe normal delivery, identifying maternal and foetal complications during labour
and post partum period and advising mothers for effective use of contraceptives.
The focus is also on identification of high risk cases, appropriate referral and
follow up
This block on Maternal Health Skills consists of seven units as given below
Unit 1 deals with Assessment of Health Status of Women
Unit 2 focuses on Antenatal, Intranatal, Postnatal Examination and Care
Unit 3 relates to Organising Labour Room
Unit 4 emphasizes on Conducting Normal Deliveries and Partograph
Unit 5 relates to Identification, Care and Referral of Complications during
Labour
Unit 6 focuses on Postnatal Examination and Care
Unit 7 deals with Emergency and Injectable Contraceptives and Follow up Care
Maternal Health Skills

4
 Assessment of Health
UNIT 1 ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH STATUS Status of Women

OF WOMEN

Structure
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Objectives
1.2 Health Assessment and Women’s Health
1.2.1 Definitions and Aims of Health Assessment
1.2.2 Points to be Considered for Health Assessment of Women
1.3 Components of Health Assessment of Women
1.3.1 Registration
1.3.2 History Taking
1.3.3 Physical Assessment
1.3.4 Abdominal Examination
1.3.5 Examination of External Genitalia and Vagina
1.3.6 Investigations
1.4 Identification of Risk Factors
1.5 Health Advices
1.6 Let Us Sum Up
1.7 Appendix
1.8 Activity
1.9 References

1.0 INTRODUCTION
Women health is the key for the development of any country in terms of increasing
equity and reducing poverty. The survival and well-being of women is not only
important in their own right but are also central to solving large, broader, economic,
social and developmental challenges.
Women’s health care services are an imperative global health need. However,
providing comprehensive women’s health services across women’s life span
challenges health systems in both developed and developing countries. The
demand for individualised services, which are in accordance with women’s age,
education, socio-economic status, culture, health practices and existing health
care services is essential. In India Maternal mortality continues to be very high
despite improvement in health care services so assessment of health status of
women from time to time during pregnancy, postnatal period and in general is
important to reduce mortality or morbidity.
Thus, promoting women’s health by enabling them to increase control over health
determinants and make choices consistent with a woman’s personal values and
preferences significantly improves well-being. In this unit you will learn the
skills of health assessment of woman including registration, history taking,
physical examination, investigations, identification of risk factors and health
advices.
5
Maternal Health Skills
1.1 OBJECTIVES
After completing this practical unit, you should be able to:
• perform comprehensive health assessment and care of women;
• identify and differentiate normal and abnormal changes during examination;
• conduct complete physical assessment of the women;
• assess health education needs of women and advice as per the needs of
women; and
• refer the women to the appropriate health agencies and do follow up
assessment.

1.2 HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND WOMENS HEALTH

Let us begin with Definition and Aims of Health Assessment.

1.2.1 Definition and Aims of Health Assessment

Women’s health is a state of complete physical, mental, spiritual and social
well-being for all female infants, girls and women regardless of age, socio-
economic class, race, ethnicity and geographic location. (WHO 2007)
Health Assessment is a plan of care that identifies the specific needs of a person
and how these needs will be addressed by the health care system or skilled nursing
facility.
Aims of health assessment women are:
• To protect, promote and maintain the health of the women.
• To assess the nutritional status of women.
• To detect the high risk factors and to give them special attention.
• To prepare her to be physically fit and mentally alert to cope up with pregnancy.
• To sensitise her to the need of family planning.
• To reduce maternal morbidity and maternal mortality.

1.2.2 Points to be Considered for Health Assessment of Women

• Keep the room ready for health assessment. It should be clean with good
light, well ventilated and warm as per the season.
• Collect all required articles for health assessment.
• Prepare the woman physically and psychologically.
• Explain the procedure to the woman.
• Ensure that the bladder is empty.
• Provide her comfortable and relaxed position.
• Drape the woman and maintain privacy.
• Stand on the right side of the woman or the examination table.
• Collect relevant history.
6
• Perform thorough physical examination from head to toe and record the Assessment of Health
Status of Women
finding on health record.
• Explain and assist in collecting samples for investigation like blood, urine,
pap smear etc.
• Record and report any abnormal signs if found on physical examination.
• Refer to the appropriate health agency and do follow up assessment.

1.3 COMPONENTS OF HEALTH ASSESSMENT

OF WOMAN
The various component of health assessment are given below.

1.3.1 Registration
When a woman approaches a health can provide your responsibility as a health
worker is as follows:
• Greet and welcome the woman in a pleasant manner.
• Introduces herself to the woman and any person accompanying her.
• Asks the reasons for visiting the clinic.
• Register the woman and maintain health record.
• Performs an overall visual assessment including the woman’s general
appearance, anxiety/ mood levels, movement, gait etc.
• Assess language skills and health literacy.

1.3.2 History Taking

As a Community Health care provider you have to take complete history of the
woman. On occasion, when a woman reports several issues then you may need
to prioritise, in which case woman need special attention.

Date of Registration:_______ Registration No.________

Identification Data:
Name of the woman_______ Name of the Husband ____________
Age______ Age_________
Religion_______ Education______ Occupation ______
Education______ Contact No._______
Occupation______
Contact No._______
Address_________

Personal History:
• Habits: Smoking/alcohol Drug/Tobacco/Excessive tea or coffee
• Diet: Vegetarian/Non vegetarian/egg vegetarian 7
Maternal Health Skills • Life style: Sedentary/ exercise/ relaxation/ Yoga/ meditation/ any other
• Hobbies: _______
• Hygiene: Good/ Fair/ poor
• Rest and sleep______
• Elimination habits: Bowel: Good/ Fair/ Poor
Bladder: Good/ fair/ Poor
Personal Medical History:
• Childhood disease_____
• Immunisation status_____
• Hospitalisation ( reasons and duration)______
• Drug sensitivity (specify)__________
• Allergies (specify)___________
• Blood transfusion___________
• History of any of the following diseases:
• Diabetes Mellitus_____ • Sexually transmitted disease ______
• Hypertension________ • Heart disease______
• Tuberculosis________ • Rheumatic fever____
• Asthma___________ • Malnutrition/ Anaemia_____
• Cancer___________ • Blood dyscrasias__________
• Thyroid disorder_______ • Renal/ Urinal tract infection____
• H/o any operations ___________
• H/o accidents/injury ______________
• H/o blood transfusion _____________
Menstrual History
• Age at menarche ____________
• H/o menstrual cycle and duration______________
• Date of last menstrual period (LMP) _____________
• Amount of blood flow ________________
• Any complaints like dysmenorrhoea ____________
Marital and sexual history
• Age at marriage_____
• Duration of marriage_____
• Duration of co-habilitation_________
• Relationship with spouse _______
• Sexually active/inactive________
• Orientation/attitude towards sexuality_____

8 • Contraceptive history and practice_______

• History of presence of sexually transmitted disease (if any)_____ Assessment of Health
Status of Women
Type____________
Treatment________
Obstetrical history
• Gravida_____. Para________. Number of living children_______
• History of abortion/still birth/infant death______
• History of previous pregnancies/deliveries____
• Any signs of present pregnancy _______
• History of any caesarean section________
Psychosocial History
• Psychiatric and mental history
H/o mood or anxiety disorders ___________
Mental illness___________
Medication or treatment for psychiatric mental disorders______
• Self concept or self esteem issues______
• Supportive system: Husband/ family and others_____
• Stressors: Occupational or personal_______
• Past history of depression or suicidal tendency_____
Emotional changes ________________
Adjustment to circumstances ____________
• Emotional changes_______
• History of any domestic violence_______
Family History
• Health status of Parents/ siblings (if deceased , mention cause of death)_____
• History of the following diseases in Parents/siblings/Close relatives
Diabetes mellitus ____________ Hypertension ____________
Heart disease _______________ Tuberculosis ____________
Congenital disease ________ Renal disease ___________
Asthma ________________ Cancer ______________
Vascular diseases _________________
Neuromuscular condition_______________
Multiple pregnancy__________________
Complication of pregnancies ________________
Psychiatric disorders________________

1.3.3 Physical Assessment

• Height_____
9
Maternal Health Skills • Weight______
• Body Mass Index________
• Blood Pressure______
• Vital signs: Temperature_____ Pulse__________ Respiration _____
• Oral Examination
Abrasion ____________ Ulceration________________
Oedema______________ Bruises _________________
Injury ______________ Bad breadth ______________
H/o smoking/ tobacco consumption ________________
Check for loose teeth/broken teeth/missing teeth/decayed teeth.
• Nutritional Assessment
Pallor______. Oedema_______________
S/S of anaemia ____________________________
S/S of vitamin deficiency ________________
S/S if mineral deficiency _________________
Anthropometric measurement
Height_______________Weight____________
BMI ______________
Arm muscle circumference________
Skin fold thickness _______________
• Breast examination____________
(While doing examination, follow the procedure given in the appendix)
H/o breast surgery/mass/cyst/tumour ___________
Observation of the breast –
Scars
Skin condition and textures ______________
Size of breasts_______________
Nipple retraction ________________
Discharge from nipple ________________
H/o Breast implants _______________
Lymph nodes palpable –Supracavicular region _______
Axillary region ____________
• Head to toe examination ( specify if any)___________
Hair and scalp - healthy or infected
Eyes - Colour of conjunctiva, sclera, any discharge or signs of infection Ear,
Nose and Throat - healthy, enlarged or signs of infection
Mouth, gums and teeth - Hygiene, cavities or signs of infection
10
 Skin - any scar or sign of infection Assessment of Health
Status of Women
Extremities - Upper——check hand and colour and shape of nails
Lower - any pain, tenderness, oedema or varicose veins
Back and spine - observe for any deformity

1.3.4 Abdominal Examination

(While doing examination follow the procedure given in appendix )
Tenderness ____________ Uterine involution ______________
Abdominal scars __________________
Visual Inspection - observe and record
Scars ________ lesions ______skin conditions________
Palpation - Palpate suprapubic, right iliac fossa and left iliac fossa regions
and identify masses _______ Pain __________
Tenderness___________ guarding or rebound _____________
Palpable lymph nodes in groin _________________

1.3.5 Examination of External Genitalia and Vagina

(While doing examination follows the procedure given in appendix)
External genitalia : Observe for following
Skin conditions or lesions _______ Erythema ______
Excoriation______________,
Distribution of pubic hair_____________
Introital bleeding or discharge______________
Masses_______________ Prolapsed______________
Linear fissures___________
• Dryness or atrophy__________________

• Foreign bodies (tampon or female condom) __________

• Type of discharge - amount, colour and odour.

Vaginal examination:
Speculum examination - Note the following
Appearance of the vagina____________________
Presence of inflammation____________________
Friability of tissue__________________
Presence of a foreign body_______________
Discharge or visible lesions in the vagina______________
11
Maternal Health Skills -Observe the position and appearance of the cervix________
presence of inflammation_______________________
colour and consistency of any discharge______________
bleeding_______________ cervical ectropion___________
lesions____________, ulceration or polyps______________
presence or absence of contact bleeding______________
columnar epithelium on the ecto-cervix________________
-Note the colour, number and length of intrauterine device
(IUCD) strings (if any present)________________
Bimanual examination______
Identify position of uterus – anteverted position _________
Retroverted position ________
Mid position ______________
• Pelvic Floor Assessment (while doing examination follow the procedure
given in appendix for review)
Pelvic floor tone assessment grade________
• Pelvic organ prolapse_________
• Incontinence of urine/ stool_______

1.3.6 Investigations
Refer for procedure Course 3, Block 2, Unit 2.
• Complete Blood Count
Haemoglobin_____
ESR__________
RBC _________
WBC __________
TLC ____________
DLC ____________
• Serum Cholesterol________
• Blood sugar________
• Lipid profile___________
• HIV Test__________
• Urine for Pregnancy test________
• Urine for Albumin _______
• Urine for sugar______
• Pap Smear_________________
12 • Mammography (if required)_________
Identification of High Risk Factors (Refer 1.4) Assessment of Health
Status of Women
Utilisation of Health facility by women or Family members:______________
Information regarding appropriate action (taken by you):
Health education given_______
Remarks_____
(Note: Check Appendix at the end of this unit for procedure of breast examination,
abdominal examination, external genitalia and pelvic floor assessment.)

1.4 IDENTIFICATION OF RISK FACTORS

After health assessment of woman, you may identify risk factors which need
specific attention and appropriate action.
• Age : Below 18 or above 40 years
• Height : Short Stature
• Weight : Less than 45 kgs or more than 90 kgs.
• BMI : 25 and above
• B.P. : above 140/90 mm of Hg
• Education: Low or illiterate
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Anaemia
• Deranged blood values/ urine test findings
• Pregnancy with or without any complication
• Positive Pap smear result suggestive of malignancy
• Grand Multiparity or bad obstetrical history
• Presence of any medical condition or psychiatric illness
• No use of contraceptives
• Multiple sex partners
• History of any surgery / sexually transmitted disease
• Presence of breast changes suggestive of malignancy
• Poor pelvic floor tonicity leading to pelvic organ prolapsed or incontinence
of the urine or stool
(Note: If any risk factors are identified, refer the case to higher health facility)

1.5 HEALTH ADVICES

Following advices need to be given to woman.
• Regular health assessment atleast once a year.
• If age above 40 years and sexually active do Pap smear test.
• Breast self examination once a month in menstruating women after
menstruation and on a fixed day in post menopausal women. 13
Maternal Health Skills • Clinical Breast examination is done to check for lumps. Examine for
enlargement of lymph notes in axilla. Initiate examination referral and
following as per comprehensive guidelines.

1.6 LET US SUM UP

Women’s health is increasingly recognised as an area that has emerged because
of an increase in women’s demand for unique health care services that consider
gender, life circumstances, education and religion, economic and socio-cultural
environment. Women play a major role in determining the health of the community
since women are often health care givers and recipients at the same time. In this
practical we have focused on general and specific assessment of woman.

1.7 APPENDIX
Procedure for Breast Examination (Clinical)
The women’s history is taken for breast surgery, history of masses, cysts or
tumors, family history of breast cancer, previous mammogram results, pain or
changes in appearance of breasts.
• Wash hands, ensure privacy
• Ask the woman to remove all clothing from the thoracic region
• Observe with good light -
• Position the woman either sitting or standing with arms by her sides and
visually inspect the breast and chest wall noting scars, skins conditions and
textures especially puckering or dimpling, nipple retraction, difference
between nipples or size of breasts, any overt nipple discharge, or if the woman
has breast implants.
• Request the woman to raise arms above her head followed by pressing her
on hips and roll shoulders forward contracting pectoral muscles all the while
continuing visual inspection. Checking the lateral sides of breasts and chest
wall, the symmetry in breast and nipple elevation and that there is not related
skin retraction.
• Help the woman to relax shoulders and with hands on hips bend forward
from the waist and to then slowly stand upright and note whether breasts fall
freely from chest wall, then palpate the supraclavicular and axillary regions
for lymph nodes.
• Help the woman to lie down and place small pillow under the scapula of the
side being examined and place the hand of the side to be checked beneath
the head and palpate the breast tissue superficially and deeply by varying the
pressure whilst using the flat of the fingers to the outstretched hand, and
maintaining contact with the breast tissue. Ensure a systematic examination
of the breast, nipple and chest wall by using one of these methods.
• Repeat the examination on the other breast using the same technique followed
by assisting the woman to the upright position so she may dress.
14
 Systematic Examination of the Breast Assessment of Health
Status of Women
Vertical Circular Quadrant

Vertical Circular palpation of the Dividing the breast into quadrant

Palpation of the breast tissue commencing and palpating each quadrant and
chest wall and and palpating into the nipple. then the nipple area.
breast tissue

Referral to a medical practitioner or other appropriate service is required if any

unusual findings are detected which require further assessment and management.
If an abnormality is present the nurse will record a clearly labelled diagram
including size, shape, consistency, mobility, tenderness, fixation and exact position
in the health care record.
Abdominal examination
• You should note any significant history including LMP, previous pap smear
test history, contraceptive history and hormone use.
• Throughout all phases of physical assessment the Nurse is alert for facial or
verbal expression of pain, discomfort or distress and responds appropriately;
halts the examination in case of discomfort, checks with patient and if
necessary ceases the examination.
• Wash hands, asks the antenatal mother to empty the woman bladder, and
position her in supine position with her head resting on one pillow, arms by
her side and feet resting on bed.
• The abdominal examination can be done for woman in general and during
postnatal and antenatal assessment of pregnancy.
Lower abdominal examination includes
• Visual inspection- observe and record scars, lesions and skin conditions.
• Palpation- palpate suprapubic, right iliac fossa and left iliac fossa regions to
identify masses, pain, tenderness, guarding or rebound and check if groin
lymph nodes palpable.
Postpartum abdominal assessment
Examine abdomen for tenderness, uterine involution, assess separation of
abdominal rectus sheath muscle and assess caesarean section scar (if indicated)
Antenatal abdominal assessment
It includes assessment of duration of gestation, fundal height (in weeks and
centimeters), abdominal girth, lie, attitude, presentation, position, engagement
of presenting part, foetal heart rate and rhythm.
External genitalia and Vaginal examination
• Woman should be in supine position and to bend her knees and then allow
them to fall apart to expose the external genitalia.
• Position the examination light appropriately, rewashes hands and put on
gloves.
15
Maternal Health Skills Observe for :
• Skin conditions or lesions, erythema, excoriation, distribution of pubic hair,
introital bleeding or discharge, masses, prolapse, linear fissures.
• Dryness or atrophy, especially in lactating post menopausal women
• Foreign bodies such as tampon or female condom.
• Type of discharge- amount, colour and odour.
Post Partum Assessment
• Assess lochia
• Assess perineum and note bruising, swelling of the vulva and vagina.
Episiotomy and perineal tears usually heal in 2–3 weeks although the site
may remain tender in a significant proportion of woman for some months.
• Observe for signs of infection or scarring with painful ridging or narrowing
of the introitus.
Speculum examination
• Choose a speculum size appropriate to the woman: metal or Plastic.
• Rinse metal speculum under warm running water, leave wet to lubricate and
check temperature on inside of gloved wrist, then after informing the woman
check again on the inner aspect of her thigh. Insert the speculum by using
thumb and forefinger to part labia minora.
• When the cervix is visualised with the speculum blades positioned in the
anterior or posterior fornices, tighten the screw of the upper blade to self
retain the speculum in the vagina.
• Once the speculum is secured, the nurse will perform a visual assessment.
• Note the appearance of the vagina, presence of inflammation, friability of
tissue, presence of a foreign body, discharge or visible lesions in the vagina.
• Observe the position and appearance of the cervix and note the presence of
inflammation, colour and consistency of any discharge, bleeding, cervical
ectropion, lesions, ulceration or polyps, presence or absence of contact
bleeding, columnar epithelium on the ecto-cervix.
• Note the colour, number and length of intrauterine device (IUCD) strings (if
any present)
Bimanual examination of the Pelvis
• The assess size, shape and consistency of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries
and to determine pelvis architechture.
• Lubricate the index and middle fingers of one gloved hand (vaginal hand)
• And separate the labia minora using the thumb and forefingers on the other
gloved hand (abdominal hand to visualise the introitus.
• Slide the lubricated forefinger of the vaginal hand into the vagina, pressing
downward slightly to assess the levators.
• Without causing discomfort, insert a second finger and follow the posterior
vaginal wall until the cervix is palpable (on occasion only on finger may be
inserted into the vagina to perform the examination, particular if the woman
is post menopausal or has a narrow introitus).
16
• Turn the examining hand palm upwards and palpate the cervix, noting the Assessment of Health
Status of Women
position, size and consistency of the cervix and cervical os.
• Place the abdominal hand mid position above the symphysis pubic and press
down to stabilise the pelvic organs. Elevate the cervix with fingers of the
vaginal hand and palpate the position of the uterus by noting the position of
the fundus with the abdominal hand.
• Identify the position of the uterus: If the fundus is not located, relocate the
abdominal hand to the left or right of their central position, following location
the uterus not the position, size, shape and morbidity by palpating the fornices.
• Anteverted Position: The fundus is palpated anterior to the axis of the vagina.
• Retroverted position: Vaginal fingers placed in the posterior fornix enables
palpation.
• Mid position: The fundus is not usually palpable.
Identifying any masses or tenderness by
• Displacing the cervix laterally by placing a finger on each side of the cervix
and rocking gently.
• Palpating the adnexa by moving the abdominal hand and vaginal fingers to
the relevant lateral fornix and applying gentle pressure between your hand.
• Palpating the pouch of Douglas with vaginal fingers in the posterior fornix.
Pelvis Floor Muscle Tone Assessment
This examination is usually performed following a bimanual examination to assess
the tone and functioning of the pelvis floor muscle.
• Examination for Pelvic Organ Prolapse should be performed in the dorsal
lithotomy position at rest and then with maximal valsalva or cough.
• Re-examination in the standing position may be necessary if physical finding
do not correspond to symptoms or if maximal extend of the prolapsed cannot
be confirmed.
• Assessment for vaginal atrophy and a rectovaginal examination evaluate the
posterior compartment and perineal body are important.
• A retractor or the posterior blade of a bivalve speculum is useful.
• The Community Health Nurse with gloved fingers locate centrally in the
vagina, will ask the woman to ‘contract’ or ‘pull up’ her pelvic floor muscles
and hold the contraction for as long as possible (up to 10 seconds) and grade
the strength of the contraction as described below.
Muscle Tone Gradient
Muscle Tone Gradient

Muscle Contraction Grade

Flicker only with muscles stretched 1

A weak squeeze, Two second hold 2

A fair squeeze (where the contraction can be felt to

move in an upward inward direction) 3 17
Maternal Health Skills
Muscle Contraction Grade
A good squeeze, good hold and lift. 4
The contraction Must be able to be repeated a few times
to be graded as 4

If contraction is felt, ask the woman to relax and tighten the muscles again, the
strength of contraction and degree of pelvic lift is noted. Also assess the strength
of the second contraction in comparison to the first and grade according to muscle
tone gradient.

Following the pelvis floor tone assessment, the Community Health Nurse will :
• Provide information about how to perform pelvic floor exercises.
• A review will be offered within three months if the pelvis floor muscle tone
is assessed as below Grade 3.
• If muscle tone grading remains weak at the follow up assessment, the options
for further assessment and management and referral to be considered.

Post Partum Assessment of Pelvic floor Muscle Tone:

• Pelvis floor muscle may be stretched following childbirth; this may impact
on the quality of sexual activity by creating loss of sensation and arousal for
both partners.
• Assess for any urinary/ faecal incontinence.

1.8 ACTIVITY
Perform health assessment of five women in your community field and record
your findings as per the performa used in the text.

1.9 REFERENCES
1) RMNCH+A 5 × 5 Matrix, www.nrhm.gov.in
2) http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs348/en/
3) http://unicef.in/Whatwedo/1/Maternal-Health
4) http://data.unicef.org/maternal-health/maternal-mortality.html
5) http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=123669
6) http://data.worldbank.org/
7) www.obgnursing.blogspot.com/2012/07july2012/midwiferyand
obstetricnursing
8) www.pregnancycorner.com/labourcontraction
9) www.glown.com/episiotomy
10) www.pdf-assessmentof4thstageoflabour
11) A Strategic Approach to Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and
Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A) in India, Ministry of Health & Family
18 Welfare Government of India January, 2013
12) India’s Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health Assessment of Health
Status of Women
(RMNCH+A) Strategy, by USAID July 2014.
13) Guidelines for Standardization of Labour Room at Delivery Points. Ministry
of Health & Family Welfare Government of India. March 2016.
14) Protocol Posters from FRU to MC. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Government of India.
15) Maternal and Newborn Health Toolkit. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Government of India. November 2013.
16) Guidelines for Antenatal Care and Skilled Attendance at Birth by ANMs/
CHVs/SNs. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Government of India. April
2010.
17) Skilled Birth Attendance (SBA). A Handbook for Auxiliary Nurse Midwives,
Lady Health Visitor and Staff Nurses. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Government of India. 2010.
18) Skilled Birth Attendance (SBA). Trainers Guide for Conducting Training of
Auxiliary Nurse Midwives, Lady Health Visitor and Staff Nurses. Ministry
of Health & Family Welfare Government of India. 2010.
19) Handbook for RMNCH Counsellors. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Government of India.
20) Subcutaneous Injectable Contraceptives. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Government of India.
21) My Safe Motherhood Booklet. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Government of India.
22) Skill Lab Operational Guidelines. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Government of India.
23) Daksh Skill Lab for RMNCH + A Services Training Manual for Participants.
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Government of India.
24) IUCD Reference Manual for Ayush Doctors. Ministry of Health & Family
Welfare Government of India. Jan 2014.
25) Reference Manual for Injectable Contraceptives (DMPA). Ministry of Health
& Family Welfare Government of India. Mar 2016.
26) Reference Manual for Oral Contraceptive Pills. Ministry of Health & Family
Welfare Government of India. Mar 2016.
27) Contraceptive Update Manual for Doctors (October 2005)
28) Elizabeth Marie “Midwifery for nurses,” 1st edition 2010, CBS publishers,
New Delhi.
29) Kumari Neelam, Sharma Shivani and Dr Gupta Preeti “A text book of
midwifery and gynecological nursing,” 2010 edition, PV Books, Jalandhar,
India.
30) Bashir Rafiqa, “Manual on pregnancy, labour and puerperium,” Daya
publishing house, New Delhi.
31) Souza, D, Juliania, “Normal Labour and Nursing Management” Maternal
Health Nursing, IGNOU School of Health Sciences, New Delhi.

19
Maternal Health Skills
UNIT 2 ANTENATAL, INTRANATAL, POST-
NATAL EXAMINATION AND CARE

Structure
2.0 Introduction
2.1 Objectives
2.2 History Taking
2.3 Examination of Antenatal Mother
2.3.1 General Physical Examination
2.3.2 Abdominal Examination
2.4 Laboratory Investigations
2.4.1 Pregnancy Test Detections
2.4.2 Haemoglobin Test
2.4.3 Urine Test for Proteins and Sugar
2.4.4 Rapid Disposal Test (RDT) for Malaria
2.5 Planning for Birth – Micro Birth Planning
2.6 Identification and Prevention of Risk Factors
2.6.1 Early Identification
2.6.2 Prevention of Risk Factors
2.6.3 Maintaining Records and Reports
2.7 Referral Services
2.8 Let Us Sum Up
2.9 Activity
2.10 References

2.0 INTRODUCTION
In this practical we will review the essential components of antenatal care, and
learn to provide antenatal care. Refer theoretical text in Course 2, Block 2,
Unit 2. Minimum 4 Antenatal Care visits to be ensured. And explained to the
mother the need for the visits.

2.1 OBJECTIVES
After completing this practical, you should be able to:
 identify signs and symptoms of normal and complicated pregnancy;
 carry out general abdominal examinations; and
 perform selected laboratory investigations.

2.2 HISTORY TAKING

Let us begin with importance of history taking.
Importance of history taking
20  Diagnose pregnancy (first visit only)
 Identify medical or obstetric complications in present pregnancy Antenatal, Intranatal, Post-
natal Examination and Care
 Identify complications during previous pregnancies or family history
Points to be kept in mind while taking history
 Ensure privacy
 Ensure calm and quiet atmosphere
 Make the woman comfortable and relaxed
 Maintain confidentiality
 Establish rapport
 Record all facts on Mother & Child Protection (MCP) card
 Highlight abnormal findings
i) Start with
 Age of woman
 Order of pregnancy
 Birth interval
Record LMP (1st day of woman’s last Menstrual period) and calculate
Expected Date of Delivery
EDD = LMP + 9 months +7 days
ii) Ask for symptoms
Normal symptoms during pregnancy
 Nausea & vomiting
 Heart burn
 Constipation
 Increased frequency of urination
These symptoms may cause discomfort to the woman.
Symptoms of complications
 Fever
 Persistent vomiting with dehydration
 Palpitations, tiredness
 Breathlessness at rest / on mild exertion
 Generalised swelling of body / facial puffiness
 Severe headache and/ or blurring of vision
 Passing smaller amount of urine or burning micturition
 Leaking or bleeding per vaginum
 Abnormal vaginal discharge / itching
 Decreased or absent foetal movements
iii) Obstetric history
 No. of previous pregnancies 21
Maternal Health Skills  Date (month / year)
 Mode of Delivery (vaginal / caesarian)
 Outcome (live birth, still birth, preterm, abortion, ectopic, vesicular mole)
 Any past obstetric complications
Recurrent pregnancy loss, Post abortal complications, APH, Hypertensive
disorders of pregnancy, Malpresentation, Obstructed labour, PPH, Third
degree tears, Puerperal sepsis, Thrombo-embolism etc.
 Any past obstetric procedures Cesarean section, Instrumental delivery,
Manual removal of placenta
iv) Any current / past systemic illnesses
Record if there is any history of the following illness
 High BP
 Diabetes
 Heart disease : Breathlessness on exertion, palpitation
 Tuberculosis : Cough> 2 wks , blood in sputum, prolonged fever
 Renal disease
 Epilepsy : Convulsions
 Asthma : Attacks of breathlessness
 Jaundice
 Malaria
Any other history suggestive of RTI / STI; HIV / AIDS
v) Family history
Ask about history of systemic illness
a) Hypertension
b) Diabetes
c) Tuberculosis
d) Thalassemia or repeated blood transfusions
e) Multiple pregnancies or abortion
vi) Personal history
 Intake of alcohol or tobacco or smoking
 Drug intake or allergies
 Domestic violence

Check Your Progress 1

1) Calculate the EDD of antenatal mothers whose LMP is

a) 10 Jan 2017
b) 14 April 2017
22
 Antenatal, Intranatal, Post-
c) 12 Dec 2017 natal Examination and Care

d) 05 Jun 2017
e) 15 Aug 2017
f) 16 Nov 2017
2) What obstetric history will you take from antenatal mothers who have
come for registration or check up?

2.3 EXAMINATION OF ANTENATAL MOTHER

Let us now discuss how to do general physical examination and abdominal
examination.

2.3.1 General Physical Examination

Check for Pallor, Pulse, Respiratory Rate, BP, Oedema, Weight, Jaundice, Breast
and any other as given below.
I) Look for Pallor
 Look for conjunctival pallor—ask the woman to look up and pull down
the lower lid gently with the index finger. Observe the colour of the
inside of the lid. It should be bright pink or red. If it is pale pink or white,
the woman has pallor.
 Examine the tongue. If it is white and smooth, the woman has pallor.
 Examine the nails. If they look white instead of the usual pink, the woman
has pallor.

II) Look for signs of Jaundice

 Look for yellowish discolouration of the skin and conjunctiva in natural
light.
 If discolouration present, refer the woman to the MO.

III) Check Pulse

 Palpate (feel) the woman’s radial pulse by placing the finger tips of 3
fingers on her wrist, below her thumb.
 Press against the radial artery and then slowly release the pressure until
you can feel the pulse.
 Count the beats for a full minute. The normal pulse rate is between 60
and 90 beats per minute.

IV) Check Respiration

 Count the respiratory rate (RR) by placing your hand on the woman’s
chest and observing the rise and fall of the chest for 1 minute.
 The normal RR is 16–20 breaths per minute.
23
Maternal Health Skills V) Check for Oedema
 Look for oedema over the ankles and shin by pressing your thumb against
the bone for 5 seconds. If your thumb leaves an impression, it indicates
the presence of oedema.
VI) Measure Blood Pressure (BP)
Follow following steps
If BP findings are 140/90 mm Hg and above, then repeat it after 30 minutes.
If the recording is still high, she needs to be referred to Medical Officer for
treatment and advice.
VII)Record Weight
Ensure that the woman is wearing light clothing and is barefoot.
 Check the weighing machine for ‘zero error’ before taking the weight.
 Ask the woman to stand straight on the weighing machine, look straight
ahead and hold her head upright.
 Record the weight to the nearest 100 g.
VIII) Conduct Breast Examination (take verbal consent)
 Help the woman on to the examination table, Place a pillow under her
head and upper shoulders, and help her to relax.
 Examine the breasts. Examine each breast up to the axilla separately
with the pad of your fingers for any lumps or tenderness. If either lumps
or tenderness is present, refer the woman to the MO at the PHC.
 Observe the size and shape of the nipples. Look for inverted or flat nipples,
and crusted or sore nipples.

2.3.2 Abdominal Examination

Before carrying out abdominal examination refer theory Course 2, Block 2, Unit 1
for details.
Purpose of abdominal examination
 To measure fundal height
 Foetal lie and presentation
 Foetal movement
 Monitor progress of pregnancy and foetal growth.
Components of Abdominal Examination include following:
 Measurement of fundal height
 Assessment of foetal lie and presentation
 Assessment of foetal movement
 Auscultation of foetal heart sounds
 Inspection for scars
 Other relevant abdominal findings
24 Assess the following parameters:
Preparation for Abdominal Examination Antenatal, Intranatal, Post-
natal Examination and Care
 Ensure privacy
 Examination room should be well lit and airy
 Woman is asked to empty her bladder
 Explain the women about the procedure/process
 To make her comfortable, keep talking to her
 Make her to lies supine with legs partially flexed
 Stand on her right side
 Palpate the uterus with warm hands
i) Fundal Height
It indicates the following:
 Duration of pregnancy
 Foetal growth
 Any abnormality in the pregnancy
Steps of Assessment of Fundal Height
a) Keep the necessary article for abdominal palpation and auscultation of FHS
ready: mannequin on table, measuring tape, stethoscope/foetoscope, watch
with a second hand
b) Stand on the right side of the mother
c) Ensure the bladder is empty and give semi-flexed position during
examination
d) Observe the abdomen for any scar, size, shape and contour.
e) Assess of fundal height (Fig. 2.1)
 Keep the ulnar border of curved left hand on woman’s abdomen parallel
to symphysis pubis
 Start from xiphisternum and gradually proceed towards symphysis pubis
lifting the hand between each step till a bulge / resistance of uterine
fundus is felt
 Mark the level of fundus

Fig. 2.1: Assessment of Fundal Height

25
Maternal Health Skills Measure the fundal height using ulnar border of left hand
Measure in weeks as well as in centimetres. Follow the steps as given below:
Measurement of fundal height (Table 2.1) and Fig. 2.2
 Divide the abdomen by an imaginary lines passing through umbilicus
 Divide the lower abdomen in 3 parts with 2 equidistant lines between the
pubic symphysis and the umbilicus
 Divide the upper abdomen into 3 parts again with 2 imaginary equidistant
lines between the umbilicus and xiphisternum
 Measure the distance from the upper border of symphysis pubis along the
uterine curvature to the top of the fundus with a tape.
Table 2.1: Measurement of Fundal Height

f) Palpate the abdomen with the following grips:

 Fundal grip (to find out pole of the foetus at the fundus)
 Lateral grip (to find out the side of foetal back)
 Pelvic grips (to find out the foetal head engagement)
 Fundal Palpation / Fundal Grip: Helps to determine lie and presentation
of foetus (Fig. 2.3)

26 Fig. 2.3: Fundal Grip

  Lateral Palpation / Lateral Grip: Helps to locate foetal back (Fig. 2.4) Antenatal, Intranatal, Post-
natal Examination and Care

Fig. 2.4: Lateral Grip

 First Pelvic Grip / Superficial Pelvic Grip: Helps to determine whether

head or breech is presenting at pelvic brim and whether the presenting
part is engaged / fixed / free (Fig. 2.5)

Fig. 2.5: First Pelvic Grip

 Second Pelvic Grip / Deep Pelvic Grip: Helps to know the degree of
flexion of head (Fig. 2.6)

Fig. 2.6: Deep Pelvic Grip

ii) Foetal Movements

 Fetal movement are reliable sign of foetal well-being
 These are felt around 18–22 wks of pregnancy (felt earlier in multigravida
than primigravida)
 Normally 10–12 foetal movements should be felt by the pregnant woman
in a day
 Decreased foetal movements may be an indication of foetal distress
 Pattern of foetal movement may change prior to labour due to reduced
space. But foetal activity should continue throughout pregnancy and labour
iii) Foetal Heart Sound (FHS)
a) Place the foetoscope on the side where foetal back was felt (Fig. 2.7)
 FHS is heard per abdomen by stethoscope / foetoscope after 24 weeks
of pregnancy 27
Maternal Health Skills  Normal FHR is 120–160 beats per min
 FHR < 120 beats per min or > 160 beats per min indicates fetal
distress and calls for referral
 Confirm that you are listening to the FHS and not maternal pulse
 In vertex presentation FHS is best heard midway between the line
joining the umbilicus and the anterior superior iliac spine on the
side of the back
 In breech presentation FHS is heard above the umbilicus

Fig. 2.7: Auscultation of FHS

b) Count the FHR for 1 minute using a watch with a second hand
Refer Fig. 2.8 which gives summary of Antenatal examination with specific
reference to Fundal Height.

28 Fig. 2.8: Summary of Antenetal examination (Adopted from Govt. of India documents)
 Antenatal, Intranatal, Post-
Key points to remember: natal Examination and Care

 An abdominal examination and auscultation of FHS must be recorded

during each visit to monitor progress of pregnancy, foetal viability and
growth
 Maintain privacy and obtain verbal consent before examination
 Expose only the area to be examined i.e. abdomen
 The bladder should be emptied before examination
 During palpation, ensure that the woman partially flexes her legs and
knees
 Foetal lie and presentation may be ascertained in palpation during the 3rd
trimester.
 The normal lie at term in the majority is longitudinal, with a cephalic
presentation. Any other lie is abnormal and the woman must be referred
to higher facility for delivery care.
 Correlate the fundal height in weeks with LMP and also correlate with
fundal – symphysis pubic height in cm.
 If the foetal heart rate (FHR) is between 120 and 160 beats/minute, it is
normal. If it is <120 beats/minute OR >160 beats/minute, the woman
should be referred to higher facility for emergency delivery care.
 FHS can only be heard through the abdomen with the help of a stethoscope
or foetoscope after 24 weeks of pregnancy. All findings must be entered
on the MCP card.

2.4 LABORATORY INVESTIGATIONS

You should carry out following laboratory investigations.

2.4.1 Pregnancy Detection

Procedure
 Remove the pregnancy test card from the pregnancy kit.
Keep this card on a flat surface.
 Use the dropper to take morning sample of urine.
Put 2–3 drops in the well marked ‘S’.
 Wait for 5 minutes.
Result:
 If one red band appears in the result window ‘R’, the pregnancy test is negative.
 If two parallel red bands appear, the pregnancy test is positive.

2.4.2 Haemoglobin Test

Procedure
 Clean the tip of the woman’s ring finger with an alcohol swab.
29
Maternal Health Skills  Prick the finger using the lancet and discard the first drop of blood.
 Allow a large drop of blood to form on the fingertip (do not press the finger
tip to take out blood). Dip the tip of the Hb pipette into the blood drop and
suck blood up to the 20 cmm mark on the pipette.
 Wipe the tip of the pipette with cotton. Immediately transfer the 20 cmm
(0.02 ml) of blood from the pipette into the Hb tube containing N/10 HCl.
 After 10 minutes, dilute the acid by adding distilled water drop by drop. Mix
it with the stirrer.
 Note down the reading (lower meniscus) when the colour of the solution
exactly matches that of the comparator on both sides of the
haemoglobinometer. This expresses the Hb content as g%. Hb colour strip

2.4.3 Urine Test for Proteins and Sugar

The procedure for urine test for protein and sugar is explained below.
i) Urine test for proteins
Procedure using dipstick
 Remove one strip from the bottle of dipsticks and replace the cap.
 Completely immerse the regent area of the strip in urine and remove
immediately to avoid dissolving the reagent.
When removing the strip from the urine, run the edge against the rim of
the urine container to remove excess urine.
 Hold the strip horizontally.
 Compare the colour of the reagent area to the colour chart on the label of
the bottle, after the time specified (usually 60 seconds)
Procedure using hot test (boiling)
 Fill three-fourths of the test-tube with urine and heat the upper third of
the urine over the spirit-lamp and allow it to boil.
Keep the mouth of the test tube away from your face to prevent scalding.
 Turbidity of the sample indicates the presence of either phosphate or
albumin.
Add 2–3 drops of 2%–3% acetic acid drop by drop into the test-tube.
 If the sample remains turbid, it indicates the presence of proteins.
 If the turbidity clears, it indicates the absence of proteins.
ii) Urine test for sugar
Procedure using dipstick
Follow the same steps as for protein and match the colour with the label on
the bottle.
Procedure using the boiling method (Benedict test)
 Take 5 ml of Benedict solution in a test-tube. Boil it over the spirit lamp,
holding the test-tube away from your face.
30  If the colour of the solution does not change on heating, it is pure.
  Add 8 drops of urine with the help of dropper. Shake it well and boil. Antenatal, Intranatal, Post-
natal Examination and Care
 Allow it to cool and observe the colour.
Other investigations to be included are:
 Blood grouping and Rh status
 Blood VDRL to rule out Syphilis test done at PHC
 HBs Ag to rule out Heatitis B Carrier state of mother
 HIV status to implement measures to prevent mother and child
transmission.

2.4.4 Rapid Disposable Test (RDT) for Malaria

We shall begin with procedure of preparing a blood smear.
Steps to prepare the thick and thin smear
 Select the second or third finger of the left hand
 Clean with antiseptic or sterile wipes
 Dispose of the cotton swab in the yellow bin
 Allow the finger to air dry
 Puncture the side of the ball of the finger, not too close to the finger bed
 Allow the blood to come up automatically - Don’t squeeze the finger
 Hold the sides by the edges
 Touch the drop of blood with a clean slide
 Collect 3 drops to prepare the thick smear
 To prepare a thin smear, take another fresh slide and touch the drop of
blood from the edge of slide
 Spread the drop of blood with the corner of the slide to make a circle or
a square of approximately 1 cm in diameter
 Bring the edge of the slide to the second drop of blood to the surface of
the first slide, wait until the blood spreads along the whole edge
 Hold it at an angle of 45 degrees and spread with a rapid but not brisk
movement
 Write the slide number of the thin film and wait until the thick film is dry
 Wrap and send the slides to the laboratory for staining and to be examined
under the microscope
Steps for Malaria testing using Rapid Diagnostic Test kit (RDT)
 Store the kits at the recommended temperature
 Check that the RDT kit is not damaged
 Check the expiry date on the kit
 Remove the RDT packaging. and the dropper from the foil pouch and place
it on flat, dry surface
 Label the RDT with patient’s ID and date the test was performed
 Allow the reagents to attain room temperature if kept in cold chain 31
Maternal Health Skills  Select the finger for puncture, clean with spirit swab and allow to air dry
 Puncture the finger with a sterile lancet
 Slowly add 1 drop of blood to the sample well and add 2 drops of the
assay diluent
 As the test begins to work, a purple colour will be seen moving across
the result window in the centre of the test device
 Interpret test* result at 5–20 minutes (Do not interpret after 20 minutes)
*Interpretation of the result for Monovalent RDT kit:
Negative If only 1 line (band) appears, the test has worked and the patient
result is negative for malaria
Positive If 2 lines (bands) appear within15-20 minutes, the person is
result suffering from P. Falciparum malaria
Invalid If no line appears within15-20 minutes, discard and repeat the
result test

*Interpretation of the result for Bivalent RDT kit:

Negative If only 1 line (band) appears at C ( Control), the test has worked
result and the patient is negative for malaria
Positive If 2 lines (bands) appear within 15-20 minutes at C (control) and
result T1, the person is suffering from P. Falciparum malaria
Positive If 2 lines (bands) appear within 15-20 minutes at C (control) and
result T2, the person is suffering from P. Vivax malaria
Positive If 3 lines (bands) appear within 15-20 minutes at C (control), T1
result and T2, the person is suffering from both P. Falciparum and P.
Vivax malaria
Invalid If no line appears within 15-20 minutes, discard and repeat the
test test

Remember:
Ultrasonography (USG)
 Do not encourage frequent USG abdomen
As per GOI guidelines only one USG is done at 19 weeks of pregnancy and
is recommended for ensuring foetal outcome

Key points to remember:

 Store the kits at the recommended temperature

 Never read the result beyond 30 minutes
 In high malaria-endemic areas, pregnant women should be routinely tested
for malaria at the first antenatal visit
 Screen the woman for malaria every month by conducting the RDT even
if she does not manifest any symptoms of malaria.
32
 Antenatal, Intranatal, Post-
 If a pregnant woman shows symptoms of malaria at any time, she should natal Examination and Care
be tested. If the result is positive, refer her to a higher facility for further
treatment.
 Chemoprophylaxis should be administered only in selective groups in
high P. Falciparum endemic areas.
 No prophylaxis is recommended, but insecticide-treated bed nets or Long-
Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN) should be given on a priority basis to
pregnant women in malaria-endemic areas.

ON SUBSEQUENT VISITS
 Physical examination for maternal and fetal well-being including weight and
blood pressure
 Laboratory tests including urine examination and hemoglobin estimation
 Iron and folic acid supplementation and medications as needed
 Immunisation against tetanus on first contact and thereafter in one month.
 Group or individual teaching on nutrition, self-care, family planning, delivery
and parenthood
 Referral services, when necessary

2.5 PLANNING FOR BIRTH – MICRO BIRTH

PLANNING
Birth Preparedness
 Registration
 Identification of place of birth and a skilled birth attendant
 Benefits of institutional delivery
 Locate nearest functional FRU/ 24×7 PHC for referral
 Identify and arrange for transport
 Identify support people
 Identification of blood donors if required
Complication readiness
 Recognising signs of labour
 A bloody sticky vaginal discharge (show)
 Painful abdominal contractions every 20 min or less
 Advise the woman to go to a health facility or contact a SBA if she has any of
the above signs
 Awareness and recognition of danger signs during pregnancy, delivery and
postpartum period
 Identification of nearest functional FRU / PHC
 Identification of transportation facilities
33
Maternal Health Skills
2.6 IDENTIFICATION AND PREVENTION OF RISK
FACTORS
2.6.1 Early Identification
Early identification of complication and its management by physicians or
specialists at Basic Emergency Obsetetic Cava (BeMoc) or Comprehensions
Emergency Obsetetic Cava (CeMoc) facilities. This will help averting maternal
morbidities and mortalities and ensure maternal and foetal well-being.
While continuing to provide appropriate care for all mothers, ‘high risk’ cases
must be identified as early as possible and arrangements to be made for skilled
care. These cases comprise the following:
 Women below 18 years of age or over 35 years in primigravida.
 Women who have had four or more pregnancies and deliveries.
 Short statured primigravida
 Those who have practiced less than 2 years or more than 10 years of birth
spacing.
 Those with cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD), genital prolapse.
 Malpresentations, e.g. breech, transverse lie etc.
 Antepartum haemorrhage, threatened abortion
 Preeclampsia and eclampsia
 Anemia
 Twins, hydramnios
 Previous stillbirth, intrauterine death, manual removal of placenta
 Elderly grandmultipara
 Those mother with blood Rh negative.
 Those with obesity and malnutrition.
 Prolonged pregnancy ( 7 days beyond expected date of delivery)
 Previous caesarean or instrumental delivery
 Pregnancy associated with medical conditions, e.g. cardiovascular disease,
kidneydisease, diabetes, tuberculosis, liver disease etc.

2.6.2 Prevention of Risk Factor

 Administration of folic acid 5 mg daily months before conception.
 By improving pre-pregnancy health of woman, better nutrition, correction of
anaemia.
 Providing quality antenatal care.
 Screening all pregnancies for high risk.
 Provide appropriate clinical and technological care by specialist on time.
 Prevent all kinds of infection.

34  Early diagnosis of malformation and termination.

 Avoidance of medication (without physician’s prescription). Antenatal, Intranatal, Post-
natal Examination and Care
 Health education on MCH and FP care.

2.6.3 Maintaining of Records and Reports

Following records should be maintained at Sub-centre
 Mother and Child Protection (MCP Card) This has been discussed in Theory
block BNS-042, Block 4, Unit 4
 Village wise RCH Register
 Entry in RCH portal (MCTS)
 ANC, PNC register

2.7 REFERRAL SERVICES

It is important that the danger signs be recognised at the earliest so that the antenatal
mother can be referred in time to FRU or PHC for further management. The
maternal conditions requiring referral are mentioned below: (Table 2.2)
Table 2.2: Maternal Conditions requiring referral

Visit FRU Visit PHC

Malpresentation High fever with or without abdominal

pain, too weak to get out of bed

Multiple pregnancy Fast or difficult breathing

Any bleeding P/V during pregnancy

and after delivery (a pad is soaked in Consuming IFA tablets for 30 days
less than 5 minutes)

Severe headache with blurred vision Excessive vomiting, unable to take

anything orally

Haemoglobin <7 g% Breathlessness at rest

Convulsions or loss of consciousness Reduced urinary output with high BP

Decreased or absent foetal movements High BP (>140/90 mmHg) with or

without proteins in the urine

Active labour lasting longer than 12

hours in primipara and more than 8
hours in a multipara

Continuous severe abdominal pain

Premature rupture of membranes

(PROM) before 37 weeks

High BP (>140/90 mmHg) with proteins

in the urine, and severe headache with
blurred vision or epigastric pain

Temperature more than 38°C

35
Maternal Health Skills
Visit FRU Visit PHC
Foul smelling discharge before or after
delivery/abortion

Ruptured membranes for more than 18

hours

FHR >160/minute or<120/ minute

Perineal tear (2nd, 3rd and 4th degree)

2.8 LET US SUM UP

In this practical on Antenatal Care you have learned about the history taking
abdominal examination (various steps for abdominal examination/palpation in a
pregnant women), laboratory investigation (like urine analysis, haemoglobin test,
urine test for protein and sugar, RDT for malaria), birth planning and identification
of prevention of risk factors. You have also learnt about records and reports and
referral services.

2.9 ACTIVITY
Select five antenatal mothers in DH/PHC, CHC/PHC/SC registered them in
clinic.
1) Conduct and Record antenatal examination of mothers registered at the clinic.
Perform pregnancy detection test on 5 mothers who have registered in the
first trimester of pregnancy.
Carry out blood Hb test of 10 antenatal mothers in the first, second and third
trimester of pregnancy.
Urine Test for protein and sugar on 10 antenatal mothers.

2.10 REFERENCES
1) Daksh Skills Lab (RMNCH + A) Training Manual for trainers Govt. of India.
2) Daksh Skills Lab (RMNCH + A) Training Manual for participants Govt. of
India.

36
 Organising Labour Room
UNIT 3 ORGANISING LABOUR ROOM
Structure
3.0 Introduction
3.1 Objectives
3.2 Mother and Baby Friendly Environment
3.3 Infrastructure
3.3.1 Improving Existing Infrastructure
3.3.2 Creating New Infrastructure
3.4 Maternity Wing
3.4.1 Examination Room
3.4.2 Pre-Delivery Observation Room (1st Stage Area)
3.4.3 Delivery (Labour) Room
3.4.4 Service Area
3.4.5 Post-Delivery Observation Room (4th Stage Area)
3.4.6 General Requirements for Labour Room
3.4.7 Infection Prevention in Labour Room
3.4.8 Do's and Don'ts For Labour Room
3.5 Newborn Care Corner (NBCC)
3.5.1 Equipment and Accessories Needed at NBCC
3.5.2 Services Provided at Newborn Care Facilities of DH/FRU/CHC
3.5.3 Expected Services to be Provided at Newborn Care Facilities
3.5.4 Newborn Care
3.6 Septic Room and Eclampsia Room
3.7 Let Us Sum Up
3.8 Activity
3.9 References

3.0 INTRODUCTION
All facilities providing Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH) services should
have a mother and newborn friendly environment. Dignity and safety (privacy
and choice) of clients should be ensured. Staff deputed at such facilities should
adhere to clinical protocols/standards of service delivery and ensure infection
prevention measures.
This unit provides an outline for planning infrastructure, equipment, drugs and
supplies, record keeping, reporting and monitoring. It is the responsibility of the
facility in charge and service providers to ensure that the institution and its
premises remain clean, safe and client friendly. A nodal officer should be
designated at every institution for assuring quality of services. All staff including
support staff should be oriented and trained on relevant protocols including
infection prevention. Audit of sample prescription/case sheets should be weekly
exercises by faculty members or treating physicians to ensure rational treatment
as per clinical standards.
In this unit you will learn about organising a labour room which include
infrastructure and equipment required for a labour room and newborn care corner. 37
Maternal Health Skills
3.1 OBJECTIVES
After completing this practical, you should be able to:
 Identify infrastructure needed to set up a labour room; and
 Recognise and collect all the equipments needed in labour room a newborn
care corner.

3.2 MOTHER AND BABY FRIENDLY

ENVIRONMENT
 Respecting the right of every mother and baby to stay safe in the facility and
with dignity
 Designing the infrastructure for easy mobility and comfortable stay
 Training the service providers for necessary behavioural and technical skills
 Providing integrated maternal newborn and child health services in accordance
with protocols with required competency.
 Practice of infection prevention and bio-medical waste management as per
guidelines
 Establishing assured referral linkages
 Monitoring quality of service delivery and establishing a process for
improvement of quality.
 Ensuring functional grievances redressal system both for client and service
providers
 Assessing client satisfaction periodically
 For smooth planning at each level of facility, the plan should take care of
infratstructure, equipment, drugs and supplies, record keeping, reporting and
monitoring.

3.3 INFRASTRUCTURE
While planning for infrastructure, planners may face two situations:
a) To improve existing infrastructure
b) To create additional infrastructure particularly where bed occupancy is more
that 70%

3.3.1 Improving Existing Infrastructure (Fig. 3.1)

Although it may not be always possible to ensure the recommended layouts and
infrastructure within an existing facility Fig. 3.1 Maternal and Noenatal unit, it is
still essential to make the existing facility as mother and baby friendly as possible.
Planning therefore cannot be based on a one size fits all, and will differ from facility
to facility as per the local situation. Some of the critical steps to follow are to:
1) Perform a need assessment and identify the gaps by observing client flow
and time taken for actual service delivery from the time clients report to the
38 registration or emergency.
2) Plan to address gaps to improve service delivery and minimise the third delay. Organising Labour Room

3) Relocate/redesign/rearrange available area/rooms for optimal utilisation

keeping in mind client safety, privacy and comfort.
4) Repair and refurbish facility with appropriate tiling, flooring, roofing and
ventilation.
5) Ensure privacy, create anterooms before aseptic zones such as LR, OT,
obstetric HDU, ICU, SNCU etc.
6) Ensure availability of 24×7 running water supply, uninterrupted power supply.
7) Attention should be given for improving the ambience of the premises, waiting
area and other facilities for the clients.
8) If you are not posted at wellness centre or a Sub-centre then prepare an
isolation labour room for eclampsia, sepsis, HIV, Hepatitis B & C and such
cases which might need isolation.

Fig. 3.1: Maternity and Neonatal Unit

3.3.2 Creating New Infrastructure

While creating new infrastructure, the criteria given below must be used:
1) Functionality of the facility
2) Delivery point
3) Bed occupancy
4) Services being delivered

3.4 MATERNITY WING

This section deals with organisation of 'Maternity Wing' with minimum standards
of care which should be observed on a facility. A Maternity Wing comprises (Fig.
3.2) following:

Fig. 3.2: Maternity Wing 39

Maternal Health Skills Delivery Unit Includes the following

 Receiving Area
 Examination Room
 Pre-delivery room (1st stage area)
 Delivery (Labour) room both septic and aseptic with NBCC (2nd – 3rd
stage)
 Post-Delivery observation room (4th stage area)

Receiving Area
This is the place where all pregnant women including those in emergency situation
are received. The pregnant woman's BP, weight etc. are noted. Records and
registers are filled and a case sheet is prepared after her examination in the
examination room. Relevant registers and records must be kept in the receiving
area.

Any woman coming to the receiving area has to be quickly assessed for
signs of acute emergencies, danger signs or a stage of full dilatation with
imminent delivery. Initial/emergency management of such cases will be
done in the examination room. Then the woman is sent to the appropriate
area for further management.

Fig. 3.3 : Flow of a client within the Maternity Wing

3.4.1 Examination Room

This is a place where adequate privacy with curtains between examination tables
schedule be maintained. It is a well lit room with examination tables and enough
space for movement of the pregnant woman/patient and also the examining doctor.
The room also has the following equipment and consumables for conducting
general, abdominal and vaginal examination.
Equipment and Accessories
1) Wheelchairs and/or stretcher
40
2) Examination table with foot step and curtain for privacy Organising Labour Room

3) Foetoscope/Doppler
4) Table and chair
5) BP apparatus with stethoscope
6) Thermometer
7) Wall clock
8) Adult weighing scale
9) Measuring tape
10) Emergency drug tray
11) Hub cutter
12) Puncture proof container
13) Colour coded bins
14) Partograph
15) Cetrimide swabs
16) Disposable gloves
17) Records/registers
18) Refrigerator
19) Utility gloves
20) MCP Card, safe motherhood booklet
21) IUCD Client Card
22) Sterilised swabs and instruments
23) Washbasin
24) 0.5% Chlorine solution and a tub
25) Examination tray
26) Delivery tray in case of emergency
27) Bucket with kellys pad
28) IV stand
29) Scissor
30) For communication - Telephone facility

3.4.2 Pre-Delivery Observation Room (1st Stage Area)

After initial examination, the pregnant woman with good uterine contractions
but cervical dilatation still less than 4 cm that is not in active phase of labour will
be sent to pre-delivery room area for close observation. The woman should change
into a clean gown.
Equipment and accessories
1) Foetoscope /Doppler
2) BP Apparatus with stethoscope 41
Maternal Health Skills 3) Thermometer
4) Wall clock
5) Colour coded bins
6) Cetrimide swabs
7) Disposable gloves
8) Bed head tickets with attached partograph
9) Utility gloves
10) Washbasin
11) IV stand
12) Sterilised instruments

3.4.3 Delivery (Labour) Room (Fig. 3.4)

A pregnant woman will go to the Delivery/Labour room if she is in active
phase of labour, i.e. cervical dilatation = or 4 cm. Essential services in Labour
Room:
 Conducting Normal Delivery
 Plotting Partograph
 Identifying and managing complications
 AMTSL
 ENBC including newborn resuscitation

Fig. 3.4: Labour Room

Labour room equipment and accessories (Fig. 3.5)

Every labour room should have the following:
1) Labour room with mattress, sheet, pillow (numbers as per case load),
macintosh, foot-rest.
2) Brass V Drape to collect blood and amniotic fluid
3) Wall clock with seconds hand
4) Wall mounted thermometer
5) Suction apparatus
42
6) Equipment for adult resuscitation Organising Labour Room

7) Equipment for neonatal resuscitation

8) Delivery tray
9) IV Drip stand
10) Screen/partition between two tables
11) Stool for birth companion
12) Lamp-wall mounted or side
13) Autoclave drums for instruments, linen, gloves, cotton, gauge, threads,
sanitary pads.
 Autoclaved delivery set for each delivery
14) Refrigerator
15) Sphygmomanometer, adult and newborn thermometer and newborn weighing
machine.
16) Consumables like gloves, apron, cotton, thread. Gauze, sanitary napkins,
catgut, IV drips sets, needle, cord clamp, medicines (injectable, oral and
parenteral, leucplastetc.)
17) Pulse oxymeter
18) Steriliser
19) Oxygen cylinder
20) Oxygen concentrator
21) Partograph
22) Labelled plastic jars for drugs and injectables with date of expiry written on
them against each drug.
23) Coloured bins for biomedical waste management
24) Hub cutter
25) Puncture proof container
26) Plastic tubs for 05% chlorine solution
27) Intranatal protocols (AMTSL, PPH etc.)
28) Wheel chair/patient's trolley
29) 7 trays: delivery tray, episiotomy tray, medicine tray, emergency drug tray,
baby tray, MVA tray, PPIUCD tray
30) Hand washing area and toilet for the admitted clients
31) Foetoscope/ foetal Doppler
32) Stethoscope
33) Display of protocols
34) Mosquito repellent

43
Maternal Health Skills

44 Fig. 3.5: Equipment and accessories in Labour Room

While working in the labour room ensure that all equipments are ready for use. Organising Labour Room
The nursing staff should hand over and take over all equipment and supplies in
working condition and in sufficient quantity.
7 TRAYS OF LABOUR ROOM

3.4.4 Service Area

 Every LR should have demarcated service area for the paper work (recording/
reporting) which should not be completely segregated from the patient areas,
so that the staff on duty can quickly respond respond to any exigency or the
requirments of the women in labour.
 This area should not be used as a store for drugs, consumables, equipment,
etc. which can be kept in a separate store as replacement stock. List of
consumables required for 100 deliveries.
 Although, oxytocin is the drug of choice for PPH prevention and treatment,
it is not always feasible in low-resource settings because it requires
refrigeration, sterile equipment for injection and a skilled provider. When
oxytocin is unavailable, use of oral misoprostol (600 micrograms) is
recommended.
45
Maternal Health Skills  For smooth working of the Labour Room, one labour table will require 10×10
sq.ft of space; two tables will need 20×20 and so on. Every labour table
should have a sleek vertical trolley with space for six trays.

3.4.5 Post-Delivery Observation Room (4th Stage Area)

Mother and baby must be observed for 2 hours after delivery before shifting to
the ward. This area can be planned along side the pre-delivery observation side.

3.4.6 General Requirements for Labour Room

 Floor should be tiled, preferably anti-skid and white without any design on it.
 Walls should also be tiled up to a height of 6 ft.
 Remaining walls and ceiling should be painted white.
 There should be windows and ventilators with frosted glass panes.
 Windows to be covered with mesh to ward of flies, mosquitoes, insects.
 Provision of running water (24×7) in the labour room and adjoining toilets.
In case of restricted supply.
 Washing area should be hands-free with elbow operated taps.
 Every labour room should have refrigerator for keeping drugs such as Inj.
Oxytocin.
 Size of the labour room and number of beds and delivery tables would depend
upon the delivery case load of the facility.
 Maternity wing must have a separate store where weekly/monthly stock of
essential drugs and supplies are kept.
 Labour room should be centrally air conditioned.
 Alternatively, cross ventilation with exhaust is required if air conditioning is
not present.

3.4.7 Infection Prevention in Labour Room

 Demarcated area for keeping slippers for the hospital staff and relatives and
slippers to be used for entering the labour/pre-labour room.
 Sterile gown to be given to patient going for delivery.
 Floor should be cleaned
 Proper sterilisation has to be ensured for gloves, instruments, linen etc. needed
for conducting a delivery. Standard procedures for disinfection and
sterilisation need to be followed.
 Sodium hypochlorite solution/bleaching powder solution must be used to
decontaminate the used gloves, instruments etc. After use the item should
not be thrown on the floor or elsewhere.
 Disinfect the items in bleaching powder solution following by washing and
autoclaving.
 Clean the floor and sinks with detergent (soapy water) and keep floor dry.
 Clean table top with phenol/bleaching solution.
 Clean other surfaces like light shades, almirahs, lockers, trolley, etc with low
level disinfectant Phenol.
 In case of spillage of blood, body fluids on floor, absorb with newspaper (discard
46 in yellow bin), soak with bleaching solution for 10 min and then mop.
 Discard placenta in yellow bins. Organising Labour Room

 Discard soiled linen in laundry basket and not on floor.

 Disinfect with bleaching solution followed by washing and autoclaving.
 Mop the floor every 3 hrs with disinfect solution.
 Clean the labour table after every delivery.

Labour Room Sterilisation

3.4.8 Do's and don'ts for Labour Room

Do's Don'ts
 Equipment must be checked for its  Do not keep almirahs and metal
functionality during change in cabinets in LR
shifts of nursing staff  Do not burn Coal in LR for
 Privacy and dignity of the woman lighting/ heating or any other
should be maintained. purpose

 Use sterilised instrument for every  Do not allow Doctors or Nurses

delivery and birth companions to enter LR 47
Maternal Health Skills
Do's Don'ts
 Each Labour table must have light without wearing gown, cap, slipper,
source mask
 Use plastic curtains between  Do not put cloth curtains between
adjacent tables to maintain privacy LR tables as they gather dust.
 LR should draught free  Do Not allow people to enter LR
unnecessarily
 20% buffer stock of LR drugs must
be available all the time  Do not put pressure on the abdomen
for accelerating Labour or delivery
 Temperature must be between 25
to 28 degree Celsius must be  Do not Give routine Qxytocin IM
maintained in LR. Hilly, cold areas or in drip for augmenting labour
will need warmers during winters pains before delivery without
indication
 Injection Oxytocin should be kept
in fridge (not freezer)  Do not conduct frequent PV
Examination.
 Practice infection prevention
protocols  Do not allow Dai , Mamta, ASHA,
Yashoda conduct delivery
 Initiation of breastfeeding within
one hour of birth.  Do not Slap the baby if not crying
 Collect Cord Blood in Rh  Do not keep the baby unwrapped
Negative mother
 Do not leave the baby Unattended,
if in warmer
 Do not keep unnessary store in the
service area

3.5 NEWBORN CARE CORNER

This is Mandatory for all Labour rooms and obstetric OT's of delivery points:
(Fig. 3.6)
Essential Care at Birth
 Resuscitation of Newborn
 Provision of Warmth
 Early initiation of breastfeeding
 Weighing the neonate
 Inspecting Newborn for gross congenital anomalies
 Every Labour room and obstetric OT should have an NBCC, with a radiant
warmer and a functional bag and mask of appropriate size
 Room should be draught free
Please Note that every baby will not need care under a radiant warmer. Only
when the following conditions are observed in the mother or baby, then the baby
should be put under a radiant warmer for ENBC and, if required , given
48 resuscitation:
 Meconium stained liquor and preterm labour Organising Labour Room

 Baby not crying and limp/ floppy baby

 Or as per doctor's advice

Fig. 3.6: Newborn Unit

3.5.1 Equipment and Accessories Needed at NBCC

1) Baby Tray
2) Paediatric Stethoscope (preferable to have a neonatal stethoscope)
3) Baby Scale
4) Radiant Warmer
5) Self-Inflating bag and Mask- neonatal size ( 0 and 1)
6) Oxygen hood (neonatal)
7) Laryngoscope and Endotracheal Intubation tubes
8) Two set of Pencil Batteries
9) Mucous Extractor with suction Tube and foot-operated suction machine NG
tubes
10) Blankets
11) Two Clean and dry towels
12) Feeding Tubes
13) Empty Vials for collecting blood
14) Alcohol Handrub
15) HLD/ Sterile gloves
16) Syringe Hub Cutter
49
Maternal Health Skills 3.5.2 Services Provided at Newborn Care Facilities of
DH/FRU/CHC
Newborn Stablisation Special Newborn Care
Unit (NBSU) (SNBC)
SITE FRU/CHC DH
Human Resources BEDS
Human Resources MO/paediatric trained For a 12 bed - unit ( plus
(HR) in FIMCI/ paediatrician 4 beds for step-down
area), the recommended
1 dedicated nursing staff
dedicated staffing:
per shift. Total 4 dedicated
staff  Staff Nurse: 10-12
 Paediatrician / M
trained in SNCU: 3-
4 (Paediatrician / MO
and staff nurses
trained in FNBC
 Support Staff : 4, 1

Services  Care at birth- followed  Care at birth, includ-

time of birth and sex ing resuscitation of
of the baby and show asphyxiated new-
the baby to the mother, borns
ensure details are
 Managing sick new-
recorded.
borns
 Deliver the baby on
(except those
the mother's abdomen
requiring mechanical
in a prone position
ventilation and major
with face to one side.
surgical interven-
 Resuscitation - tions)
Resuscitate as per GOI
 Postnatal care
guideline if the baby is
not crying or breathing  Follow-up of high
 If the baby is crying risk newborns
delay cord clamping 1-  Referral Services
3 minutes before  Immunisation
cutting. Services
 Dry baby with pre
warmed towel while
over mother's breast.
 Monitoring of Vital
Signs
 Check cord for any
oozing of blood
 Place an identity wrist
band on the baby
50
 Organising Labour Room
 Give the baby an
injection of vitamin K
 Weigh the baby and
record weight
 Provision of Warmth
 Initial Care and
Stabilisation of sick
new borns
 Care of low Birth
weight
 Newborns not requi-
ring intensive care
 Breastfeeding and
feeding support
 Referral Services
 Check for any
congenital abnorma-
lities

3.5.3 Expected Services to be Provided at Newborn care

Facilities
Newborn Care Newborn Stablisation Special Newborn Care
Corner (NBCC) Unit (NBSU) (SNCU)
Care at birth Care at birth Care at birth
 Prevention of  Prevention of  Prevention of
Infection Infection Infection
 Provision of  Provision of Warmth  Provision of Warmth
Warmth  Resuscitation  Resuscitation
 Resuscitation  Early Initiation of  Early Initiation of
 Early Initiation of breastfeeding breastfeeding
breastfeeding  Weighing the  Weighing the
 Weighing the Newborn Newborn
Newborn
Care of Sick Newborn Care of Sick Newborn
Identification and promt Management of Low Managing of low birth
referral of 'at risk' and birth weight infants > weight infants
'sick' newborn 1800g with no other
complications
Care of normal Care of normal Care of normal
newborn newborn newborn
 Breastfeeding/  Phototherapy for  Managing all sick
feeding support newborns with newborns (except
hyperbilirubinemia those requiring mecha- 51
Maternal Health Skills
 Care of Sick  management of nical ventilation and
Newborn newborn sepsis major surgical
 Identification and  Stabilisation and interventions)
prompt referral of 'at referral of sick  Follow-up of all
risk' and 'sick' newborn and those babies discharged
newborn with very low birth from the unit and
high risk newborns
 Immunisation
services
 Referral Services

3.5.4 Newborn Care

We shall discuss Do's and Don'ts of new born care in following table.
Do's Don'ts

 Always wash your hands before  Do not keep all babies as a

handling the baby routine under the radiant
warmer
 Rooming in of baby with the
mother  Do not delay breastfeeding
beyond half an hour as that
 Keep the baby warm may lead to rapid decrease in
 Take extra care to maintain suckling reflex of the baby
baby's temperature in preterm  Do not use prelacteals even
and LBW baby water
 Keep the cord dry and clean  Do not apply anything on the
 Breast fed the baby exclusively cord
 Do not bathe the newborn for
 Early initiation of breastfeeding
24 hrs after birth.
is essential for a good reflex
action.  Do not forget to undertake
routine checkup
 Any signs/symptoms of
complications must be referred
and attended to by a doctor
 The care provider should
observe every 2 hours in the
first 6 hours and every 6 hours
from 6-24 hours after delivery
 If the newborn is LBW then at
least three additional visits
should ensured

3.6 SEPTIC ROOM AND ECLAMPSIA ROOM

The following inventory should be available in septic room and Eclampsia room
respectively.
52
Septic Room Organising Labour Room

S.No Inventory (Essential) Quantity (Minimum)

1. Labour Beds 2 Beds
2. Oxygen Supply/ Cylinder 2
3. Foetal Doppler 1
4. Suction Machine (Electric) 1
5. Foot Operated Suction Machine 1
6. Stethoscope + BP instrument 1
7. Adult Resuscitation kit 1 set
8. Neonatal Resuscitation kit 1 set
9. Digital weighing machine 1 adult and 1 newborn
10. Air Conditioners (to be calculated as 1-2
per the volume specifications for air
conditioners)`
11. Radiant Warmers 1
12. Pulse Oxymeter- with 2 Adult Probe 1
and 1 Neonatal Probe
13. Delivery Trays 2
14. Episiotomy Trays 2
15. MVA Trays 1
16. Adult Emergency Drug Tray 1
17. Newborn Emergency Drug Tray 1
18. Mackintosh 2
19. Kelly's Pad 2
20. Open Dustbin Buckets 2
21. Colour Coded Bins 1 Set
22. Needle Cutter 1
23. Wheel Chair 1
24. Wall Clock 1
25. Movable Shadow Less Lamp 1`
26. Dressing Drum- All Sizes As Per Requirement
27. Baby Tray 1
28. Thermometer 2
29. Drapes and Linen As per Requirement
30. Emergency Call Bell 1
53
Maternal Health Skills ECLAMPSIA ROOM
S.No Inventory (essential ) Quantity (minimum)
1. Labour Cots with Side railing 2
2. Oxygen Supply/ Cylinder 2
3. Pulse Oxymeter- with 2 adult probe 1
and 1 neonatal probe
4. Foetal Doppler 1
5. Suction Machine ( Electric) 1
6. Foot Operated Suction Machine 1
7. Stethoscope + BP instrument 2
8. Adult Resuscitation kit 1 set
9. Neonatal Resuscitation Kit 1 set
10. Air Conditioners ( to be calculated as 1-2
per the volume specifications for air
conditioners)
11. Delivery Tray 2
12. Episiotomy Trays 2
13 Adult Emergency Drug Tray (including 1
Magnesium Sulphate)
14. Newborn Emergency Drug Tray 1
15. Makintosh 2
16. Kelly's Pad 2
17. Open Dustbin Buckets 2
18. Colour Coded Bins 1 Sets
19. Movable Shadow Less Lamp 1
20 Wall Clock 1
21. Torch 1
22. Nebulizer 1
23. Emergency Call Bell 1
24. Drapes and Linen As per Requirement

3.7 LET US SUM UP

A mother and baby friendly environment to be ensured. Health staff should be
polite, courteous and respectful in behaviour towards their client; equipment has
to be accessible and functional and subject to checks during every shift of staff
54 duty; drugs and consumables to be made available 24×7; assured referral linkages
have to be established; and daily rounds conducted by facility managers to identify Organising Labour Room
gaps and bottlenecks and address these on priority basis. In this unit we have
discussed about the infrastructure requirement of labour room and how to organise
labour room or new born care corner.

3.8 ACTIVITY
1) During your clinical experience at District hospital, prepare the labour room
along with all equipments required for the following:
a) For normal delivery
b) For vaccumm/forceps delivery
c) For pre eclamptic mothers who have been in labour.

3.9 REFERENCES
1) Maternal and Newborn Health Toolkit.
2) Daksh Skills Lab (RMNCH + A) Training Manual for participants.

55
Maternal Health Skills
UNIT 4 CONDUCTING NORMAL DELIVERIES
AND PARTOGRAPH

Structure
4.0 Introduction
4.1 Objectives
4.2 Preparation for Child Birth
4.2.1 Admission Procedure
4.2.2 Assessment at Admission
4.2.3 Physical Assessment
4.3 Plotting a Partograph
4.4 Vaginal Examination
4.5 Conducting Normal Delivery
4.5.1 Preparation of Normal Delivery
4.5.2 Steps in Management of Second Stage of Labour
4.6 Steps in Active Management of Third Stage of Labour
4.7 Episiotomy
4.8 Immediate Care of Newborn Baby
4.8.1 Neonatal Resuscitation
4.8.2 Neonatal Examination
4.8.3 Administration of Vitamin K
4.8.4 Initiation of Breastfeeding
4.8.5 Avoid Traditional Practices
4.9 Let Us Sum Up
4.10 Activity
4.11 References

4.0 INTRODUCTION
Adequate and appropriate care during the antenatal period reflects on the conduct
and the outcome of the labour. In the previous units you have learnt about antenatal
assessment and care, and organising or setting up of delivery room. Conducting
safe delivery is one of your most important responsibility. In this unit, you will learn
the skills and techniques for conducting normal vaginal delivery and how to use
of partpograph. Before studying this unit, refer Course BNS 042, Block 3, Unit 3.

4.1 OBJECTIVES
After completing this unit, you should be able to:
• recognise true and false labour;
• recognise onset of labour;
• monitor progress of labour using partograph;
• provide care to the mother in labour; and

56 • conduct normal vaginal delivery.

 Conducting Normal
4.2 PREPARATION FOR CHILD BIRTH Deliveries and Partograph

Any women coming in Labour Room/casualty must be quickly assessed for any
danger signs and corrective actions for its recovery may be under taken on priority
and depending upon the situation following measures should be undertaken.

4.2.1 Admission Procedure

• You will check her antenatal Card and prepare for admission of Pregnant
mother in labour
• Preparing the room/bed.
• Room should be welcoming without much equipment’s.
• Bed should be comfortable.

4.2.2 Assessment at Admission

Ask the following history as discussed in Unit 1 and 2.
• Present History
• Past History
• Obstetrical History
• Medical History
• LMP / EDD
• Previous Records like antenatal Care and investigation reports if any.

4.2.3 Physical Assessment

The physical assessment includes the following:
• Contraction – Check for frequency, duration and intensity.
• Spontaneous rapture of membranes – Ask time and date, if in case of rupture
of membrane
• Assess liquor – Check if liquor is clear, muconium stained and blood stained.
• Observe presence of show
• Check Fetal movements –Access whether normal, reduced, excess or absent.
• Vitals – Check temperature, pulse, blood pressure.
• Abdominal palpation – their fundal height, presentation, position, engagement
and fifths.
• Auscultation of foetal heart – for one minute after a contraction.
• Vaginal examination – to diagnose labour.
• Record all the findings.

Labour: As already discussed in Block 2, Unit 3, vaginal delivery is the

safest way of ending a pregnancy. So labour is the process of passage of
foetus, placenta and membranes through the birth canal due to effective
contractions leading to dilatation of cervix. The onset of labour is defined
as regular, painful uterine contractions resulting in progressive cervical
effacement and dilatation. Labour has four stages.
57
Maternal Health Skills
Stage 1: It begins with onset of true labour pains to fully dilatation of
cervix (10 cm).
Stage 2:From fully dilatation to expulsion of foetus.
Stage 3: From expulsion of foetus to expulsion of placenta and membranes.
Stage 4: One hour after expulsion of placenta and membranes during which
the mother’s condition gets stabilised.

4.3 PLOTTING A PARTOGRAPH

This section will deal with how and when to assess the progress of labour by
using Partograph. Once labour established all events during labour are recorded
on Partogram. Refer BNS-042 Block 2 for details of Partograph. Let us review
here.
Aims
Partograph is used for
• well-being of the mother
• well-being of the foetus
• maintaining progress of labour
Advantages
• Provide information on single sheet of paper at a glance
• No need to record labour events repeatedly
• Prediction of deviation from normal progress of labour
• Improves maternal, perinatal, morbidity and mortality
Components
There are five components: (Fig. 4.1)
1) Patient’s information:
a) Name
b) Gravida
c) Para
d) Hospital registration number
e) Date and time of admission
f) Time of rupture of membranes
2) Foetal conditions:
a) Foetal heart rate
b) Liquor
c) Moulding of foetal skull bones
3) Progress of labour:
a) Cervical dilatation
58
 b) Descend of foetal head Conducting Normal
Deliveries and Partograph
c) Uterine contraction
d) Foetal position
4) Maternal condition:
a) Medication:
i) Oxytocin
ii) Drugs
iii) I/V fluids
b) Vitals:
i) Pulse
ii) Blood pressure
iii) Temperature
iv) Urine

Fig. 4.1: Sample Partograph 59

Maternal Health Skills Plotting a Partograph
First Plotting of Partograph is always on alert and action line.
• Initiate plotting when a women is in active phase of labour and is characterized
by:
• Cervical dilatation must be 4 cm or more.
• Contractions must be one or more in 10 minutes each lasting for 20 sec
or more.
Foetal Heart Rate (Fig. 4.2)
• Monitor every 30 mts in latent phase.
• Every 15 mts in active phase.
• Every 5 mts in second stage of labour.
• Mark with a dot and join the lines.
• Basal heart rate is 120 to 160 with an average 140 beats per min.

Fig. 4.2: Plotting foetal heart rate

Membranes and liquor (Fig. 4.3)

• Intact membranes – I
• Rupture membranes + clear liquor – c
• Rupture membranes + muconium stain – m
• Rupture membranes + blood – b
• Rupture membranes + absent liquor – a

Fig. 4.3: Plotting membranes and liquor

Moulding of the fetal skull bones - Moulding is an important indication of how

adequately the pelvis can accommodate the foetal skull.

60 • Separate bones (sutures felt easily) – 0

• Bones just touching each other – + Conducting Normal
Deliveries and Partograph
• Overlapping bones (reducible) – ++
• Severely overlapping (non reducible) – + + +
Progress of labour
• Cervical dilatation (Fig. 4.4)
• The vertical line on left is numbered in the ascending order from 0 to 10
(cervical dilatation in cm) denoted by (X)
• Descend of fetal head as assessed by abdominal examination is denoted
by DOT (.)
• At the right in the descending order denotes the station of the foetal
presenting part.
• Each observation is joined to proceeding one by a straight line.
• The alert line drawn from 3 cm dilatation represents the rate of dilatation
of 1 cm per hour.
• In a normal labour, cervical dilatation should be either on the alert line
or the left of it.
• Moving to the right of alert line indicates abnormal labour and needs
critical assessment.
• The action line is drawn four hours to the right of alert line and parallel
to it.
• This is the critical line on which specific management decision is made.
• When active phase of labour begins, all recordings are transferred on
alert line using letter TR.

Fig. 4.4: Plotting Cervical Dilatation

Descent of Foetal Head

• Assessed per abdomen by rule of fifth which means palpable fifth of the
foetal head is felt above the level of symphysis pubis. (Fig. 4.5 to 4.7)
• 2/5 or less of foetal head is felt above the level of symphysis pubis. This
means head is engaged.
61
Maternal Health Skills

Fig. 4.5: Descent of foetal head by fifths

Fig. 4.6: Plotting descent of foetal head by fifths

• On the left hand side of the graph is the word descent with lines going from
5 to 0.
• Descent is plotted with a 0 on the Partograph. (Fig. 4.7.)

Cervix (cm)
[Plot X]

Descent
of head
[Plot O]

Hours

Time

62 Fig. 4.7: Plotting descent of head

Uterine Contraction Conducting Normal
Deliveries and Partograph
• Palpate number of contraction in 10 minutes and duration of each contraction
in seconds. It is said to be (Fig. 4.8)
• Mild – less than 20 sec.
• Moderate – between 20 and 40 sec.
• Severe – more than 40 sec.
• Each square represents one contraction.

Key

< 20 s

20–40 s

> 40 s

Time (h) 0 ½ 1 2 3
Fig. 4.8: Plotting the recording of uterine contractions

Maternal conditions (Fig. 4.9)

• Drugs – oxytocin - amount per volume, I/V fluids in drops per minute.
• Any drug given.
• I/V fluids used with time and date.
• Vitals
• Pulse - every 30 mts and marked with a dot (.)
• Blood pressure - recorded in vertical line every 4 hours and marked with
arrows.
• Temperature - every 2 hours recorded marked with (O)
• Urine - Volume, analysis for protein, acetone and sugar.
• Every time urine is passed.
Oxytocin U/L
Drops/mn

Drugs given
and IV fluids

Pulse

and

BP

protein

Urine acetone

volume

Fig. 4.9: Plotting maternal conditions 63

Maternal Health Skills
Points to remember:
• Latent phase less than 8 hours.
• Progress in active phase remains on or to the left of the alert line.
• No ARM in latent phase.

4.4 VAGINAL EXAMINATION

We shall discuss about the procedure of vaginal examination.
It includes vaginal examination (Pelvis Examination). A vaginal examination in
labour is a systematic examination of pelvic organs especially vulva and cervix.
Indications
• To make positive diagnosis of labour.
• To assess progress of labour.
• To confirm dilatation of cervix.
• To determine presentation, engagement, position and status of membranes.
Articles Required - Vaginal examination is a sterile procedure and needs a tray
containing the following:
• Swabs in aseptic solutions.
• Sterile gloves.
• Toothed forceps to rupture membranes (if not ruptured).
• Lubricant or vaginal cream.
• Kidney tray.
Procedure
It includes the pre procedure, procedure and Post procedure skills.
• Pre-procedure
• Explain the procedure and answer questions.
• Take consent.
• Prepare the mother by emptying bladder, provide privacy and attend hand
hygiene.
• Help women to lie on her back with legs flexed and knee apart.
• Don’t expose the women until you are ready to examine.
• Pulpate the abdomen.
• Scrubb and wearing sterile gloves and eye protect if there is risk of splash
of blood.
• Procedure (Fig. 4.10 a-c)
• Perform examination between contractions.
• Inspect external genitalia, labia, perineum, scars and any discharge.

64 • Lubricate the fingers.

 • Gently insert lubricated fingers into vagina, avoid contact with clitoris. Conducting Normal
Deliveries and Partograph
• Assess the following:
• Vagina – muscle tone / dryness / excess heat.
• Cervix – Length, effacement, dilatation, position, consistency,
membranes intact / bulging / smooth.
• Membranes – rupture of membranes.
• Liquor drain – presence of fore water.
• Colour of liquor – like muconium / blood stain if membranes
are ruptured.
• Foetus – presentation, position, station, caput, moulding, fontanels,
sutures.
• Any abnormal features – vasa Previa, pusating umbilical cord.
• Pelvis – ischial, spines, angel of suprabupicarch, adequacy.
• Withdraw the fingers.

(a) Cervix - 4 cms. Dilated

Membrances Sagittal Cervix Occiput

suture Rim of cervix
intact dilating rotating felt
in transverse Head forwards
diameter descending
(b)

Pelvic bom

High head Flexion and Engaged Deeply Oppelvic floor Rotation

descent engaged and rotating into A.P.
(c)

Fig. 4.10 a-c: Digital Examination

Post-procedure
• Remove gloves and attend hand hygiene.
• Provide privacy for redressing.
• Apply sanitary pad if required.
• Remove soiled linen. 65
Maternal Health Skills • Make mother comfortable.
• Auscultate foetal heart rate.
• Discuss findings with the women and plan.

Progress of labour is assessed by cervical ripening / effacement and Partogram.

Cervical Ripening (Cervical Effacement / Dilatation) – (Fig. 4.11 a-e) Refers

to the softening of cervix that begins prior to onset of labour contractions and is
necessary for cervical dilatation and passage of foetus. Cervical effacement is
the disappearance or taking up of the cervix. The cervix which is initially about
2-3 cm in length and about 1 cm thick is finally reduced to a very thin edge only.
When the length of the cervix is reduced by one-half, it is called 50 per cent
effaced. It progresses to a state in which the canal no longer exists at all, expect
for a circular orifice with thin edges. This is 100 per cent effaced cervix. In latent
phase the cervical effacement is from 0 to 3 cm or also known as early dilatation.
In active phase there is more rapid cervical dilatation that is after 4 cm. Duration
of first stage in primi is 6 to 18 hours and in multi 2 to 10 hours and the rate of
dilatation is 1 cm per hour in primi and in multi 1.2 cm per hour. The cervical
dilatation is measured as:
• One finger fits tightly inside – 1 cm.
• 2 finger fit loosely inside – 4 cm.
• Only 2 cm remaining on each side around the presenting part – 8 cm.
• No cervix is palpable around presenting part – 10 cm.

Fig. 4.11: Cervical Effacement/dilatation ( A) – Cervic before labour in a primigravida.

(B) Beginning of effacement in a primigravida (c) complete effeced cervix in a
primigravida (D) Cervix before labour in multigravida (E) Beginning of effacement in
a multigravida (F) Complete effacement in a multigravida
66
 Conducting Normal
4.5 CONDUCTING NORMAL DELIVERY Deliveries and Partograph

Conducting or managing normal vaginal delivery involves hand manoeuvers used

to assist the baby’s birth, immediate care of the newborn and delivery of placenta
and membranes.

4.5.1 Preparation for Normal Delivery

Check list items for delivery tray, preparation, intravenous solutions and drugs is
given below:
1) Delivery tray preparation.
• Bowl with sterile swabs
• Sponge holder
• Urinary catheter
• Arteries forceps (curves/straight)
• Episiotomy scissors
• Kocher forceps (curved/straight)
• Dissecting forceps (toothed/plain)
• Needle holder
• Cord cutting
• Kidney tray
• Surgical suture
• Sterile draping sheet
• Sterile gloves
• Sterile swabs, gauze, gynae pads
• Disposable syringes (10 cc)
2) Additional Items:
• Lubricating jelly
• Antiseptic solution (betadine)
• Disposable syringes (5 / 10 cc)
• I/V cannula (18 G)
• Gown, caps, mask, plastic apron
3) I/V Solutions:
• Normal saline
• Ringer lactate
• Dextrose (5 / 10 cc)
4) Essential Drugs:
• Injection oxytocin (10 IU)
• Tablet misoprostol (600 µg)
• Methylergometrin (Injection)
67
Maternal Health Skills 5) Delivery table:
• Carbolized
• Mattress, sheets, draw sheets
• Straps on both sides of table
• Foot block
• Room temperature by heater or warmer (25oC to 28oC).
6) Delivery room preparation:
• Room temperature by heater or warmer (25oC to 28oC)
• Biomedical waste buckets with lids and proper colour coding
• Movable spot light in working condition
• Weighing machine
• Baby scale
• Wall clock
• Screen
• Sterile drum with lids

4.5.2 Steps in Management of Second Stage of Labour

Follow the steps for management for second stage of labour are given below in
Table 4.1.
Table 4.1: Steps in management of second stage of labour

Steps in management of second stage of labour

1. Ensure privacy and dignity of the woman. Make her feel comfortable. A
male doctor needs a female assistant while performing the examination.
Ask if she has understood what is going to be done and ask her permission
before undertaking the examination.

2. Put on personal protective attire (wear goggles, mask, cap, shoe covers,
plastic apron). Place the plastic sheet or kelly’s pad under the women’s
buttocks and two clean towels on mother’s abdomen. Place the perineal
sheet/leggings, if available.

3. Palpate the supra pubic region to ensure that the woman’s bladder is not
full. If it is full, encourage her to empty the bladder or catheterize.

4. Wash hands and put on sterile gloves.

5. Clean the woman’s perineum with sterile swabs.

6. Talk to the woman and encourage her to take breaths through her mouth
after every contraction.

7. When the head is visible, encourage her to bear down during contractions.

8. Support the perineum with one hand using a clean pad and control the birth
of the head with the fingers of the other hand to maintain flexion, allowing
natural stretching of the perineal tissue to prevent tears.
68
 Conducting Normal
9. Feel around the baby’s neck for the cord and respond appropriately if the Deliveries and Partograph
cord is present.

10. Allow the baby’s head to turn spontaneously, then, with the hands on either
side of the baby’s head, deliver anterior shoulder by gently moving head a
little downward which allows shoulder to drop down the symphysis pubis.

11. When the axillary crease of anterior shoulder is seen, deliver the posterior
shoulder, lifting the baby upwards towards the mother’s abdomen.

12. Support the rest of the baby’s body with one hand as it slides out and note
the time of birth and sex of the baby and show the mother Place the baby
on the mother’s abdomen over a clean, dry, pre-warmed towel in a prone
position with the head turned to one side.

13. Quickly dry the baby with a pre-warmed towel, discard the wet towel. Wrap
the baby loosely in the second pre warmed dry towel. Delay cord clamping
for 1-3 mins if the baby is crying or breathing well.

14. Palpate the mother’s abdomen to rule out the presence of an additional
baby/babies and proceed with active management of the third stage
(AMTSL) and ENBC.

15. Look for any vaginal or perineal tears; if present, assess the degree of tear
and manage accordingly*.
*For third-degree perineal tears, refer the woman immediately for higher specialised care with
proper, sterilised perineal dressing

Key points to remember:

• All equipment, medicine, and disposables should be made ready
before the pregnant women is brought into the delivery room.
• The woman is to be moved to the labour table in the active stage of
labour.
• Unnecessary pushing in between contractions should be avoided.
• Ensure the woman is hydrated and the bladder is empty before
encouraging the woman to push.
• Avoid routine augmentation of labour before delivery without
indication.
• If indicated, augment only if facilities for caesarean section are
available.
• All neonatal equipment for ENBC and resuscitation should be pre-
checked and kept ready until the pregnant woman is brought in.
• The room temperature should be maintained in the range 26–28°C
in the Labour Room and chilly areas will need heaters during winter.
• Provide emotional support and reassurance, as feasible.
• Encourage presence of a birth companion.
• Maintain aseptic technique throughout the procedure.
• Cleaning of the labour table should be done immediately after the
transfer of mother to the postnatal/observation ward.
69
Maternal Health Skills
Key points to remember:
• Ensure complete aseptic precaution and gentleness throughout the
procedure.
• If in active stage of labour (when cervical dilatation is 4 cm and
regular contractions), start using the partograph.
• Ensure proper disposal of swabs and used material.
• If a woman comes with a complain of preterm labour - differentiate
between true and false labour pains by history and per abdomen
examination. True Labour pains increase in frequency, intensity and
duration of contractions and the pain does not subside even after
rest. They are associated with show, dilatation and effacement of
cervix and formation of bag of membranes.
• If period of gestation is more than 28 weeks and woman is
complaining of labour pains then give Injection Dexamethasone 6 mg,
intra-muscularly, 4 doses, 12 hourly to enhance foetal lung maturity
and transfer the women to higher centre with facility of SNCU.

Steps to be observed during Delivery Process:

Control the head by flexing it as it is delivered to prevent pereneal laceration.
Cord: Check that the cord is not around the neck, if so and it is loose, it can be
slipped over the head, and if it is tight it should be clamped and cut.
Suck out: Suck out the baby’s mouth and nose gently as soon as head is delivered.
Rotation: Wait for the natural rotation of the head.
Shoulders: Deliver the anterior shoulder first and then the posterior shoulder
slowly.
Time: Note the time of birth.
As soon as the baby is born take following action:
1) Check for cry, if present, Clean the nose and mouth and put the baby on
mother’s abdomen where a warm towel should be there before delivery.
2) Wipe the baby with the warm towel and discard the wet towel.
3) Wrap the baby in another warm towel and put the baby on mother’s abdomen
4) Make mother and baby comfortable.
5) Give pre-loaded Inj. Oxytocin 10 units Intramuscularly after ruling out twins.
6) Re-check the baby and mother for comfort.
7) Feel the cord pulsation.
8) Tie and cut the cord once the pulsation stops within one to three minutes.
9) Check the signs of placental separation.
10) Remove placenta by compressed Cord Traction (CCT)
11) If the baby or newborn does not cry tie and cut the cord
12) Put the baby on radiant warmer (Newborn Care Corner)
13) Shout for help and do resuscitation.
Once you have conducted the delivery you perform all the management of third
70 stage of labour as given below.
 Conducting Normal
4.6 STEPS IN ACTIVE MANAGEMENT OF THIRD Deliveries and Partograph

STAGE OF LABOUR
It begins with the birth of the baby and ends with delivery of the placenta and
membranes.
The summary of the steps of active management of third stage of labour is given
below in Table 4.2.
Table 4.2: Steps of Active Management of Third Stage of Labour (AMTL)
Steps
1) Palpate the mother’s abdomen to rule out the presence of an additional baby
2) Administer inj. oxytocin, 10 IU, I/M* OR tab. misoprostol 600 micrograms
orally
3) Clamp the cord with artery clamps at 2 places when cord pulsation stops.
Put one clamp on the cord atleast 3 cm away from the baby’s umbilicus and
the other clamp 5 cm from the baby’s umbilicus
4) Cut the cord between the artery clamps with sterile scissors by placing a
sterile gauze over the cord and scissors to prevent splashing of blood
5) Apply the disposable sterile plastic cord clamp tightly to the cord 2 cm away
from the umbilicus just before the artery clamp (instrument) and remove
the artery clamp
6) Place the baby between the mother’s breasts for warmth and skin-to-skin
care
7) Perform routine steps of ENBC
8) Re-clamp the cord close to the perineum. Perform controlled cord traction
during a contraction by placing one hand on the lower abdomen to support
the uterus and gently pulling the clamped cord with the other hand close to
the perineum until the placenta and membranes have been delivered
appropriately i.e technique of contraction as given in Fig. 4.12
9) Perform uterine massage with a cupped palm until uterus is contracted
10) Examine the placenta, membranes and umbilical cord:
a) Maternal surface of placenta
b) Foetal surface
c) Membranes
d) Umbilical cord as shown in Fig. 4.13
11) Examine vagina, labia and perineum for tears. If found, refer the woman for
appropriate care
12) Discard the placenta in the yellow bin for contaminated waste and place
instruments in 0.5% chlorine solution for 10 mins for decontamination
13) Dispose of the syringe, needle and oxytocin ampoule in a puncture-proof
container. The needle should be cut by a hub cutter before disposal
14) Immerse both gloved hands in 0.5% chlorine solution and remove the gloves
inside out; leave them for decontamination for 10 mins
15) Wash both hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them with a clean,
dry cloth or air-dry them
16) Perform post procedural task as follows: Advise mother on immediate post-
partum care for her and baby Record delivery notes in case file
71
Maternal Health Skills Technique for applying controlled cord traction (Fig. 4.12)
• Clamp the umbilical cord close to the perenium and hold cord in one
hand.
• Place the other hand just above the women’s symphysis pubis and stabilise
the uterus by applying counter pressure over the abdomen.
• Weight for strong contraction (usually every 2 to 3 mts).
• With strong contraction encourage the mother to push and very gently pull
downwards on the cord to deliver the placenta by continuous applying counter
pressure to the uterus.
• With the next contraction repeat CCT till placenta delivers.
• When placenta is delivered caught in both hands in vulva to prevent
membranes tearing and gently turn until the membranes are twisted.
• Slowly pull till placenta with membranes is born.

Fig. 4.12: Controlled cord traction (Brandt-Andrew’s method)

Massage the uterus - Right after placenta is delivered rubbing the uterus is a
good way to contract it and stop bleeding.

Examination of placenta and membranes (Fig. 4.13)

• Hold the placenta in the palm of your hands, with the maternal side facing
upwards.
• Check all the lobules or present one fit together.
• Hold the cord with one hand, allow the placenta and membranes to hang
down.
• Place the other hand inside the membranes, spreading the fingers out, to
72 make sure membranes are complete.
 Conducting Normal
Deliveries and Partograph

Fig. 4.13: Examination/Inspection of Placenta and Membranes

• Ensure position of cord attachment to placenta is normal.

• Safely dispose placenta either burying or incineration.

Key points to remember:

• Check for uterine contraction and vaginal bleeding every 15 mins
for 2 hours after delivery
• Never apply CCT without contraction and without applying counter
traction (push) above the symphysis pubis with the other hand
• If placenta is not delivered after 30 mins refer to higher facility for
treatment if not available at this facility.

4.7 EPISIOTOMY
Episiotomy (Perineotomy) is a surgically planned insigne on the pereium and
posterior vaginal wall during second stage of labour. The therotical details are
given BNS-042, Block 2, Unit 3. We shall begin with review of types of episiotomy.
Types of episiotomy - There are four types these are Median, Lateral,
Mediolateral, J shaped. (Fig. 4.14)
• Median Episiotomy
a) A midline incision is given from centre of the fourchette and extends on
posterior side along midline for 2.5 cm
b) Merits
• Muscle fibres are not cut.
• Blood loss is least. 73
Maternal Health Skills • Repair is easy.
• Postoperative comfort is maximum.
• Heeling is superior.
• Wound disruption is rear.
• Dyspareunia is rear.
c) Demerits
• Extension may involve rectum.
• Not suitable for manipulative delivery or malpresentation.
d) LateralEpisiotomy - Incision starts from about 1 cm away from center
of the fourchette and extends laterally. There is chance of injury to
barotholin duct therefore is strongly discouraged.
e) Mediolateral Episiotomy - Incision is made downwards and outwards
from midpoint of fourchette wither to right or left. It is directed diagonally
in straight line which runs about 2.5 cm away from anus.
• Merits
• Safer from rectal involvement from extension.
• If necessary incision can be extended.
• Demerits
• Apposition of the tissue is not so good.
• More blood loss.
• Post-operative discomfort is more.
• Increase incidence of wound disruption.
• More dyspareunia.
f) J Shaped - incision begins in the center of the fourchette and is directed
posteriorly along middle for about 1.5 cm and then direct downwards
and outwards along 5 or 7 O’clock position. To avoid anal sphincter.
This is also not widely practiced.

Fig. 4.14: Types of Episiotomy

74
• Timing of episiotomy Conducting Normal
Deliveries and Partograph
• Buldging, thinned pereium.
• During contraction just prior to crowning is the ideal time.
Procedure / Steps or techniques for giving episiotomy (Fig. 4.15)
• Provide emotional support and encouragement.
• Use local infiltration with lignocaine.
• Make sure there are no known allergies to lignocaine or related drugs.
• Infiltrate beneath the vaginal mucosa, beneath the skin of pereium and deeply
into the perenial muscle.
• Pull back the plunger to be sure that no vessel has been penetrated.
• Weight 2 mts and then pinch the fourchette.
• Wait to perform episiotomy until the.
a) Pereium is thinned out.
b) 3–4 cm of the baby’s head is visible during a contraction.
• Wearing high level disinfected gloves, place two fingers between the baby’s
head and the pereium.
• Use scissors to cut pereium about 3–4 cm in the Mediolateral direction.
• Use scissors to cut 2–3 cm up the middle of the posterior vagina.
• Control the baby’s head and shoulders as they deliver.
• Carefully examine or extension and other tears and repair the episiotomy.
Repair of episiotomy
• This is an uncomfortable procedure for the mother so explain what is to be
done.
• Apply antiseptic solution to the area around the episiotomy.
• Put mother in lithotomy position.
• It is essential to have good light.
• Keep 20 ml of 1% lignocaine ready for infiltration,
• 5 to 10 ml in sensitive area If episiotomy is extended.
• Close the vaginal mucosa using continuous 1 to 0 suture.
• Start the repair about 1 cm above the apex (Top) of the episiotomy. Continue
the suture to the level of vaginal opening.
• At the opening of vagina, bring together, cut edges of the vaginal opening.
• Bring the needle under the vaginal opening and out through the insigne and
tie.
• Close the perenial muscle using interrupted 1 to 0 sutures.
• Close the skin using interrupted 1 to 0 sutures.
75
Maternal Health Skills

Fig. 4.15: Steps of mediolateral episiotomy

Tips to relieve pain and discomfort

• Cold therapy – using ice packs on the stitches usually on first 24 hours for 20
min and for 10 min several times a day.
• Ring cushions – inflated with air made of foam can make sitting comfortable.
• Perenial wash – incision sight should be cleaned with warm water.
• Sitz bath – a warm bath or siting in a tub of warm water for 20 min after bath.
The incision sight should be dry.
• Expose stitches to air at least twice a day for 10 min.
• Squeeze buttocks together while sitting or getting up from a seated position
to help ease discomfort.
• Proper hygiene to avoid infection.
Complications of episiotomy
• Perenial tear.
• Painful intercourse following child birth.
• Bleeding.
• Wound infection.
• Local pain and swelling.
• Delay in wound healing.
• Opening of stitches.
• Improper closing of wound.
• Scar endometriosis.
Recording and reporting
• Record the procedure in mothers chart.
• Record lochia for amount, colour and odour.
• Note involution of uterus / descend.
• Record condition of sutures.

76 • Report any abnormalities.

 Conducting Normal
4.8 IMMEDIATE CARE OF NEWBORN BABY Deliveries and Partograph

Many newborn lives can be saved by the use of simple intervention. Various
interventions needed immediately in first minute after birth, includes air way,
breathing, temperature, identification of problems and early initiation of breast-
feeding. If baby does not breathe or cry, he/she may need neonatal resuscitation.
Care at birth
Receive the baby in pre warmed dry towel and check for baby’s cry and Meconium
stain, cut the cord and resuscitate as per guidelines.
If the baby cries put on abdomen where another pre warmed towel is placed.
Wrap the baby and make mother and baby comfortable.

4.8.1 Neonatal Resuscitation

The steps are given below (Fig. 4.16). Details of resuscitation has been discussed
in BNSL-043, Block 6, Unit 1.
1) If baby is not breathing, clamp and cut the cord immediately and call for
help.
2) Shift the baby under the radiant warmer.
3) Position the baby in slight neck extension using a shoulder roll.
4) If there is thick meconium and the baby is unresponsive, suction should be
carried out before drying the baby. If there is no meconium, no need to
suction.
5) Dry the baby.
6) Reposition.
7) Assess the breathing and heart rate for six seconds.
8) Apply appropriately sized mask ( 0 for preterm and 1 for term baby) correctly
covering the mouth and nose up to chin.
9) Start providing positive pressure ventilation (IIV) or bagging. Start with five
prolonged inflation breaths (lasting 2–3 seconds).
10) When chest rises seen, this indicates good ventilation technique.
11) If chest does not rise, check for correct position, look for leaks from the face
mask/seal and give a further 5 inflation breathe.
12) Assess breathing and heart rate for 6 seconds. If available apply pulse oximeter
probe and connect it to the machine.
13) If baby is not breathing well and/or HR<100: continue PPV (bagging) for 30
seconds at a rate of 40–60 breaths/min (calling out ‘1, 2, squeeze’)
14) Provide oxygen if available. For newborns, give the amount of oxygen which
is needed to reach an oxygen saturation of between 90 to 95%. To administer
too much oxygen to a newborn, particularly a preterm, can cause serious
damage to the retina and blindness.
15) If baby breathing well and HR>100 : refer for observational care, asking for
help to fill in the details of resuscitation.
16) If no improvement, continue bag and mask ventilation and prepare to refer
to appropriate centre. Continue bagging. 77
Maternal Health Skills

Fig. 4.16: Neonatal Resuscitation

Key Points to Remember:

• Suction of the mouth and nose in newborn babies can be harmful
and should only be carried out if there is thick meconium and the
baby is unresponsive.
• Routine suction is not recommended if the newborn is crying even
if the liquor is miconium stained.
• If the baby is not breathing, call for help
• Ensure that the bag and mask if functional and ready for use.
• The masks are available in sizes 0 and 1 for preterm and term babies.
• Normal newborn respiration is 40–60 breaths/min.
• For newborn oxygen should be given to reach an oxygen saturation
of between 90–95%. To administer a fixed flow of oxygen without
ensuring this is checked can cause serious damage to the retina and
blindness.

4.8.2 Neonatal Examination

Assessment of vital signs and measurements (Anthropometric
Measurements)
• Head circumference – 34 to 35 cm.
78 • Chest circumference – 32 to 33 cm.
• Weight – 2.5 to 3.4 kgs. Conducting Normal
Deliveries and Partograph
• Length – 46 to 54 cm.
• Temperature – 97.6oF to 98.6oF (36 to 36.5oC) auxiliary.
• Heart rate 120 to 140 BPM (beats per minute).
• Respiration 30 to 60 BPM.

Fig. 4.17: Weight measurement Fig. 4.18: Head circumference

• Head to toe examination is done as follows (Fig. 4.17 & Fig. 4.18)
• General Appearance
• Body symmetry
• Physical activity
• Tone
• Posture
• Color
• Size
• Response to examination
• State of alertness
• Head
• Observe and palpate head for bruising, Moulding, scalp oedema,
cephalic hematoma.
• Suture’s, overlapping, fontanels for size, fullness or depression
• Neck and clavicles - Symmetry, length, webbing, mobility, masses.
Examine clavicles for fracture.
• Eyes - Symmetry, shape, discharge, position, oedema.
• Ears - Symmetry, shape, position, stiffness of ear tissue.
• Nose - Symmetry, septum, patency, flaring of nostrils and congestion of
nostrils.
• Mouth - Cleft lip, cleft palate, toung tie, presence of teeth, jaw size.
• Skin - Colour, texture, rash, smooth, peeling, sticky, presence of lanugo,
vernix, meconium stain, pigmentation.
• Chest - Size, shape, symmetry, movement, breast tissue, nipples,
engorgement, heart sounds, breath sounds, respiratory rate.
• Abdomen - Size, shape, symmetry, palpate liver, spleen, kidney,
umbilicus, 79
Maternal Health Skills • Genitourinary
• Male – penis, foreskin, testis.
• Female – clitoris, labia, hymen, discharge.
• Anal position, patency
• Passage of muconium and urine: (Muconium is the first stool of the
infant).
• Hips/legs/feet: leg length, proportions, symmetry, digits, hip, range
movement, planter creases.
• Back: spinal column, skin, symmetry of scapula.
• Neurological Assessment (Fig. 4.19)
• Rooting and sucking reflex - When the corner of baby’s mouth is
touched the baby will open the mouth looking for nipple and when
roof of baby’s mouth is touched the baby will begin to suck.
• Grasp reflex – (palmer or planter grasp) - The infant’s fingers or
toes will curl around a finger placed in the area.
• Moro reflex – (startle reflex) - Hold the baby with head supported,
allow the head to drop back, this will cause the infant to throw the
arms outward, open the hands and through back the head.
• Stepping - When the baby is held upright with his/her feet touching
a solid surface, the baby makes stepping moments.
• Tonic neck reflex - When baby’s head is turned to one side, the arm
on that side stretches out and opposite arm bends up at the elbow.

Fig. 4.19: Neurological assessment

4.8.3 Administration of Vitamin K (Fig. 2.20)

The newborn has a sterile intestines at birth. The newborn does not possess the
intestinal bacteria that manufacture vitamin k which is necessary for the formation
of clotting factors. This makes the new born prone to bleeding. As a preventive
measure 1 mg (for full term) and .5 mg (for pre-term) of vitamin k injected I/M in
the lateral anterior of thigh (vastus lateralis).
80
 Conducting Normal
Deliveries and Partograph

Fig. 2.20: Vitamin K injection

4.8.4 Initiation of Breastfeeding

• Brestfeeding is started as soon as possible when the air way is cleaned and
breathing is normal.
• In first or two hours after birth most babies are alert, wide awake.
• This time is best to begin Breastfeeding.

4.8.5 Avoid Traditional Practices

• Immediate bathing.
• Use of unclean substances like cow dung, mud on umbilical cord.
• Use of prolactive feeds.
• Application of kajal in the eyes.
• Installation of oil drops in to the ears / nostrils.
• Use of pacifiers.
• Interruption of artificial feedings / use of formula feeding.

4.9 LET US SUM UP

In this unit you have learnt skills about conduction of labour giving and suturing
episiotomy, maintenance of Partograph, positions, and progress of labour and
initial care of newborn baby. You have also learnt about care during stages of
labour, bearing down and examination of placenta and membranes. In this unit
we have learnt how the knowledge and skills regarding conduct of labour is
important in order to recognise risk to the mother or baby or both.
The skills and techniques increase the confidence to conduct delivery, observe
progress of labour, help in bearing down process, management of labour and
care of episiotomy and care of newborn baby.

4.10 ACTIVITY
1) Conduct minimum 10 normal deliveries at your place of work .
a) Give 5 episiotomies and suture them independently. 81
Maternal Health Skills b) Examine 10 placenta and write a detail report.
c) Conduct complete examination of 10 new born babies.

4.11 REFERENCES
1) www.fitpreg.com/postitionstatement
2) www.slideshare.com/kamlen-episiotomy
3) www.slideshare.com by Arviegrace – New born care.
4) www.Amogsobgy.com> Subject > Partograph By Dr. Sheela Mane.
5) Nursing Management during child birth “Maternal Health Nursing” BNSL-
103 IGNOU.
6) Elizabeth Marie “Midwifery for nurses,” 1st edition 2010, CBS publishers,
New Delhi.
7) Kumari Neelam, Sharma Shivani and Dr Gupta Preeti “A text book of
midwifery and gynecological nursing,” 2010 edition, PV Books, Jalandhar,
India.
8) Bashir Rafiqa, “Manual on pregnancy, labour and puerperium,” Daya
publishing house, New Delhi.
9) D’Souza, Juliania, “Normal Labour and Nursing Management” Maternal
Health Nursing, IGNOU School of Health Sciences, New Delhi.

82
 Identification, Care and
UNIT 5 IDENTIFICATION, CARE AND Referral of Complications
during Labour
REFERRAL OF COMPLICATIONS
DURING LABOUR
Structure
5.0 Introduction
5.1 Objectives
5.2 Safe Child Birth Checklist
5.3 Abnormal Labour/Dystocia
5.4 Obstetrical Emergencies
5.4.1 Antepartum Haemorrhage
5.4.2 Eclampsia
5.4.3 Obstructed Labour
5.4.4 Cord Prolapse
5.4.5 Postpartum Haemorrhage
5.4.6 Shock
5.5 Referral
5.6 Let Us Sum Up
5.7 Activities
5.8 References

5.0 INTRODUCTION
The major cause of maternal death in pregnancy has been identified as
haemorrhage, sepsis, obstructed labour, toxemia and unsafe abortions. Most of
these can be prevented if complications during pregnancy and childbirth can be
identified and managed early.
In this unit you will be introduced to various types of obstetrical emergencies
and their management. Before studying this unit refer theory course BNS-042
Block 2, Unit 4.

5.1 OBJECTIVES
After completing this unit, you should be able to :
 identify obstetrical emergencies;
 manage emergencies occurring during labour; and
 identify cases for early referral to higher medical facility.

5.2 SAFE CHILD BIRTH CHECKLIST

Safe child birth checklist was designed and developed by Government of India
(GOI) as a tool to improve the quality of care provided to women giving birth. It
is an organised list of evidence based essential birth practices which targets the
83
Maternal Health Skills major causes of maternal death. Each checklist item is a critical action that if
missed can lead to severe harm to the mother and new born or both.
Registration No……………..

SAFE CHILDBIRTH CHECKLIST - BEFORE BIRTH

Check 1 on Admission Record temperature of mother…………
Record BP of mother…………….
Record the Foetal Heart Rate………..

Does mother need referral?

 Yes, organised Refer to FRU or higher centre if any of
the following danger signs are present
and state reason on transfer note:
 No Vaginal bleeding/ high fever/ severe
headache and blurred vision/ convulsion/
severe abdominal pain/ history of heart
disease or other major illness/ difficulty
in breathing

Partograph started?
 Yes Start plotting when cervix > 4 cm, then
 No, will start at > 4cm cervix should dilate > 1 cm/hr
 Every 30 min: plot HR, contractions,
fetal HR and maternal pulse, colour
of amniotic fluid
 Every 4 hrs: plot temperature, BP
and cervical dilatation in cm.

Does mother need:

Antibiotics? Give antibiotics to mother if any of:
 Yes, given  Mother's temperature > 38°C(or >
 No 100.5°F
 Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
 Rupture of membranes >12 hrs
without labour or 18 hours with
labour
Magnesium sulphate and  Labour > 24 hrs on obstructed labour
anti hyper-tensive treatment?
 No  Rupture of membranes < 37 weeks
 Yes given gestation

 If mother has systolic BP > 140 or

diastolic > 90 along with proteinurea
84
 Identification, Care and
upto 2+ and has any one of the Referral of Complications
during Labour
following, give magnesium sulphate/
manage as per lavel of facility
 Convulsions
 Increase in BP with proteinuria
with systolic >= 160 or diastolic
>=110 along with proteinuria 3+
or more
 Presence of any symptom like:
 Severe headache
 Pain in upper abdomen
 Blurring of vision
 Oliguria (passing <400 ml
urine in 24 hrs

Corticosteroid: If there is premature onset on labor

 No (between 23 to 34 weeks), ensure
corticosteroids are given to mother for
 Yes, given
foetal lung maturity

HIV status of Mother: If HIV + and in labour:

 Positive  Give Nevirapine
 Negative  If not available, refer the patient
 Not known immediately after birth
 Advise testing

 Encourage birth companion

to be present at birth
Are soap, water and gloves
available?
 No  Yes, I will wash hands and wear gloves for each vaginal exam

 Confirm that mother or Call for help if any of:

companion will call for  Bleeding
help during labour if
 Severe abdominal pain
needed.
 Difficulty in breathing
 Severe headache and blurred vision
 Urge to push
 Cannot empty bladder frequently

85
Maternal Health Skills Registration No……………..

SAFE CHILDBIRTH CHECKLIST – BEFORE BIRTH

Check 2 JUST BEFORE PUSHING (OR BEFORE CAESAREAN)
Does mother need to start: Give antibiotics to mother if any of:
 Mother's temperature >38°C (>100.5°F)
Antibiotics?  Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
 Yes, given  Rupture of membranes >18 hrs with labour
 No  Labour > 24 hrs on obstructed labour now
 Caesarean section
Magnesium sulphate? If mother has systolic BP >= 140 or diastolic
 No >= 90 along with proteinuria upto 2+ AND
 Yes, given has any one of the following, give first dose
of magnesium sulfate and refer immediately
to FRU/higher centre:
 Convulsions
 Increase in BP with proteinuria with
systolic >=160 or diastolic 110 along with
proteinuria 3+ or more
 Presence of any symptom like:
 Severe headache
 Blurring of vision
 Pain in upper abdomen
 Oligouria (passing <400 ml urine in
24 hrs)
Confirm essential supplies Prepare to care for mother immediately after
are at bedside: birth:
For mother  Confirm single baby only (not multiple
 Gloves birth)
 Soap and clean water  Give oxytocin IM within 1 minute
 Oxytocin 10 units in  Controlled cord traction to deliver
syringe placenta
 Pads for Mother  Massage uterus after placenta is delivered
For baby
 Clean towel Prepare to care for baby immediately after birth:
 Sterile scissors/blade to  Dry baby, keep warm, give vit K
cut cord  If not breathing, stimulate and clear airway
 Cord ligature  If still not breathing:
 Mucus extractor  cut cord
 Bag-and-mask  ventilate with bag-and-mask
 shout for help (paediatrician/F - IMCI
doctor if available)
 Skilled assistant identified and ready to help at birth if needed
86
 Identification, Care and
SAFE CHILDBIRTH CHECKLIST AFTER BIRTH Referral of Complications
during Labour
Check 3 SOON AFTER BIRTH (WITHIN 1 HOUR)
Record temperature of mother....................
Record BP of mother..................................
Record temperature of baby.......................
Record respiratory rate of baby..................

Is mother bleeding too much? If bleeding is >500 ml or 1 pad soaked in < 5 mins:
 No  Massage uterus
 Yes, shout for help  Start IV fluids
 Treat cause
 If placenta not delivered or completely
retained: give IM or IV Oxytocin, stabilise
and refer to FRU/higher centre
 If placenta is incomplete: REMOVE If any
visible pieces, and refer immediately to
FRU/higher centre

Does mother need: Give antibiotics to mother if manual removal

Antibiotics? of placenta performed, or if mother's
temperature >38°C and any of:
 No  Chills
 Yes, given  Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
 Lower abdominal tenderness
 Rupture of membranes > 18 hrs. now
 Labour > 24 hours now
Magnesium sulphate? If mother has systolic BP>= 140 or diastolic
 No >=90 along with proteinuria upto 2+ AND has
any one of the following, give first dose of
 Yes, given magnesium sulphate and refer immediately to
FRU/higher centre.
 Convulsions
 Increase in BP with proteinuria with
systolic 160 or diastolic >=110 along with
proteinuria 3+ or more
 Presence of any symptom like:
 severe headache
 blurring of vision
 pain in upper abdomen
 Oligouria (passing <400 ml urine in
24 hrs)
87
Maternal Health Skills
Does baby need: Give baby antibiotics if antibiotics given to
Antibiotics? mother or if baby has any of:
 No  Breathing too fast (>60/min) or stow (<30
 Yes, given min)
 Chest in-drawing, grunting, or
convulsions
 Poor movement on stimulation
 Too cold (Baby's temperature <36°C (and
not rising after warming) or too hot (baby's
temperature >38°C)
Referral? Refer baby to FRU/higher centre if:
 No  Any of the above (antibiotics indications)
 Yes, organised  Baby looks yellow, pale or blush
Special care and monitoring? Arrange special care/monitoring for baby if any:
 No  Preterm baby
 Yes, organised  Birth weight <2500 grams
 Needs antibiotics
 Required resuscitation
Zidovudine? Give if mother is HIV+
 No
 Yes, given
 Started breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact (if mother and baby are well).
Explain that colostrums feeding is important for baby
 Explain the danger signs and confirm mother/companion will call for help
if danger signs present

SAFE CHILDBIRTH CHECKLIST AFTER BIRTH

Check 4 Before Discharge Record temperature of mother.......................
Record BP of mother.....................................
Record temperature of baby..........................
Record respiratory rate of baby.....................
Is Mothers bleeding controlled?
 No, treat, observ and refer to FRU/higher centre if needed
 Yes :………………………………………………………
Does mother need Antibiotics? Give antibiotics to mother if mother has any of:
 No  Mother's temperature >38°C or 100.5°F
 Yes, give and delay  Chills
discharge  Foul-smelling vaginal discharge

88  Lower abdomen tenderness

 Identification, Care and
Does baby need antibiotics? Give Baby antibiotics if baby has any of Referral of Complications
during Labour
 No,  Breathing too fast (>60/mins) or too slow
 Yes, give, delay discharge (<30/min)
and refer to FRU/higher  Chest in-drawing, grunting, or
centre convulsions
 Looks sick (lethargic or irritable)
 Too cold (baby's temp <36°C and not
rising after warming) or too hot (baby's
temp >38°C
 Stopped breastfeeding
 Umbilicus redness extending to skin or
draining pus/any other discharge

Is baby feeding well?

 No, help, delay discharge, refer to FRU/higher centre if needed
 Yes, teach mother exclusive breastfeeding

 Discuss and offer family planning options to mother

 Arrange transport home and follow-up for mother and baby

 Explain the danger signs and confirm mother/companion will seek

help if danger signs are present after discharge

DANGER SIGNS

Mother has any of: Baby has any of:

 Bleeding  Fast/difficult breathing
 Severe abdominal pain  Fever
 Severe headache or  Unusually cold
visual disturbance
 Stops feeding well
 Breathing difficulty  Less activity than normal
 Fever or chills  Whole body becomes yellow
 Difficulty emptying
bladder

5.3 ABNORMAL LABOUR/DYSTOCIA

Abnormal Labour / Dystocia is any deviation from normal progress of labour
either in cervical dilatation or descent of presenting part despite of presence of
uterine contractions or it is a difficult labour or child birth while shows abnormal
slow progress of labour.
89
Maternal Health Skills Causes
The main causes are 3 P's i.e. Abnormalities of power, Abnormalities of passage,
Abnormalities of passenger as discussed below:
Abnormalities of power:
 Hypotonic uterine contractions
 Hypertonic uterine contractions
 Uncoordinated uterine contractions

Abnormalities of passage:
 Deformed pelvis
 Small pelvis
 Contracted pelvis
 Congenital deformities of pelvis

Abnormalities of passenger:
 Malposition
 Malpresentation
 Big baby
 Shoulder dystocia
 Foetal malformations

Prolonged Active Phase (Fig. 5.1)

 In the active phase, plotting of cervical dilatation will remain on the left of or
on the alert line
 If it moves to the right of the alert line labour may be prolonged
 Transfer if facility for emergency is not available
 Transfer allows adequate time for assessment for intervention when the mother
reaches the action line

Prolonged latent phase

When latent phase is more than 8 hours transfer to appropriate health
facility.

At the action line

 It is four hours to the right of alert line
 Assess the cause of slow progress and take action

Action should be taken in a place with facility for dealing with obstetric emergency
is available.

90
 Identification, Care and
Referral of Complications
during Labour

Fig. 5.1: Prolonged active phase of labour

Abnormal Partograph (Fig. 5.2) occurs when

 Latent phase is > 8 hours
 Cervical dilatation is to the right of alert line
 Cervical dilatation at or beyond action line
 Refer the woman in appropriate health facility

Fig. 5.2: Abnormal progress of labour

Referral - Woman is referred when the following are observed in Partograph
 Cervical dilatation mark crosses the alert line
 Identification of +3 Moulding of the fetal skull with poor progress of labour
 Fetal heart rate below 120 per mt or above 160 per mt for more than 10 min
 If liquor is lightly muconium stained in latent first stage of labour
 moderately stained in early active first stage of labour
 Thick amniotic fluid in all stages of labour 91
Maternal Health Skills
5.4 OBSTETRICAL EMERGENCIES
Common obstetrical emergencies include the following:

 Antepartum haemorrhage
 Eclampsia
 Obstructed labour
 Cord prolapse
 Postpartum haemorrhage
 Shock

5.4.1 Antepartum Haemorrhage

Antepartum haemorrhage is the bleeding from the vagina after 28 weeks of
pregnancy and before the birth of the baby. It is a life threatening condition in
pregnancy which if not handled with promptness can lead to death of mother and
baby. Refer unit BNS-042, Block 2, Unit 4.

It is caused by placenta previa, abruptio placenta and rupture of uterus as given

in Fig. 5.3.

Management

If the woman has bleeding P/V (light or heavy), even if she is not in shock.
Initial quick assessment of the mother should be done as per SBA
guidelines

 I/V fluid should be started slowly @ 30 drops/mt, if in shock, rapid fluids @

60 drops/mt to be given FRU.
 Gentle abdominal examination and locating FHS should be done.
 No P/V examination to be done.
 Vital signs also should be monitored.
 Explain the woman/her relation that condition is serious and she must be
taken to higher centre for further management.
 She must be shifted to the FRU which has facilities for blood
transfusion.
 During transportation -
 Keep the woman warm
 Keep the rate of fluids 30 drops/mt carry additional bottle
 If possible you or some other health worker must accompany
woman

92
 Identification, Care and
Referral of Complications
during Labour

Flow chart 5.1: Flow Chart of APH

Case Study 1
Vaginal Bleeding in later Pregnancy
Gunjan is a healthy 24 years old primigravida. Her pregnancy has been
uncomplicated. At 38 weeks of gestation, Ginjan comes to the health centre
accompanied by her husband. She appears to be confused and is sweating
profusely. She reports that since two hours, she has been having painless
vaginal bleeding, the bleeding is bright red in colour.
1) What should be your initial assessment of Gunjan consist of and what
is the probable diagnosis?
2) How should you manage Gunjan?
3) What advice would you give Gunjan’s husband?
Discuss with your supervisor and record.
93
Maternal Health Skills 5.4.2 Eclampsia
Convulsions that occur during pregnancy, delivery or in the postpartum period
should be assumed to be due to eclampsia, unless proved otherwise. It is the
condition in which Blood Pressure is more than 140/90 mmHg and protein urea
2+ after 20 weeks of pregnancy and is accompanied with convulsion.
Eclampsia is characterised by
 Convulsions
 High blood pressure (a systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or more and/or
a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or more)
 Proteinuria +2 or more.
 Keep in touch with the woman or her family and undertake appropriate follow
up of the cases.
Management
 Check circulation and airway and check breathing
 Place women in left lateral position.
 Any visible obstruction or foreign body should be removed and clear nose
and mouth. If needed do suctioning.
 Place mouth gag to prevent tongue bite, this should be done when there are
no convulsions.
 Put on railing bed to protect from injury.
 Cathetrized so that urine output can be measured.
 An I/V access should be established. I/V fluids ringer lactate started slowly
@ 30 drops/minute
 Her duration of pregnancy is assessed and if she is in labour, Administer
Magnesium sulphate 5 g (10 ml) and l/m stat in each buttock.
 Record the dose of drugs given vital signs specially BP and urine protein
must be checked and recorded.
 Check total heart sound and record referred to FRU with a referral slip
and one attendant
 You must ensure that she reaches the higher facility atleast within 2 hrs if
administration of first dose of magnesium sulphate is given
 If the delivery is imminent, you may not have time to transport her to a FRU,
in that case deliver her immediately
 Delivery may be at home/sub-center and
 Refer her to FRU after delivery
Checklist of Management of Convulsion in Eclampsia
A woman with eclampsia has hypertension with proteinuria and convulsion.
Provide supportive care immediately as follows:
 Ensure that the airway and breathing are clear. If the woman is unconscious,
position her on her left lateral side
 Empty her bladder using a catheter in and attach to a urine collection bag
 Clean her mouth and nostrils and apply gentle suction to remove secretions
94  Remove any visible obstruction or foreign body from her mouth
 Place the padded mouth gaga between the upper and lower jaw so prevent Identification, Care and
tongue bite. Do not attempt during convulsion Referral of Complications
during Labour
 Protect her from fall or injury
 Do not leave the woman alone
 Measure the Pulse, BP, urine output and temperature of the woman
 Magnesium Sulphate injection
Give the first dose (only one dose) of magnesium sulphate injection
Take a sterile 10 cc syringe and 22 gauge needle
Break 5 ampoules and fill the syringe with the magnesium sulphate solution
ampoule by (10 ml in all). Take care not to suck in air bubbles while filling the
syringe. (Each ampoule has 2 ml of magnesium sulphate 50% w/v, 1g in 2 ml)
Identify the upper outer quadrant of the hip. Clan it with a spirit swab and let the
area dry.
Administer the 10 ml (5 g) injection (deep intramascular) in the upper outer
quadrant in one buttock, slowly
Tell the woman she will feel warm while injection is being given
Repeat the procedure with the same dose (i.e. 5 ampoules–10 ml/5 g) in the other
buttock
Dispose of syringe in a puncture proof container (if disposable) or discontinue
(if reusable)
 Start an intravenous infusion and give the intravenous fluid slowly at the
rate of 30 drops/minutes
 Refer the woman immediately to an FRU with a referral slip. Ensure that she
reaches the referral centre within 2 hours of receiving the first dose of
Magnesium Suphate
 If the woman is in early labour, give her the first dose of Magnesium Suphate
and refer her to an FRU for delivery
 If the woman is about to deliver, then
Administer the first dose of Magnesium Suphate injection
Deliver the baby in a domicillary setting/SC
Refer her to an FRU after the delivery
Steps in administration of Magnesium Sulphate
Keep the following items ready
 Syringe and 22 guage needle
 Magnesium Sulphate ampoules
 Spirit and swabs
 Punture proof box
Wash hands with soap and water
 Tell the woman (if she is conscious) or her companion what is about to be
done
 Make the woman lie down comfortably
95
Maternal Health Skills  Check the expiry date on the Magnesium Sulphate ampoules
 Expose the area where the injection is to be given. Magnesium Sulphate
injection is given in the upper and outer quadrant of buttock
 Clean the site with cotton and spirit
 Fill the syringe with the required dose using a 22 guage needle
 Pierce the skin with the needle at a right angle to the buttock (It is important
to ensure that the injection is given deep, otherwise an abscess can develop
at the site of the injection). Aspirate to ensure that the needle has not entered
a blood vessel
 Tell the woman that after receiving the magnesium sulphate injection, she
may feel hot and thirsty, may have flushing or get headache or may vomit
 Dispose of the syringe in a puncture proof box or decontaminate
 Wash your hand and record the treatment given in the Mother and Child
Protection Card.

Case Study 2
Eclampsia
Sunita is 25 years old. She is 36 weeks pregnant. For the last two months.
She was being treated at the PHC for PIH. Sunita has been counselled
regarding the dangers signs in PIH and what to do about them. Her mother
and husband have brought her to the health centre because she developed a
severe headache and blurred vision this morning and had convulsions on
the way to the health centre.
1) What should be your initial assessment of Sunita and what is the
probable diagnosis?
2) How should you manage Sunita?
3) What advice would you give Sunita's husband/mother?
Discuss with your supervisor and record.

5.4.3 Obstructed Labour

Labour is said to be obstructed labour when inspite of good uterine contraction,
the progressive descent of the presenting part is arrested due to mechanical
obstruction.
Labour is said to be "obstructed" When the foetus cannot be delivered through
the natural passage due to mechanical obstruction, it is on major obstetrical
emergency, leads to high maternal and neonatal deaths.
 The partograph shows mother's finding cross the alert line, strong uterine
contractions both in number and duration, foetal distress and tachycardia in
mother.
 Transverse lie and abnormal presentation are commonly associated with
obstructed labour.
Management
You as a health worker need to do prompt interventions and refer all cases
96 immediatly to FRU.
 The following interventions are carried out before referring the mother: Identification, Care and
Referral of Complications
 Put I/V line give Ringer's lactate @ 30 drops/mt, if I/V line cannot be during Labour
established give ORS or sips of sweet fluids.
 There is no scope of using oxytocin to stimulate the uterine contraction.
 1st dose I/V antibiotic ceftriaxone 1 gm and metrogy 1400 mg to be given.
 Ensure that you or any other health worker who is senior or experienced
with skills of delivery should accompany the woman to FRU.
 Inform the referral centre if possible by radio or telephonic.
 Refer her to FRU immediately with referral note.

5.4.4 Cord Prolapse

The cord lies inside or outside the vulva following rupture of membrane.
Management
First aid management can be very well done by nurses which is as follows:
 Do a P/V examination to ascertain
 Degree of Cx dilatation
 The presenting part
 Cord pulsation
 Establish an I/V line, keep the woman nil orally.
 Make the woman lie in knee chest or exaggerated sim's position or
trendelenburg position or put pillows under the buttocks so that they are
higher than shoulder. (Fig. 5.3)
 Identify foetal heart rate with stethoscope/foetoscope.
 Efforts should be made to minimise pressure on the cord.
 If she is in labour delivering has to be done immediately.
 Cord pulsation is felt, if not present vaginal delivering is conducted.
 If FHS present and cord pulsation present urgently shift her to FRU or higher
centre.
 Prepare the woman for cesearean delivery and take the informed written
consent also.
 Explain the relatives that the chances of survival of foetus is very less if cord

Fig. 5.3: Positions used in Cord Prolapse 97

Maternal Health Skills 5.4.5 Postpartum Haemorrhage
Postpartum Haemorrhage is loss of 500 ml of more blood during delivery or on
the pastpartum period (up to six weeks of the delivery)
The PPH may be Primary or Secondary. In Primary Postpartum Haemorrhage
bleeding within 24 hours of delivery and in secondary PPH bleeding occurs after
24 hours.
Management
If a woman visits to a sub-centre with history of bleed you need to follow the
steps given below.
 Check if the woman complains of heavy bleeding.
 Ask and check whether the placenta was delivered or not.
 Check if she is soaking 1 pad in less than 5 minutes or 3 pads in 10 minutes.
 Check her vital signs, amount of bleeding, trauma/retained placenta, hardening
of the uterus.

The woman can be considered in shock if

 Pulse is more than 120/mt
 BP less than 60 mmHg
 She is cold and clammy in addition bleeding heavily
 She is anxious, confused/unconscious

 Label the mother as having primary PPH, if she is bleeding within 24 hr of

delivery.
 If uterus is soft, start I/V Ringer's lactate with 20 units of oxytocin @ 40–60
drops/mts
 In case I/V cannot be establish, give I/M oxytocin 10 units stat and refer the
woman to FRU.
 Make attempt to contract the uterus by messaging and expel the blood clots.
 If placenta is not expelled, try to remove it.
 If uterus still soft and woman bleeding despite uterine massage, oxytocin
treatment and removal of placenta then perform bimanual uterine
compression.
 Catheterize the bladder to note the amount of output.
 Quickly make arrangements to transport the woman to FRU by filling referral
slip.
 I/V line and catheter should be left in place while transporting the mother.
 The referring facility doctor should be informed in advance along with
patient's blood group and general condition.

98  Refer flow Chart 5.2 and 5.3 for management (adapted from MOHFW)
 Identification, Care and
If the bleeding is under control take pulse rate every 30 minutes, more Referral of Complications
during Labour
than 30 ml per hour take blood pressure every 4 hours, access urine
output every 4 hours until

Secondary PPH Bleeding after 24 hours

Cause of secondary PPH can be as follows:
 It can be due to Retained products of conception, Uterine infections
 Oxytocin 10 IU l/m should be immediately given
 I/V line to established and give 20 units IV oxytocin in 500 ml of Ringer
lactate at @ 40–60 drops/mt
 If bleeding doses not stop refer her to FRU
 If fever and foul swelling vaginal discharge, give her first dose of antibiotic
cap Ampicillin 1 gm, metronidazole 400 mg and Inj gentamycin 80 mg lm
and refer to FRU/higher facility with the referral card.
Steps for setting up an intravenous line
1) Identify and collect the necessary equipment for IV cannula insertion. Sterile
cotton swabs, IV cannula sizes 18 & 20 gauge, povidone lodine, alcohol/
spirit swabs, adhesive tape, 2 ml normal saline flush ina 2/5 ml syringe splint
sterile gloves, tourniquet
2) Identify the site of insertion
3) Apply tourniquet proximal to the identified vein
4) Wash hands and wear gloves
5) Clean the site with alcohol and wait for 30 seconds
6) Apply povidone iodine solution
7) Remove the povidone iodine using alcohol and allow to air-dry for 30 seconds
8) Hold the IV cannula and prick the skin at an angle of 15 degrees
9) Advance the stylet with cannula till a gush of blood is seen in the hub of the
stylet
10) Progress the IV cannula slowly while withdrawing the stylet till the cannula
is fully inserted
11) Keep the stylet in a sterile container
12) Flush with 2 ml of normal saline to check for smooth flow of the fluid
13) Close the hub end with the stopper
14) Fox the IV cannula with adhesive tape
15) Splint the part if required
16) Stylet is destroyed using needle destroyer/discarded in puncture-proof
container
Refer flow Chart 5.2 and 5.3 for management of PPH to have better understanding
(Adopted from MOHFW)
99
Maternal Health Skills MANAGEMENT OF PPH

Flow chart 5.2: Management of PPH

100
 Identification, Care and
MANAGEMENT OF ATONIC PPH Referral of Complications
during Labour

Flow chart 5.3: Management of Atonic PPH

101
Maternal Health Skills
Case Study 3
Vaginal Bleeding after Delivery
Veena is 24 years old. She gave birth to full term baby one and a half hours
ago at home. Her birth attendant was her grandmother, who has brought
Veena to the health centre because she has been bleeding since delivery.
The duration of labour was 12 hours, the birth was normal and the placenta
was delivered 20 minutes after the birth of baby.
1) What should be initial assessment of Veena and what is the probable
diagnosis?
2) How should you manage Veena?
3) What advice would you give Veena's grandmother?
Discuss with supervisor and record.

5.4.6 Shock
Shock is defined as a failure of circulatory system to maintain adequate perfusing
vital organs.
Management
 The woman is considered to be in shock if -
 She is anxious, confused or unconscious
 Her skin is cold and clammy
 B.P. is less than 90/60 mm of Hg and pulse rate of 115 (tachycardia),
respiration more than 30/mt
 Bleeding heavily (1 pad soaked in less than 5 mts)
 If the woman is conscious with bleeding PV, Ask LMP to make sure that she
is pregnant - early or late pregnancy.
 Check if she has any abdominal pain.
 Check her general condition, vital signs, bleeding PV
a) Initiate treatment immediately -
Stat I/V Ringer's lactate or normal saline at a referral rate
Raise her foot end
Check out access airway. If airway is not
Make the woman warm with lot of woolen or blankets
Put her in side lying position
Refer her to FRU with referral slip
b) Explain the woman /her companion that her condition is serious and she
is in danger. Hence she needs to be referred to FRU.
c) Make arrangements for transport, during transportation follow these -
102
  Keep her warm as much as possible Identification, Care and
Referral of Complications
 Must carry another bottle I/V fluids during Labour

 If possible accompany the woman to FRU and also inform them in

advance

5.5 REFERRAL
A referral can be defined as a process in which a health worker at one level of
health system having insufficient resources (Drugs, Equipment's, skills) to manage
a clinical condition and seeks assistance of a better or differently resourced facility
at the same or higher level to assist in or take over the management of a client
case.
Reasons for Referral
 For expert opinion
 Use additional or different services
 Admission and management of client
 Use of diagnostic and therapeutic tools
Principles of referral
 The women her baby and family are the center of all discussions and processes
 The women should have continuity of maternity care
 Women has the right to receive full, accurate, unbiased information about
her options / outcome
 Communicators between all practioners involved with the woman will include
her and will open clear, timely and appropriately documented
Before transferring the client with complication ensure that she should be kept in
the left lateral position. In case the women is unconscious put the soft mouth gag
in between her teeth. This will prevent tongue bites in case she develops fits.
Medication
 Start I/V fluids as ringers lactate normal saline or 5% glucose.
 Sedate the patient before transportation.
 Give first dose of broad spectrum antibiotic.
Sample of reference letter

Sample reference letter ................................................................

Name of the woman ................................................................
Name of the Health Worker ................................................................
EDD ................................................................
Past Obstretic History ................................................................
Present Problem ................................................................
103
Maternal Health Skills
Labour Management
carried out ................................................................
Reason for referral ................................................................
Date of referral ................................................................
Time of referral ................................................................
Emergency Management
if any given ................................................................
Vaginal Examination ................................................................
Dialation of cervix ................................................................
Contraction, Duration,
frequency ................................................................
VITALS: ................................................................
 BP ................................................................
 Pulse ................................................................
 Temperature ................................................................
Foetal Heart Rate ................................................................
Bleeding per vagina ................................................................
Blood group of woman if
known ................................................................
Any evidence of bleeding (for assessural of the amount of blood loss) such
as number of pads used or clothes soaked should be send along with patient.

5.6 LET US SUM UP

In this unit we have discussed about various obstetrical emergencies, most of
these are preventable. Timely identification, intelligent action of nurses along
with proper education of mothers all together can do a lot to reduce their incidence.
Death due to childbirth should not happen as it is physiological process and
access to health care facilities these days available at many places.

5.7 ACTIVITIES
Activity 1
Visit a labour room of a PHC/CHC/district hospital and undertake the following:

 Prepare oxytoxin 20 IU in 500 ml of Ringer's lactate

 Administer MgSO4 to an eclamptic patient

Activity 2
Prepare a health education session for group of staff nurses on the prevention of
104 postpartum haemorrhage.
Activity 3 Identification, Care and
Referral of Complications
Demonstrate the important points to remember while transporting or referring a during Labour
patient in case of any obstetrical emergency.

5.8 REFERENCES
1) RMNCH+A 5 × 5 Matrix, www.nrhm.gov.in
2) http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs348/en/
3) http://unicef.in/Whatwedo/1/Maternal-Health
4) http://data.unicef.org/maternal-health/maternal-mortality.html
5) http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=123669
6) http://data.worldbank.org/
7) www.obgnursing.blogspot.com/2012/07july2012/midwifery and obstetric
nursing
8) www.pregnancycorner.com/labourcontraction
9) www.glown.com/episiotomy
10) www.pdf-assessmentof4thstageoflabour
11) A Strategic Approach to Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and
Adolescent Health (Rmnch+A) in India, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Government of India January, 2013
12) India's Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health
(RMNCH+A) Strategy, by USAID July 2014
13) Guidelines for Standardization of Labour Room at Delivery Points. Ministry
of Health & Family Welfare Government of India. March 2016.
14) Protocol Posters from FRU to MC. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Government of India.
15) Maternal and Newborn Health Toolkit. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Government of India. November 2013.
16) Guidelines for Antenatal Care and Skilled Attendance at Birth by ANMs/
CHVs/SNs. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Government of India.
April 2010.
17) Skilled Birth Attendance (SBA). A Handbook for Auxiliary Nurse Midwives,
Lady Health Visitor and Staff Nurses. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Government of India. 2010.
18) Skilled Birth Attendance (SBA). Trainers Guide for Conducting Training of
Auxiliary Nurse Midwives, Lady Health Visitor and Staff Nurses. Ministry
of Health & Family Welfare Government of India. 2010.
19) Handbook for RMNCH Counsellors. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Government of India.
20) Subcutaneous Injectable Contraceptives. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Government of India.
21) My Safe Motherhood Booklet. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Government of India.
105
Maternal Health Skills 22) Skill Lab Operational Guidelines. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Government of India.
23) Daksh Skill Lab for RMNCH + A Services Training Manual for Participants.
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Government of India.
24) IUCD Reference Manual for Ayush Doctors. Ministry of Health & Family
Welfare Government of India. Jan 2014.
25) Reference Manual for Injectable Contraceptives (DMPA). Ministry of Health
& Family Welfare Government of India. Mar 2016.
26) Reference Manual for Oral Contraceptive Pills. Ministry of Health & Family
Welfare Government of India. Mar 2016.
27) Contraceptive Update Manual for Doctors (October 2005)
28) Elizabeth Marie "Midwifery for nurses," 1st edition 2010, CBS publishers,
New Delhi.
29) Kumari Neelam, Sharma Shivani and Dr Gupta Preeti "A text book of
midwifery and gynecological nursing," 2010 edition, PV Books, Jalandhar,
India.
30) Bashir Rafiqa, "Manual on pregnancy, labour and puerperium," Daya
publishing house, New Delhi.
31) Souza, D, Juliania, "Normal Labour and Nursing Management" Maternal
Health Nursing, IGNOU School of Health Sciences, New Delhi.

106
 Postnatal Examinations
UNIT 6 POSTNATAL EXAMINATION AND and Care

CARE

Structure
6.0 Introduction
6.1 Objectives
6.2 Postnatal Care and Postnatal Visits
6.3 Examination and Care during Postnatal Visits
6.3.1 First Postnatal Visits
6.3.2 Second and Third Postnatal Visits for Mother
6.3.3 Fourth Postnatal Visit for Mother
6.4 Breastfeeding
6.5 Referral
6.6 Let Us Sum Up
6.7 Activity
6.8 References

6.0 INTRODUCTION
The postnatal period as you have leant is a critical phase in the lives of mothers
and newborn babies. Major changes occur during this period which determines
the well-being of mothers and newborn. Yet, this is the most neglected time for
the provision of quality of health services. Lack of appropriate care during this
period could result in significant maternal and infant deaths during this period.
In this unit we will focus on Postnatal care and postnatal visits. We shall also
discuss about examination and care of mother and baby including counselling
during 1st ,2nd, 3rd and 4th Post natal visits You have also learnt Postpartum Care in
theory Course 2, Block 2, Unit 5.

6.1 OBJECTIVES
After completing this unit, you should be able to:
• carry out detailed examination of Postnatal mother and newborn baby;
• identify danger signs in a postnatal women and in a newborn;
• identify and solve breastfeeding problems in mother and newborn; and
• counsel the mother for appropriate postnatal care and make appropriate
referral.

6.2 POSTNATAL CARE AND POSTNATAL VISITS

Postnatal care (PNC) is the care given to the mother and her newborn baby
immediately after the birth and during the first six weeks of life. Therefore as a
mid-level health care provider you should be able to conduct post natal
examination and provide appropriate care to mother and baby to prevent
107
Maternal Health Skills mortality and mobility among mothers and babies. Let us learn about the number
of visits.
During postnatal period woman should recuperate physically and emotionally
and should be able to take care of her newborn baby.
Postnatal Visits- The number of visits are given in following Table 6.1.
Table 6.1: Postnatal visits

Visits After Home Delivery / After Delivery at

Delivery at SC PHC/FRU

First visit 1st day (within 24 hours) Not applicable

Second visit 3rd day after delivery 3rd day after delivery

Third visit 7th day after delivery 7th day after delivery

Fourth visit 6 weeks after delivery 6 weeks after delivery

Note: There should be three additional visits in the case of babies with low birth
weight- on days 14, 21 and 28.

6.3 EXAMINATION AND CARE DURING POST-

NATAL VISITS
The examination and care during post natal visits is discussed in following
subsection:

6.3.1 First Postnatal Visit (1st day - within 24 hours)

The first 48 hours are the most critical in the entire postpartum period. Most of
the major complications of the postpartum period such as PPH and eclampsia,
which can lead to maternal death, occur during this period. Hence a woman who
has just delivered needs to be closely monitored during the first 48 hours. It is
your duty to inform the woman about the importance of staying at the health
facility where she has delivered for atleast 48 hours so that proper care is provided
to her. You must emphasise that monitoring is essential for her and the baby.
The next most critical period is the first week following the delivery. A
considerable number of complications can occur during this period, both for the
mother as well as the baby. Hence, visits have to be made to the mother and the
baby on the 3rd and 7th day after delivery.
1) First postnatal visit for mother
Following need to be done during first postnatal visit of mother.
History Taking
Ask the following questions:
1) Where did the delivery take place?
2) Who conducted the delivery?
3) Is there a history of:
a) Any complication during the delivery?
108
 b) Bleeding P/V (how many pads or pieces of cloth are soaked with blood) Postnatal Examinations
and Care
c) Convulsions or loss of consciousness
d) Pain in the legs
e) Abdominal pain
f) Fever
g) Dribbling or retention of urine
h) Any breast tenderness, etc.
4) Has the mother started breastfeeding the baby?
5) Has she started her regular diet?
6) Are there any other complaints?
Examination
1) Check the woman’s pulse, blood pressure, temperature and respiratory rate.
2) Check for the presence of pallor.
3) Conduct an abdominal examination. Normally, the uterus will be well
contracted, i.e. hard and round. It is soft and uterine tenderness is present
and then do appropriate referral.
4) Examine the vulva and perineum for the presence of any tear, swelling or
discharge of pus. If any of these is present do appropriate referral.
5) Examine the pad for bleeding to assess if the bleeding is heavy and also see
if the lochia is healthy and does not smell foul (for puerperal sepsis). If these
signs are present do appropriate referral.
6) Examine the breasts for any lump or tenderness, check the condition of the
nipples and observe breastfeeding. If the woman has any complaints regarding
the condition of her breasts, do appropriate referral.
Management and Counselling
Give the woman and her family members the following guidance:
I) Postpartum care and hygiene
• She should have someone near her for the first 24 hours to take care of
her and the baby.
• She should wash the perineum daily.
• The sanitary pads must be changed every 4–6 hours or more frequently
if required.
• If using cloth pads, it should be washed with soap and water and dried in
the sun.
• She should bathe daily.
• She should take enough rest and sleep.
• She should wash her hands before and after handling the baby, especially
after cleaning and before feeding the baby.
• Rooming in of the mother with the baby is advisable.
• Advise the mother on how to look after her newborn, e.g. how to maintain
warmth and exclusive breastfeeding. 109
Maternal Health Skills Nutrition
• She should increase her intake of food and fluids.
• Talk to the woman’s family members such as her husband and mother-in-
law, to encourage them to ensure that she eats enough and avoids heavy
physical work.
• Advise her to eat greater amount and variety of healthy foods such as cereals,
milk, cheese, meat, fish, green leafy vegetables, etc.
Contraception
• Advice the couple on birth spacing or limiting the size of the family
• Advice the couple to abstain from sexual intercourse for about 6 week’s
postpartum or till the perineal wound is healed.
1) Breastfeeding
• Ask the mother whether breastfeeding was initiated within one hour of
the birth.
• Observe breastfeeding and check if there is good attachment and effective
suckling.
• Advise her to feed colostrum.
• Ask her to feed in a relaxed environment.
• Explain that breast milk is sufficient and the best for the baby. Stress on
exclusive breastfeeding.
• She should breastfeed frequently i.e. at least 6–8 times during the day
and 2–3 times during the night. She should not give water or any other
liquid to the baby.
• She should breastfeed from both breasts during a feed. The baby should
finish emptying one breast to get the rich hind milk before starting on
the second breast.
Registration of birth
Explain the importance of getting the birth of the baby registered with the local
panchayat or Registrars office.
IFA supplementation
• She should take one IFA tablet daily for six months.
• If she was anaemic prior to the delivery, recheck her Hb level.
• If Hb<11 gm/dl, then advise her to take two IFA tablets daily for three months
and if after one month her Hb level hasn’t improved refer her to the PHC.
• If Hb is <7 gm/dl refer her to FRU.
Danger signs
• Counsel the mother to go to higher health facility if she notices the following
danger signs:
• Excessive bleeding, i.e. soaking more than 2–3 pads in 5 minutes after
delivery

110 • Convulsions
 • Fever Postnatal Examinations
and Care
• Severe abdominal pain
• Difficulty in breathing
• Foul-smelling lochia
II) First visit for baby
History-taking
Ask the mother/relative taking care of the mother and baby:
1) When did the child pass urine and stool?
2) Has the mother started breastfeeding the baby and are there any difficulties
in breastfeeding?
3) Ask the following:
• The baby has fever.
• The baby is not suckling well (could have ulcers or white patches in the
mouth-thrush)
• The baby has difficulty in breathing.
• The umbilical cord is red or swollen or is discharging pus.
• The movements of the newborn are less than normal (normally, newborns
move their arms or legs or turn their head several times in a minute).
• There is skin infection (pustules) – red spots which contain pus or a big
boil.
• There are convulsions.
4) Are there any other complaints?
5) If any of the above problems is present, refer the newborn to the appropriate
health facility. However, there is no need for referral in case of umbilical
discharge or if the number of skin pustules is less than 10. Provide home
treatment (as per IMNCI guidelines) for these problems and refer the baby
only if there is no improvement after two days.
Examination
1) Count the respiratory rate for one minute. The normal respiratory rate is 30–
60 breaths per minute. If it is less than 30 breaths per minute or more than 60
breaths per minute, refer the baby to the appropriate health facility as per the
steps for referral.
2) Look for severe chest in-drawing:
• Mild chest in-drawing is normal in an infant because the chest wall is
very soft.
• Severe chest in-drawing (lower chest wall goes in when the infant breathes
in) is a sign of pneumonia and is serious in an infant.
• Refer the baby to an appropriate health facility as per the steps of
referral.
3) Check the baby’s colour:
• Check for pallor.
111
Maternal Health Skills • Check for jaundice. If it is normal, if appears less than 24 hours after
birth and the palms and soles are yellow. Refer the baby to an appropriate
health facility as per the steps for referral.
• Check for central cyanosis (blue tongue and lips). Such babies are to be
urgently referred.
4) Check the baby’s body temperature. The temperature can be assessed by
recording the axillary temperature or feeling the infant’s abdomen or axilla.
o o
• If the temperature is less than 36.5 C or above 37.4 C, the newborn needs
to be urgently referred to an appropriate health facility as per the steps
for referral.
5) Examine the umbilicus for any bleeding, redness or pus. If there is any, provide
treatment and refer the baby to an appropriate health facility if there is no
improvement after two days.
6) Examine for skin infection:
• Red rashes on the skin may be seen 2–3 days after birth. These are normal.
• If there are 10 or more pustules (red spots or blisters which contain pus)
or a big boil/abscess, refer the new-born to an appropriate health facility
immediately.
7) Examine the newborn for cry and activity:
• If the newborn is not alert and/or has a poor cry; is lethargic/
unconsciousness; or if the movements are less than normal, he/she needs
to be referred to an appropriate health facility.
8) Examine the eyes for discharge. Check if they are red or if the eyelids are
swollen. Provide treatment and refer the baby to an appropriate health facility
if there is no improvement after two days.
9) Examine for congenital malformations and any birth injury. If there are any,
refer the newborn to an appropriate health facility (preferably District
Hospital). There are 30 identified health conditions for early detection and
free treatment and management. The list of diseases is provided in the Table
6.2 below:
Table 6.2 : Identified health conditions for child health
screening and early intervention services
Defects at Birth Deficiencies
1. Neural Tube Defect 10. Anaemia especially severe
2. Down’s Syndrome anaemia

3. Cleft Lip & Palate/Cleft Palate 11. Vitamin A Deficiency (Bitot spot)
alone 12. Vitamin D Deficiency (Rickets)
4. Talipes (Club foot) 13. Severe Acute Malnutrition
5. Developmental Dysplasia of the 14. Goiter
Hip
6. Congenital Cataract
7. Congenital Deafness
8. Congenital Heart Disease
9. Retinopathy of Prematurity
112
 Postnatal Examinations
Childhood Diseases Developmental Delays and and Care
15. Skin conditions (Scabies, Disabilities
Fungal Infection and Eczema) 21.Vision Impairment
16. Otitis Media 22. Hearing Impairment
17. Rheumatic Heart Disease 23. Neuro-Motor Impairment
18. Reactive Airway Disease 24. Motor Delay
19. Dental Caries 25. Cognitive Delay
20. Convulsion Disorders 26. Language Delay
27. Behaviour Disorder (Autism)
28. Learning Disorder
29. Attention Disorder
30. Congenital hypothyroidism, Sickle Cell anaemia, Beta Thalassemia
(Optional)

Management/counselling
Give the mother the following advice:
1) She should maintain hygiene while handling the baby.
2) She should delay the baby’s first bath to beyond 24 hours after birth.
3) In cool weather, the baby’s head and feet should be covered and he/she should
be dressed in extra clothing. The baby must be kept warm at all times.
4) She should not apply anything on the cord and must keep the umbilicus and
cord dry.
5) She should observe the baby while breastfeeding and try to ensure proper/
good attachment.
Good attachment of the baby to the mother’s breast: Ensure that the baby’s
mouth is attached correctly to the breast.
• If the baby is having the following problems, take him/her immediately to an
appropriate health facility: (Danger signs)
• The baby is not breastfeeding.
• The baby looks sick (lethargic or irritable).
• The baby has fever or feels cold to the touch.
• Breathing is fast or difficult.
• There is blood in the stools.
• The baby looks yellow, pale or bluish.
• The baby’s body is arched forward.
• The movements of the body, limbs or face are irregular.
• The umbilicus is red, swollen or draining pus.
• The baby has not passed meconium within 24 hours of birth.
• Counsel the mother on where and when to take the baby for immunisation.
Follow the immunisation schedule for the child. 113
Maternal Health Skills Table 6.3: Conditions requiring referral to FRU/PHC
Referral on Referral to PHC Referral to FRU
Maternal PPH (Soaks one pad in • Uterus not hard and contracted
Condition < one minute) • Tear, swelling or pus discharge in
vulva and perineum
• Foul smelling discharge per
vagina
• Anaemia (if Hb doesnot improve
after 1 month of IFA
consumption)
• Presenting with danger signs –
heavy bleeding, fever,
convulsions, severe abdominal
pain, breathing difficulty, foul
smelling lochia

Newborn’s Presenting with danger • Did not pass urine or meconium

Conditions signs- difficulty in
• Temperature is < 36.5°C or >
breathing, fits or
37.4°C,
convulsions, fever or
cold to touch, refuses • If respiration less than/more than
feed, blood in stools, 30 breaths/minute
has diarrhoea • Indrawing of the chest
• Baby’s colour for jaundice/
central cyanosis
• Pus/bleeding/redness from
Umbilicus
• Pustules – if there are 10 or more
or a big boil
• Not alert and/or has a poor cry or
movements less than normal
• Discharge/redness from eyes
• Any congenital malformation and
birth injuries

6.3.2 Second and Third Postnatal Visits for Mother

(3rd day and 7th day)
History Taking
A similar history needs to be taken as during the first visit. Apart from the questions
asked during the first visit, also ask the mother the following:
• Is there continued bleeding P/V? this, i.e. postpartum bleeding occurring 24
hours or more after delivery, is known as ‘delayed’ PPH.
• Is there foul-smelling vaginal discharge? This could be indicative of puerperal
sepsis
114 • Has there been any fever?
• Is there a history of swelling (engorgement) and/or tenderness of the Postnatal Examinations
and Care
breast?
• Is there any pain or problem while passing urine (dribbling or leaking)?
• Is there fatigue and is she ‘not feeling well’?
• Does she feel unhappy or cry easily? This indicates postpartum depression
and usually occurs 4–7 days after delivery.
• Are there any other complaints?
Examination
This is similar to the examination conducted during the first visit. It includes the
following:
• Check the pulse, blood pressure and temperature
• Check for pallor
• Conduct an abdominal examination to see if the uterus is well contracted
(hard and round) and to rule out the presence of any uterine tenderness. If
there is a problem refer the woman to the appropriate health facility.
• Examine the vulva and perineum for the presence of any swelling or pus. If
either of these is present, refer her to the appropriate health facility.
• Examine the pad for bleeding and lochia. Assess if it is profuse and whether
it foul smells. If so, refer her to the appropriate health facility.
• Examine the breasts for the presence of lumps or tenderness. If either is
present, then refer her to the appropriate health facility.
• Check the condition of the nipples. If they are cracked or sore, manage as
described earlier.
Management/counselling
• Diet and rest
• Inform the mother that during lactation, she needs to eat more than her
normal pre-pregnancy diet. This is because she needs to regain her
strength during the period of exclusive breastfeeding and also for her
baby to derive its full nutritional requirements from breast milk.
• She should be advised to take foods rich in calories, proteins, iron,
vitamins and other micro-nutrients (milk and milk products such as curd
and cottage cheese; green leafy vegetables and other seasonal vegetables;
pulses; eggs; meat, including fish and poultry; groundnuts; ragi; jaggery;
fruits, such as mango, guava, orange, sweet lime and watermelon).
• The mother needs sufficient rest during the postpartum period; to be
able to regain her strength. Advise her to refrain from doing any heavy
work during the postpartum period.
• Contraception
• Inform the mother that whenever her menstrual cycle begins again and/
or she stops exclusive breastfeeding, she can conceive even after a single
act of unprotected sex.
• Inform the couple about the various choices of contraceptive methods
available and help them choose the method most suitable to them.
115
Maternal Health Skills • Second and third visit for baby
History Taking
• The same question should be asked during history-taking as during the
first postpartum visit. If any of the problems inquired about is present,
refer the baby to the appropriate health facility.
Examination
Observe the baby and record the following:
• Whether he/she is sucking well
• If there is difficulty in breathing (fast or slow breathing and chest in-drawing)
• If there is fever or the baby is cold to the touch
• If there is jaundice (yellow palms and soles)
• Whether the cord is swollen or there is discharge from it
• If the baby has diarrhoea with the blood in the stool
• If there are convulsions or arching of the baby’s body
Refer the baby to the appropriate health facility if any of the problems are present.
Management/Counselling
Counsel the mother on the following:
• She should exclusively breastfed the baby for 6 months.
• She should feed the baby on demand.
• She should be encouraged to “room in”.
• Supplementary foods should be introduced at 6 months of age. She can
continue breastfeeding simultaneously.
Also talk to the mother about the following:
• Baby’s weight loss: The baby loses a little weight in the first three days after
birth. This is a normal process and the mother should not worry about it.
After the third day, the baby starts gaining weight and regains its birth weight
by the first week.
• Hygiene of the baby: While bathing the baby, special attention should be
paid to the head, face, skin flexures, umbilical cord and napkin area. These
should be dried properly with soft cloth.
• When and where to seek help in case of signs of illness: Inform the mother
when to seek help and where to go in case the baby shows any signs of
illness.
• Immunisation: The baby should be immunised as per the Universal
Immunisation Programme.

6.3.3 Fourth Postnatal Visit for Mother (6 weeks after delivery)

History Taking
Ask the mother the following:
• Has the vaginal bleeding stopped?
116 • Has menstrual cycle resumed?
• Is there any foul-smelling vaginal discharge? Postnatal Examinations
and Care
• Does she have any pain or problem while passing urine (dribbling or leaking)?
• Does she get easily fatigued and/or ‘does not feel well’?
• Is she having any problems while breastfeeding?
• Is there any other complaints?
Examination
This examination includes the following:
• Check the woman’s blood pressure.
• Check for pallor.
• Examine the vulva and perineum for the presence of any swelling or pus.
• Examine the breasts for the presence of lumps or tenderness. If either is
present, refer her to the MO.
Management/Counselling
• Diet and rest:
• As in the second and third visits, emphasise the importance of nutrition.
• Contraception:
• Emphasise the importance of using contraceptive methods for spacing
or limiting the size of the family.
Fourth visit for baby
History – taking
Ask the mother the following:
• Has the baby received all the vaccines recommended so far?
• Is the baby taking breastfeeds well?
• How much weight has the baby gained?
• Does the baby have any kind of problem?
Examination
• Check the weight of the baby.
• Check if the baby is active/lethargic.
Management/counselling
• Emphasise the importance of exclusive breastfeeding.
• Tell the mother that if the baby is having any of the following problems, he/
she should be taken immediately to the appropriate health facility.
• The baby is not accepting breastfeeds.
• He/she looks sick (lethargic or irritable).
• The baby has fever or feels cold to the touch.
• The baby has convulsions.
• Breathing is fast or difficult.
117
Maternal Health Skills • There is blood in the stools.
• The baby has diarrhoea.
Counsel the mother on where and when to take the baby for further immunisation.

6.4 BREASTFEEDING
Breastfeeding problems:
• If the mother is having difficulty breastfeeding, teach her the correct position
to ensure good attachment.
• If the nipples are cracked or sore, she should apply hind breast milk which
has a soothing effect and ensure correct positioning and attachment of the
baby.
• If she continues to experience discomfort, she should feed expressed breast
milk with a clean spoon from a clean bowl.
• If the breasts are engorged, encourage the mother to let the baby continue to
suck without causing too much discomfort to the mother. Putting a warm
compress on the breast may help to relieve breast engorgement.
• If an abscess is suspected in one breast, advise the mother to continue feeding
from the other breast and refer her to the appropriate health facility.
• Pre-lacteal feeds should not be given
Signs of good attachment of the baby to the mother’s breast.

The four signs of good attachment are:

1) Chin touching the breast
2) Mouth wide open
3) Lower lip turned outward
4) More areola visible above than below the mouth

• Poor attachment results in the following:

• It cause pain and/or damage to the nipples, leading to sore nipples.
• The breast does not get completely emptied of milk, resulting in breast
engorgement.
• The milk supply becomes poor, so that the baby is not satisfied and is
irritable after feeding.
• The baby does not put on enough weight.
CHECK FOR BREASTFEEDING (IMNCI)
Ask: Look & Feel:
Is there any difficulty feeding? ASSESS BREASTFEEDING IF THERE IS
Is the infant breastfed? If yes, NO INDICATION FOR URGENT
how many times in 24 hours? REFERRAL:

Does the infant usually receive Ask the mother to put her infant to the breast.
any other foods or drinks? Observe the breastfeed for 4 minutes.
118
 Postnatal Examinations
If yes, how often? Is the infant able to attach well? and Care
What do you use to feed the TO CHECK ATTACHMENT, LOOK FOR:
infant?
• Chin touching breast
Does the mother have pain
• Mouth wide open
while breastfeeding?
• Lower lip turned outward
• More areola visible above than below the
mouth
(All of these signs should be present if the
attachment is good)
no attachment at all
not well attached
good attachment
Is the infant suckling effectively (that is, slow
deep sucks, sometimes pausing)?
not suckling at all
not suckling effectively
suckling effectively
Clear a blocked nose if it interferes with
breastfeeding.
Look for ulcers or white patches in the mouth
(thrush).
If yes, look and feel for:

ASK: Is there any difficulty feeding?

The mother may say that the infant is not able to breastfeed. The breastfeeding
difficulties may include infrequent feeding of the young infant, not enough milk,
sore nipples or the infant is not feeding well. If a mother says that the infant is
not able to feed, watch her try to feed the infant to see what she means by this.
An infant who is not able to feed may have a serious infection or other life-
threatening problem and should be referred urgently to hospital.
ASK: Is the young infant breastfed? If yes, how many times in 24 hours?
The young infant should be breastfed as often and for as long as the infant wants,
day and night. This should be 8 or more times in 24 hours.
ASK: Does the infant usually receive any other foods or drinks? If yes, how
often?
A young infant should be exclusively breastfed. Find out if the young infant is
receiving any other foods or drinks such as other milk, juice, tea, thin porridge,
dilute cereal, or even water. Ask how often he/she receives it and the amount.
ASK: What do you use to feed the infant?
If a young infant takes other foods or drinks, find out if the mother uses a feeding
bottle, cup or any other device.
ASK: Does the mother have pain while breastfeeding?
Pain while breastfeeding may indicate sore nipples, breast engorgement or breast
abscess. 119
Maternal Health Skills Assess breastfeeding
If the infant has a serious problem requiring urgent referral to a hospital, do
not assess
Breastfeeding.
ASK: Has the infant been breastfed in the previous hour?
Ask the mother to put her infant to the breast. Observe a whole breastfeed if
possible, or observe for atleast 4 minutes.
LOOK: Is the infant able to attach?
The four signs of good attachment are:
• chin touching breast (or very close)
• mouth wide open
• lower lip turned outward
• more areola visible above than below the mouth
If all of these four signs are present, the infant has good attachment.
If attachment is not good, you may see:
• chin not touching breast
• mouth not wide open, lips pushed forward
• lower lip turned in, or
• more areola (or equal amount) visible below infant’s mouth than above it
If you see any of these signs of poor attachment, the infant is not well
attached.
If a very sick infant cannot take the nipple into his mouth and keep it there to
suck, he has no attachment at all. He is not able to breastfeed at all.

Fig. 6.1: Breastfeeding – Good attachment and Poor attachment

LOOK: Is the infant suckling effectively? (that is, slow deep sucks, sometimes
pausing)
The infant is suckling effectively if he suckles with slow deep sucks and
sometimes pauses. You may see or hear the infant swallowing. If you can observe
how the breastfeed finishes, look for signs that the infant is satisfied. If satisfied,
the infant releases the breast spontaneously (that is, the mother does not cause
the infant to stop breastfeeding in any way). The infant appears relaxed, sleepy,
and loses interest in the breast.
120
An infant is not suckling effectively if he is taking only rapid, shallow sucks. Postnatal Examinations
and Care
You may also see in drawing of the cheeks. You do not see or hear swallowing.
The infant is not satisfied at the end of the feed, and may be restless. He may cry
or try to suckle again, or continue to breastfeed for a long time.
An infant who is not suckling at all is not able to suck breast milk into his
mouth and swallow. Therefore he is not able to breastfeed at all.
If a blocked nose seems to interfere with breastfeeding, clear the infant’s nose.
Then check whether the infant can suckle more effectively.
LOOK: For ulcers or white patches in the mouth (thrush).
Look inside the mouth at the tongue and inside of the cheek. Thrush looks like
milk curds on the inside of the cheek, or a thick white coating of the tongue. Try
to wipe the white off. The white patches of thrush will remain.
LOOK: For sore nipples? Engorged breasts or breast abscess?
The nipples may be sore and cracked. Engorged breasts are swollen, hard and
tender.
Presence of a breast abscess is indicated additionally by localised redness and
warmth.
CLASSIFY FOR FEEDING PROBLEM
Not able to feed Not able to feed- Warm the young infant by Skin to Skin
possible Serious contact if feels cold to touch. Refer
or
Bacterial URGENTLY to hospital
No attachment at all Infection
or

Not suckling at all. Feeding Problem If not well attached or not suckling
effectively, teach correct positioning
Not well attached to
and attachment. If breastfeeding less
breast or not suckling
than 8 times in 24 hours, advise to
effectively or Less
increase frequency of feeding.
than 8 breastfeeds in
24 hours or If receiving other foods or drinks,
counsel mother about breastfeeding
Receives other foods
more, reducing other foods or drinks,
or drinks
and using a cupand spoon.
or
If not breastfeeding at all, advise
Thrush (ulcers or mother about giving locally ap-
white patches in propriate animal milk and teach the
mouth). mother to feed with a cupand spoon.
Breast or nipple If thrush, teach the mother to apply
problems 0.25% Gentian Violet paint twice daily.
If breast or nipple problem, teach the
mother to treat breast or nipple
problems.
Advise mother to give home care
(Breastfeed infant exclusively, keep
121
Maternal Health Skills
infant warm, apply nothing to cord,
ask mother to wash hands and explain
danger signs in the infant)
Follow-up in 2 days.

No other signs of No Feeding Advise mother home care. Praise the

inadequate feeding Problem mother for feeding the infant well.

Compare the signs that the young infant has to the signs listed in each row and
choose the appropriate classification.

Remember:
• A young infant who is not able to feed, has no attachment at all or is
not suckling at all has the classification POSSIBLE SERIOUS
BACTERIAL INFECTION (red classification) and should be urgently
referred to hospital.
• The mother of a young infant with the classification FEEDING
PROBLEM (yellow classification) should be counselled for feeding.
• A young infant who has no feeding problem has the classification NO
FEEDING PROBLEM (green classification). This young infant should
be given home care.

Note :
1) Start Breastfeeding within one hour of delivery
2) Continue breastfeeding on demand
3) Feed completely on one breast, and shift to the other breast
4) Exclusive breastfeeding for six months and then continue breastfeeding for
2 years.
IMMUNISATION SCHEDULE FOR BABY
Take your baby to the nearest health centre for immunisation.
At birth BCG, OPV - 0 dose, Hepatitis B - 0 dose*
6 weeks BCG (if not given at birth)
DPT - 1st dose
OPV - 1st dose
Hepatitis B - 1st dose*
10 weeks DPT - 2nd dose
OPV - 2nd dose
Hepatitis - 2nd dose*
14 weeks DPT - 3rd dose
OPV - 3rd dose
Hepatitis - 3rd dose*
122
 Postnatal Examinations
9 months Measles, Vit-A - 1st dose and Care

16-24 months DPT booster, MR

OPV boosters Vit-A - 2nd dose
2 to 5 years Vit-A - 3rd to 9th doses at the interval of 6 months.
(total of 7 doses)
5 years DPT booster
10 years T.T. booster
16 years T.T. booster
* If recommended under Routine Immunisation.

Follow immunisation schedules for protection of your babies from

life threatening and crippling diseases

6.5 REFERRAL
If the baby needs to be transferred to a 24 hour PHC/FRU/District Hospital/
Medical College Hospital, ensure that the transfer is safe and timely. It is important
to prepare the baby for the transfer, communicate with the receiving facility and
provide care during the transfer.
Steps for transfer and referral of the baby
Preparation
• Explain to the family the reason for transferring the baby to a higher facility.
• If possible, transfer the mother with the baby so that she can continue to
breastfeed or provide expressed breast milk.
• You or another health care worker should accompany the baby.
• Ensure that the baby is not exposed to heat or cold.
• Ask a relative to accompany the baby and mother, if possible.
Communication
• Fill up a referral form with the baby’s essential information and send it with
the baby.
• If possible, contact the health care facility in advance so that it can be prepared
to receive the baby.
Care during transfer
• Keep the baby in skin-to-skin contact with the mother. If this is not possible,
keep the baby dressed and covered and have the mother/relative accompany
you.
• In hot weather, ensure that the baby does not become overheated.
• Ensure that the baby receives breastfeeds. If the baby cannot be breastfed,
give expressed breast milk with a clean spoon or from a cup.
• Maintain and clear the airway, if required. 123
Maternal Health Skills • If the baby is receiving oxygen, check the oxygen flow and tubing every 15
minutes.
• Assess the baby’s respiratory rate every 15 minutes. If the baby is not breathing
at all, is gasping or has a respiratory rate of less than 30 breaths per minute,
resuscitate him/her using a bag and mask.

6.6 LET US SUM UP

In this unit, you have learnt about the postnatal care, breastfeeding and
identification of danger signs in mother and newborn baby. Postnatal visits by
health care worker will help the family to take proper care of the mother and
baby.

6.7 ACTIVITY
1) Examine 5 postnatal mothers attending the clinic. Prepare a postnatal report
after complete examination.
2) Conduct physical examination of five newborn and give health education to
mothers on care of the newborn.

6.8 REFERENCES
1) Guidelines for Antenatal Care and Skilled Attendance at Birth by ANMs/
LHVs/SNs: Maternal Health Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,
GOI, April 2010.
2) Skilled Birth Attendance (SBA) - A Handbook for Auxiliary Nurse Midwives,
Lady Health Visitors and Staff Nurses, National Health Mission, 2010.
3) Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illness: Training Module
for Health Workers, WHO-UNICEF, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,
GOI, 2003.

124
 Emergency and Injectable
UNIT 7 EMERGENCY AND INJECTABLE Contraceptives and
Follow-up Care
CONTRACEPTIVES AND FOLLOW-
UP CARE

Structure
7.0 Introduction
7.1 Objectives
7.2 Emergency Contraceptives
7.2.1 Methods of Emergency Contraceptives
7.2.2 Use of Emergency Contraception
7.3 Injectable Hormonal Contraceptives
7.3.1 Methods of Injectible Hormonal Contraceptives
7.3.2 Screening for Injectable Contraceptives
7.4 Service Provision at Various Health Facilities and Care of Client after
Provision of Service
7.4.1 Service Provision at Various Health Facilities
7.4.2 Care Required for Clients after Provision of Service
7.5 Let Us Sum Up
7.6 Key Words
7.7 Activity
7.8 References

7.0 INTRODUCTION
Contraceptives are the natural or artificial methods used to prevent unwanted
pregnancy. These can be Spacing Methods or Limiting Methods. Details of all
the contraceptives available under RMNCHA programme have been discussed
in the unit on Family Planning Methods (Unit 2, Block 3). However most of
these methods can be used for preventing or planning the pregnancies well in
advance. However, in case of an accidental sexual exposure without contraception,
or in case a women gets pregnant despite of using any approved method of
contraception due to its failure, there is a need of emergency contraceptives.
There are different types of emergency contraceptives that can be used. Injectable
Hormonal Contraceptives have also been added to the basket of choice as spacing
method to be used by women. These are available under the name of DMPA,NET
EN and DMPA-SC 104 mg. In this unit we shall discussed about Emergency
contraceptives, injectible hormonal contraceptives and Service Provision at
various Health facilities.

7.1 OBJECTIVES
After completing this unit, you should be able to:
 enumerate and identify the emergency and injectable Contraceptive methods
available for prevention of unwanted pregnancy;
 define the criteria for selecting the right candidate for injectable
Contraceptives; 125
Maternal Health Skills  describe the dose, route, method of use, indications, contraindications,
adverse effects of each of the available emergency and injectable
contraceptives;
 advise the clients about the facility where the emergency and injectable
contraceptives can be obtained for use; and
 educate the health workers and clients regarding the care required to be given
to the beneficiary after an emergency or an injectable contraceptive.

7.2 EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVES

These should only be used in case of a failure or incorrect use of a regular method
of contraception (such as forgotten pills, or breakage or slippage of condoms),
unprotected intercourse, or in cases of sexual assault and never as a routine method
of family planning. Thus Emergency Contraceptives are not the method of
choice for the Family Planning but are only to prevent unwanted unplanned
pregnancy in case of an accidental exposure. There are 3 methods of emergency
contraception: such as emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), combined oral
contraceptive pills (Yuzpe method), and copper-bearing intrauterine devices.
(IUDs), however only E-Pills are available under the national programme.
However, under the National Reproductive and Child Health Programme, the
Drug Controller of India has only approved Levonorgestrel (LNG) 0.75 mg tablets
for use as ECP. LNG is the ‘dedicated product’ for emergency contraception and
is specially packaged at the correct dosage for use as ECP. Henceforth the ECPs
mentioned in this unit would only refer to LNG. This product does not require
prescription from a registered medical practitioner.

7.2.1 Method of Emergency Contraceptives

i) E-Pills – This is also known as ‘Morning after pills’ or ‘Post Coital Pills’

Fig. 7.1: Emergency Contraception

Action
 They act by inhibiting ovulation, thickening cervical mucous and affecting
transport of sperm or egg depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle.
 ECPs interfere with ovulation/ fertilisation/ implantation depending on the
phase of the menstrual cycle of the woman.
126
 ECP is not effective once the process of implantation of fertilised ovum has Emergency and Injectable
Contraceptives and
begun. These are not abortifacients. Follow-up Care
Regimen
The emergency contraceptive pill regimens that can be used are given below:
 1 dose of levonorgestrel 1.5 mg (Progestin only Pill), or 1 dose of ulipristal
30 mg, taken within 5 days (120 hours) of unprotected intercourse; or
 2 doses of combined oral contraceptive pills (also known as the Yuzpe
regimen).
Dosage
 The Progestin only pill are available under the RMNCHA programme as ‘E
Pills’ for consumption as single dose as soon as possible and not later than
72 hours after unprotected intercourse.
 Best if taken as soon as possible after the unprotected act and as a single
dose of 1 tablet of 1.5 mg or 2 tablets of 0.75 mg each.
 There is an option of taking 2 doses of 1 tablet 0.75 mg each, 12 hours apart
too.
 The calculation of 72 hours or 3 days should start from the first unprotected
penetrative vaginal intercourse the woman has had during that particular
menstrual cycle.
 If taken within 72 hours of unprotected vaginal intercourse, these are 85%
effective however the efficacy is higher if used within 12–24 hours of
unprotected intercourse.
 The delay in taking the pills decreases the efficacy of ECP.
Availability and administration
 These pills can be provided safely and effectively by any well informed health
care providers (clinical, nursing and paraclinical) such as doctors, nurses,
midwives, pharmacists, paramedics, family welfare assistants, health
assistants and community based health workers.
 These are distributed through ASHAs under Home Delivery of Contraceptives
(HDC) scheme to make it available within the community in the privacy of
their homes at a nominal cost of Rs. 3 per pack.
 It is also available at the higher centres like PHCs and CHCs.
 E-Pills are also available over-the-counter without prescription besides
available at all government health facilities free of cost.

Fig. 7.2: Emergency contraception 127

Maternal Health Skills Though there are no contraindications for prescribing E pills, but should not be
used in women with known pregnancy since Emergency Contraception will not
interrupt a pregnancy.
Disadvantage
 It does not protect against STIs and HIV.
 Some women might experience side effects like nausea, vomiting, headache,
dizziness, fatigue and breast tenderness.
 However these side effects generally do not last more than 24 hours.
 If vomiting occurs within two hours of taking the dose of ECPs. The women
should be advised to repeat the full dose.
 Women with irregular bleeding and spotting after taking with ECPs should
be counselled that this is normal and that it should not be confused with
menses.
 Clients should be told that ECPs do not necessarily bring on menses
immediately (a common misconception among users of ECPs); most women
will have their menstrual bleeding on time or slightly early or 2–3 days later
than the expected date. However if menstruation is delayed beyond one week
from scheduled date, tests should be conducted to exclude the possibility of
pregnancy.
 In about 10–15% of women, emergency contraceptive pills change the
amount, duration, and timing of the next menstrual period. These effects are
usually minor and do not need any treatment.
Side effects
 Such as breast tenderness, headache, dizziness, and fatigue are not common
and do not generally last more than 24 hours.
 Paracetamol or Aspirin or Ibuprofen tablets can be safely recommended for
breast tenderness and headache.
Counselling
 For use of emergency contraception should include options for using a regular
contraception or additional information in case the women perceives failure
of the regular method of contraception.
 The follow-up visits should be advised if there is delay in menses by
more than one week of the expected date, to initiate regular use of a
contraceptive immediately after menstruation and if there are uncontrolled
side effects.
ii) The Yuzpe method
The Yuzpe method uses combined oral contraceptive pills. The pills are
taken in 2 doses. Each dose must contain estrogen (100–120 mcg ethinyl
estradiol) and progestin (0.50–0.60 mg levonorgestrel (LNG) or 1.0–1.2 mg
norgestrel).
The first dose should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse
(preferably within 72 hours but as late as 120 hours, or 5 days) and the second
dose should be taken 12 hours later. If vomiting occurs within 2 hours of
taking a dose, the dose should be repeated.
128
iii) Copper-bearing intrauterine devices (IUDs) (Fig. 7.3 & Fig. 7.4) Emergency and Injectable
Contraceptives and
Copper-bearing IUD also act as an emergency contraceptive method when Follow-up Care
inserted within 5 days of unprotected intercourse and is almost 99% effective
in preventing pregnancy. This method is particularly appropriate and is advised
for women who opt for this method for long term protection. Once inserted
with an IUD, the women can continue using it as a regular spacing method
till doesn’t want to get pregnant. CuT is a T shaped device made up of
polyurethane which is an inert substance with a copper wire wrapped in the
arms of ‘T’. This copper wire releases copper at a slow rate which produces
a chemical reaction that prevents pregnancy. CuT can be inserted by trained
health care providers only at a subcentre or any public health facility like
PHC, CHC, FRU. It is easy removed in case needed.
The CuT is inserted by a sterile plunger by withdrawal technique under all
aseptic conditions by the trained health worker.

Fig. 7.3: Copper-bearing intrauterine devices (IUDs)

The horizontal arms of the device rests in the fundus of the uterus and the vertical
stem in the body of the cervix. The strings remain freely hanging in the vagina.
The copper-bearing IUDs act by preventing fertilisation through a chemical change
in sperm and egg before they can meet. A copper-bearing IUD is a safe form of
emergency contraception. The risks of infection, expulsion or perforation are
low. IUCD 380 A and IUCD 375 are available under the programme with efficacy
of 10 and 5 years respectively.

Fig. 7.4: Copper-bearing intrauterine devices (IUDs

There are no contraindications for use of copper-bearing IUD as emergency

contraception except when a woman is already pregnant. However other
contraindications for prescribing IUDs like severe thrombo-cytopenia,
unexplained vaginal bleeding, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer and current 129
Maternal Health Skills Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) should be ruled out before using it as
emergency contraceptive.

7.2.2 Use of Emergency Contraception

All women and girls at risk of an unintended pregnancy have a right to access
emergency contraception. Though this is not a regular method of contraception,
emergency contraception has been included in the basket of choice of
contraceptives under RMNCHA programme for prevention of unwanted
pregnancy. These are available at all the public health facilities- Sub-centres,
PHCs, CHCS and hospitals. These are also available for delivery in the community
by ASHAs at a nominal cost of INR 3/- per pack. There is further need to integrate
them into general health care services for populations at risk of exposure to
unprotected sex, including post-rape care and services for women and girls living
in emergency and humanitarian settings.
Few Conditions where emergency contraception can be used include:
i) When no contraceptive has been used during sexual intercourse.
ii) In cases of sexual assault, rape or coerced sex when the woman was not
protected by an effective contraceptive method.
iii) When there is a chance of contraceptive failure or incorrect use like:
 Dislodgement, breakage, slipping, incorrect use, tearing, or early removal
of a condom, diaphragm or cervical cap;
 Missed combined oral contraceptive pills for 3 or more times
consecutively;
 Delay of more than 3 hours in taking progestogen-only pill (minipill)
 Delay of more than 12 hours in taking desogestrel-containing pill
(0.75 mg).
 Delay of more than 2 weeks in taking norethisterone enanthate (NET-
EN) progestogen-only injection
 Delay of depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) progestogen-only
injection by more than four weeks
 Delay of more than seven days in taking the combined estrogen-plus-
progestogen monthly injection
 Dislodgment, delay in placing, or early removal of a contraceptive
hormonal ring or skin patch
 Failed withdrawal (e.g. ejaculation in the vagina or on external genitalia);
 Failure of a spermicide tablet or film to melt before intercourse;
 Miscalculation of the abstinence period, or failure to abstain or use a
barrier method on the fertile days of the cycle when using fertility
awareness based methods; and
 expulsion of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) or hormonal
contraceptive implant.

7.3 INJECTABLE HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES

The Injectable Contraceptives contain synthetic hormones resembling the natural
130 female hormones. When administered (IM/SC) there is a slow release of hormone
into the blood stream and it provides protection from pregnancy for a long duration Emergency and Injectable
Contraceptives and
of time to the client. Follow-up Care

7.3.1 Methods of Injectible Hormonal Contraceptives

There are two types of injectable contraceptives-Progesterone only injections
(POI) and once a month combined injectables(CIC). These have an advantage of
being highly effective, reversible, long acting. (Fig. 7.5 & Fig. 7.6)
i) Progesterone only Injectables - These are estrogen free preparations in which
single administration suffices for several months or years. These are given
during the first five days of the menstrual period via deep intramuscular
route in the gluteus muscle. The most suitable ones are:
A) DMPA (Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate):It gives protection in 99%
of women for atleast three months and is given by deep intramuscular
route in the dose of 150 mg every three months. It acts through suppression
of ovulation, effects the cervical mucous, endometrium and tubal motility.
Some women have reported adverse effects like weight gain, prolonged
infertility and irregular menstrual bleeding. Since these have no effect
on lactation, can be safely used in women who are breastfeeding their
babies.

Fig. 7.5: Injectable contraceptive

B) NET-EN (Norethisterone Enanthate): NET EN is given every 60 days in

the dose of 200 mg and mechanism of action is similar to DMPA.
C) DMPA-SC 104 mg: is a low dose formulation given at three months
interval. The injections are given in the upper thigh or abdomen
subcutaneously.
ii) Combined Injectables Contraceptive (CIC) - Containing estrogen (usually
ethinylestradiol) and progesterone - 1 monthly injection.
Under the National Family Planning program, only DMPA injectable
contraceptive has been added to the basket of choice.

Fig. 7.6: Injectable Contraceptives DMPA (Antra) in the

National Family Planning Programme
131
Maternal Health Skills DMPA acts by steadily releasing the hormone progestogen into the bloodstream
which
 stops a woman releasing an egg every month (ovulation)
 thickens the mucous from the cervix (neck of the womb), making it difficult
for sperm to pass through to the womb and reach an unfertilised egg
 makes the lining of the womb thinner, so that it is unable to support a fertilised
egg
The injection can be given at any time during your menstrual cycle but the women
must be sure that she is not pregnant. If the injection is given on any day of cycle
besides first 5 days, the women should be advised to use condoms or any other
method of contraception for next 7–10 days. However, if given during the first
five days of the cycle, the women will be immediately protected against becoming
pregnant.
The contraceptive injection can be given any time after delivery only if the women
is not breastfeeding. In case the women is breastfeeding, the injection should be
given after six weeks. If the injections are started on or before day 21 after giving
birth, the women will be immediately protected whereas in case the injection is
given after day 21, an additional contraception should be advised for the following
seven days.
Heavy and irregular bleeding is more likely to occur if you have the contraceptive
injection during the first few weeks after giving birth.
The injectable contraceptives if used immediately after a miscarriage or abortion
will immediately protect against pregnancy .Whereas an additional contraception
will be required for 7–10 days in case the injection is given more than 5 days
after a miscarriage or abortion.
The advantages of Injectable contraceptives is high effectiveness to more than
99% if used correctly. This means that less than one woman in 100 who use the
injection will become pregnant in a year.
 The injection lasts for eight, 12 or 13 weeks (depending on the type), so the
women doesn’t have to think about contraception every day or every time
she has sex.
 It can be useful for women who might forget to take the contraceptive pill
every day.
 It can be useful for women who can’t use contraception that contains oestrogen
like smokers older than 35 years of age, postpartum breastfeeding women.
 One of the adverse effects of injectable contraceptives is amenorrhoea, which
may be advantageous in women with menorrhagia, iron deficinecy anaemia,
dysmenorrhoea, sickle cell anaemia, and may also decrease the risk of
dysfunctional uterine bleeding in women who are overweight.
 Its use reduces the risk of PID and endometrial cancer by upto 80% with
continuing protection after discontinuation.
 It’s not affected by medication thus is beneficial in patients who are on anti
epileptic drugs.
 The contraceptive injection may provide some protection against cancer of
132 the womb and pelvic inflammatory disease.
 Women in the perimenopausal age group can safely continue use of DMPA Emergency and Injectable
Contraceptives and
upto 50 years of age, and then it can be discontinued. These women will not Follow-up Care
experience the bother some irregular bleeding that characteristically
accompanies the perimenopausal transition and may not experience
vasomotor symptoms.
The Injectable Contraceptives are suitable for most of the women except these
should not be prescribed to women with cancer breast and genitals, undiagnosed
abnormal uterine bleeding, suspected malignancy, high blood pressure
(systolic>160, diastolic>100), history of disease of heart, liver and blood vessels,
nursing mothers and deep vein thrombosis.
The contraceptive injections Depo-Provera and NET EN are usually given into
the gluteal region, however ScDMPA is given under the skin (subcutaneously) in
the abdomen or thigh.
The adverse effects of the injectable preparations are similar. These may cause
disruption of normal menstrual cycle like episodes of unpredictable heavy or
irregular bleeding and prolonged amenorrhoea. This may settle down after the
first year, but may continue as long as the injected progestogen remains in your
body.
Other common side effects include weight gain, headaches, mood swings and
breast tenderness. Sometimes its use can prolong infertility for as long as one 8–
12 weeks year after the injection wears off. Depo-Provera can cause thinning of
bones which reverses after the injections are discontinued.

7.3.2 Screening for Injectable Contraceptives

The screening for Hormonal (Oral/ Injectable) Contraceptives include:
A) Personal History - Should include age, weight, Smoker/non smoker, number
of children, menstrual history (duration, flow, regularity). Obstetric History
should include:
1) Do you think you might be pregnant now? Yes____%, No____¡%
2) What was the first day of your last menstrual period? ___/___/___
3) Have you given birth within the past 6 weeks? Yes____%, No____%
4) Are you currently breastfeeding? Yes____%, No____%
5) Have you ever taken birth control pills, or used a birth control patch,
ring, or shot/injection? Yes____%, No____%
6) Did you ever experience a bad reaction to using hormonal birth control?
Yes____%, No____% - If yes, what kind of reaction occurred? __________
7) Are you currently using any method of birth control including pills, or a
birth control patch, ring or shot/injection? Yes____% No____% -If yes,
which one do you use? __________
8) Do you have a preferred method of birth control that you would like to
use? ____% A pill you take each day ____% A patch that you change
weekly ____% Other (ring, injectable, implant, or IUD)
B) Medical History - Date of last visit for a routine checkup, any allergies to
medications,
 Have you ever been told by a medical professional not to take hormones?
Yes____%, No____% 133
Maternal Health Skills  Do you have diabetes? Yes____%, No____%
 Do you get migraine headaches? If so, have you ever had these kinds of
headaches that start with warning signs or symptoms, such as flashes of
light, blind spots, or tingling in your hand or face that comes and goes
completely away before the headache starts? Yes____%, No____%
 Do you have high blood pressure, hypertension, or high cholesterol? Yes
____%, No____%
 Have you ever had a heartattack or stroke, or been told you had any heart
disease? Yes____%, No____%
 Have you ever had a blood clot? Yes____%, No____%
 Have you ever been told by a medical professional that you are at risk of
developing a blood clot? Yes____%, No____%
 Have you had recent major surgery or are you planning to have surgery
in the next 4 weeks? Yes____%, No____%
 Have you had bariatric surgery or stomach reduction surgery? Yes____%,
No____%
 Do you have or have you ever had breast cancer? Yes____%, No____%
 Do you have or have you ever had hepatitis, liver disease, liver cancer,
or gall bladder disease, or do you have jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)?
Yes____%, No____%
 Do you have lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or any blood disorders?
Yes____%, No____%
 Do you take medication for seizures, tuberculosis (TB), fungal infections,
or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)? Yes____%, No____% - If
yes, list them here:
 Do you have any other medical problems or take any medications, including
herbs or supplements? Yes____%, No____% - If yes, list them here

C) Examination - General physical examination should include Blood Pressure,

Per abdomen examination for liver enlargement, breast examination, pallor
for anaemia.

7.4 SERVICE PROVISION AT VARIOUS HEALTH

FACILITIES AND CARE OF CLIENT AFTER
PROVISION SERVICE
7.4.1 Service Provision at Various Health Facilities
All the spacing methods, viz. IUCDs, OCPs and condoms are available at the
public health facilities beginning from the sub-centre level. Additionally, OCPs,
condoms, and emergency contraceptive pills (since are not skill based services)
are available at the village level also through trained ASHAs. The injectable
contraceptives are available at the FRUs, district level hospitals where the
screening facilities are available.
134
7.4.2 Care Required for Clients after Provision of Service Emergency and Injectable
Contraceptives and
Follow-up Care
The Health care provider should take up a follow-up visit within 3 to 6 weeks
after emergency contraception. A pregnancy test is required if there has been
little or no bleeding within 3 weeks of emergency treatment. The visit should
include provision of ongoing contraception and STD testing and treatment as
appropriate.
There is no need for follow-up in case of ECP use. However, the client should
come back to the service provider if her period is late by more than 7 days of the
expected date, menstrual bleeding is too scanty in amount or too small in duration,
to seek clarification/service for use of regular FP method. Clients who have been
given emergency contraception in the forms of e-pills should be put on a regular
contraceptive method within the same cycle with focus on the message that
frequently repeated use of ECP may be harmful for women and predispose them
to various health effects. The health worker should counsel the women for
availability of contraceptive services at the public health facilities and motivate
them to use one of the method of their choice. The couples who have completed
their families should be motivated to use NSV or Tubectomy as a choice of method
for planning their families. Whereas the couples desirous of having more children
should be advised on regular use of any of the spacing methods.
Emergency contraception also has the potential to involve men in the contraception
loop. Many men do not tell their partners when the condom breaks or slips for
fear that there is nothing that can be done. Knowledge of emergency contraception
and information about where and how to obtain it when it’s needed will relieve
this anxiety and help improve communication between men and women around
birth control.
In Clients where CuT has been used as a method of emergency contraception,
the same may be continued as per the period of efficacy of the device inserted.
The clients who plan to continue IUD use should be counselled that they may
have cramps or spotting following insertion for few hours that may last for few
days but would settle down. She can be given pain killers to be used on as and
when required basis. For routine follow-up care, the women should be asked to
return to the health worker 3–6 weeks after insertion. The women should be
trained to check for the presence of thread in the vagina after every menstrual
period with clean hands sitting in squatting position. She should be instructed to
report to the health facility anytime she has any of the following problems:
 Delayed period (suspected pregnancy).
 In case she has prolonged or excessive bleeding of abnormal spotting.
 Pain in back or lower abdomen or pain during intercourse.
 In case her partner is diagnosed to be suffering from any sexually transmitted
disease or infection like gonorrhoea or has abnormal vaginal discharge with
fever or pelvic pain.
 If she is unable to feel the IUD’s thread in her vagina or if the thread seems
shorter or longer.
During the first follow up visit after an IUD insertion, the health worker should
take a detailed history about the problems, queries and any side effects
experienced. Minor side effects like post insertion pain can be addressed by
135
Maternal Health Skills reassurance and advising pain killers. This visit should also be taken as an
opportunity to treat anaemia by providing iron folic acid to the client for treatment
if Haemoglobin levels are less than 9 gm%. A speculum and bimanual examination
should be done to see if the strings are in place and examine for any infection of
genital tract by seeing for any discharge from vagina or cervix. The cervical os
should be gently palpated to see if the IUD is in place in case the thread is not
visible. The uterus and adnexa should be palpated for tenderness or other signs
of infection. If the client is satisfied with the IUD and there are no precautions
for continued use, then there is no need for further follow-up visits.
Immediately after DMPA injections, she should be advised not to massage or
apply hot fomentation to the injection site which might hasten the absorption of
DMPA, due to which its effect might go away before three months. She should
be counselled for changes in bleeding pattern which might improve over a period
of time. Since the injectable contraceptives decreases the bone density amongst
women users, it is important to consider genetic and lifestyle factors that contribute
to osteoporosis at the time of advising for the use of DMPA as a method of
choice for family planning. Accordingly women should be advised to take care
of bone health by regular exercises and dietary modifications like intake of
Calcium and Vit D and avoidance of tobacco and alcohol. Though the protective
efficacy of the injections appear within 24 hours, however, a back up contraceptive
in the form of condoms may be advised for initial 7 days.
For the repeat dose of the contraceptive injection, the users should be encouraged
to return every 3 months (13 weeks) for DMPA and 8 weeks for NET EN. The
women reporting more than two weeks late than the scheduled period for their
injection, a pregnancy test before giving the injection and a back-up contraception
for seven days should be given. Whenever the women wishes to get pregnant she
can stop taking these injections. However the women should be counselled that
in some cases the return of fertility may take slightly longer upto 10–18 months
after discontinuation of the injections.
For women who wish to change from DMPA to another form of contraception,
the new method should be started not later than 15 (ideally no later than 14)
weeks after the previous injection. This ensures that the woman is not pregnant
at the time she initiates a new contraceptive method.
With long-term use of DMPA, most users become amenorrhoeic. Initiation of
contraception should not be delayed until resumption of menses. Amenorrhoea
after discontinuing injectable contraceptives does not mean the woman is protected
against pregnancy if she has unprotected intercourse.

7.5 LET US SUM UP

Emergency Contraception is used to prevent unwanted pregnancy in case of an
overprotected intercourse, incorrect use or suspected failure of a regular
contraceptive method. This can be achieved by E pills, IUD insertion and use of
combined pills (Yuzpe Method). The efficacy of emergency contraception
decreases with increase in its duration from the unprotected intercourse. The
clients opting for emergency contraceptives should be put on regular method of
contraceptives preferably within the same cycle. The health workers should make
a follow up visit within 3 weeks to ensure usage of a regular method of
136 contraceptive for protection.
While hormonal contraceptives (Oral or Injectable) are being provided to the Emergency and Injectable
Contraceptives and
users, a detailed history must always be taken from the women including medical Follow-up Care
history to rule out any pre-existing conditions that might get aggravated by using
hormonal contraceptives. A proactive, candid counselling on the side effects IUDS
and hormonal contraceptives is important because women who are well-informed
when they choose this method of contraception are much more likely to become
satisfied users with high continuation rates.
DMPA injection is an excellent method of contraception for women who desire
a relatively long-term, reversible contraceptive method. It is highly effective for
three months, private, and avoids the need for compliance daily or near the time
of sexual intercourse. These can be initiated without a pelvic or breast examination
and without any routine laboratory tests. The adverse effects like menstrual
regularity and decrease in bone density are temporary and reverse on
discontinuation of Injections.

7.6 KEY WORDS

RMNCHA : Reproductive Maternal Newborn Child Health Plus
Adolescent
ASHA : Accredited Social Health Activist
PHC : Primary Health Centre
CHC : Community Health Centre
FRU : First Referral Unit.

7.7 ACTIVITY
1) Select two women who require injectable and emergency contraceptives
a) Take history
b) Observe the procedure.
c) Follow up and record.

7.8 REFERENCES
1) RMNCH+A 5 × 5 Matrix, www.nrhm.gov.in
2) http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs348/en/
3) http://unicef.in/Whatwedo/1/Maternal-Health
4) http://data.unicef.org/maternal-health/maternal-mortality.html
5) http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=123669
6) http://data.worldbank.org/
7) www.obgnursing.blogspot.com/2012/07j uly2012/midwi feryand
obstetricnursing
8) www.pregnancycorner.com/labourcontraction
9) www.glown.com/episiotomy
137
Maternal Health Skills 10) www.pdf-assessmentof4thstageoflabour
11) A strategic approach to reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent
health (RMNCH+A) In India, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Government of India January, 2013
12) Maternal and Newborn Health Toolkit. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Government of India. November 2013.
13) Skilled Birth Attendance (SBA). A Handbook for Auxiliary Nurse Midwives,
Lady Health Visitor and Staff Nurses. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Government of India. 2010.
14) Skilled Birth Attendance (SBA). Trainers Guide for Conducting Training of
Auxiliary Nurse Midwives, Lady Health Visitor and Staff Nurses. Ministry
of Health & Family Welfare Government of India. 2010.
15) Handbook for RMNCH Counsellors. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Government of India.
16) Subcutaneous Injectable Contraceptives. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Government of India.
17) My Safe Motherhood Booklet. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Government of India.
18) Skill Lab Operational Guidelines. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Government of India.
19) Daksh Skill Lab for RMNCH + A Services Training Manual for Participants.
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Government of India.
20) IUCD Reference Manual for Ayush Doctors. Ministry of Health & Family
Welfare Government of India. Jan 2014.
21) Reference Manual for Injectable Contraceptives (DMPA). Ministry of Health
& Family Welfare Government of India. Mar 2016.
22) Reference Manual for Oral Contraceptive Pills. Ministry of Health & Family
Welfare Government of India. Mar 2016.
23) Contraceptive Update Manual for Doctors (October 2005)

138
 Certificate in Community Health for Nurses (BPCCHN)
Practical Course
BNS-043 : Public Health and Primary Health Care Skills (10 Credits)

Block – 1 : Public Health Skills

Unit 1 : Community Need Assessment and Identification of Common Health Problems
Unit 2 : Nutritional Assessment
Unit 3 : Investigation of an Outbreak
Unit 4 : Organizing and Conducting Special Clinics
Unit 5 : Social Mobilisation Skills
Unit 6 : Health Education and Counseling
Unit 7 : Report Writing and IT Skills including Interpretation and Use of Data

Block- 2 : General Skills and Laboratory Skills

Unit 1 : Universal Precautions and Bio Medical Waste Management
Unit 2 : Procedures for Basic Tests
Unit 3 : Common Blood Tests and Preparation of Peripheral Smear
Unit 4 : Examination of Swelling, Lumps and Joints
Unit 5 : Eye and ENT Examination
Unit 6 : Screening and Management of Common Dental Conditions
Unit 7 : Suturing of Superficial Wounds
Unit 8 : Drugs Dispensing and Injections

Block – 3 : Skills for Management of Common Conditions and Emergencies

Unit 1 : Basic Life Support (BLS)
Unit 2 : Assessment and Management of Fevers
Unit 3 : Management of Common Aches and Pains
Unit 4 : First Aid Techniques and Stabilization Care in Common Emergencies – 1
Unit 5 : First Aid Techniques and Stabilization Care in Common Emergencies – 2
Unit 6 : Geriatric and Palliative Care

Block – 4 : Maternal Health Skills

Unit 1 : Assessment of Health Status of Women
Unit 2 : Ante Natal, Intra Natal, Post Natal Examination and Care
Unit 3 : Organising Labor Room
Unit 4 : Conducting Normal Delivery and Partograph
Unit 5 : Identification, Care and Referral of Complications during Labour
Unit 6 : Post Natal Examinations and Care
Unit 7 : Emergency and Injectable Contraceptives and Follow-up Care

Block 5 : Reproductive and Adolescent Health Skills

Unit 1 : Assessment and Management of STIs and RTIs
Unit 2 : Insertion and Removal of IUCDs
Unit 3 : Management of Abortion and Counselling
Unit 4 : Adolescent Counselling

Block 6 : Newborn and Child Health Skills

Unit 1 : Newborn Resuscitation
Unit 2 : Assessment of Newborn
Unit 3 : Kangaroo Mother Care
Unit 4 : Infant and Young Child Feeding and Counseling
Unit 5 : Promoting and Monitoring Growth and Development and Plotting of Growth Chart
Unit 6 : Immunisation and Safe Injection Practices
Unit 7 : Use of Equipments