Normal perinatal course and nursing
The perinatal period is from about 22 weeks of pregnancy to 7 days after birth. It is the time of highest risk for baby and mother, so careful care matters.
Pregnancy check-ups (antenatal care). The nurse checks weight, blood pressure, urine, haemoglobin, the size of the womb and the baby's heartbeat (about 110 to 160 beats per minute). She gives iron-folic acid, advises food, rest and vaccines, and teaches danger signs.
Labour has three stages: (1) the cervix opens, (2) the baby is born, (3) the placenta comes out. The nurse watches contractions, the baby's heartbeat and the mother's blood pressure, helps her stay comfortable and informed, and keeps the room clean and private.
After birth. The baby is dried and kept warm, placed skin-to-skin on the mother's chest, and breastfeeding starts within the first hour. The nurse scores the baby's condition (Apgar score at 1 and 5 minutes), cares for the cord, and checks the mother's bleeding, womb and pain. Mother and baby are watched closely for the first days.
Perinatal abnormalities and nursing
Some problems need quick action:
- Heavy bleeding before or after birth (haemorrhage): lie the woman down, keep her warm, call for help, rub the womb after birth if trained, and arrange urgent care.
- Pre-eclampsia: high blood pressure with headache, swelling or blurred vision. Rest on the left side and tell the doctor at once; fits can follow if untreated.
- Gestational diabetes: high sugar in pregnancy. Diet advice, tests and follow-up.
- Preterm labour: pains before 37 weeks. Go to hospital; the baby may need extra warmth and breathing support.
- Less baby movement: count movements and report.
- Newborn problems: low birth weight (below 2.5 kg), jaundice, breathing trouble, infection.
- Mother's mood: sadness after birth (postpartum depression). Listen and refer.
The nurse's job is to spot early, act fast, keep records and support the family.
Key formulas and definitions
- Perinatal period = about 22 weeks of pregnancy to 7 days after birth
- Labour stages: 1 cervix opens, 2 baby born, 3 placenta out
- Newborn: dry, warm, skin-to-skin, feed within the first hour
- Warning signs: heavy bleeding, high BP with headache, early labour, less baby movement
Worked examples
1. A woman at 34 weeks has a bad headache, swollen face and blood pressure much higher than before. What may be happening and what should the nurse do?
Possible pre-eclampsia. Keep her resting on her left side, tell the doctor immediately, record BP, and prepare for urgent care. Do not wait.
2. Right after a normal birth the baby is breathing well and crying. List four nursing actions.
Dry and wrap the baby, keep warm with skin-to-skin on the mother's chest, help start breastfeeding in the first hour, and score the baby (Apgar) and care for the cord.
3. A woman at 30 weeks says the baby is moving far less than usual. What does the nurse do?
Ask her to lie on her side and count movements for a set time, listen to the baby's heartbeat, and report to the doctor at once if movement is still low.
Common mistakes
- Thinking the perinatal period is only the birth day. It runs from about 22 weeks to 7 days after birth.
- Ignoring a headache or swelling in pregnancy. It can be pre-eclampsia.
- Letting a newborn get cold. Dry, wrap and use skin-to-skin touch.
- Waiting at home with heavy bleeding. It needs urgent hospital care.