Risk Signs of Pregnancy and Childbirth

Every pregnant woman and her family need to know that pregnancy, childbirth and childcare have various risks. They must be able to recognize the various warning signs.

In general it is recommended, mothers should give birth in a health facility and be assisted by trained health workers, because the incidence of childbirth can not be predicted. For some mothers, this is more important because the likelihood of complications will increase if they:

1. Under the age of 18 years or above the age of 35 years.
2. Has given birth less than two years ago.
3. Has given birth prematurely or has babies less than 2.5 kg at birth.
4. Having experience of childbirth with complications or childbirth by caesarean section abdominal surgery.
5. Has a history of pregnancy poisoning.
6. Having a miscarriage or stillbirth experience.
7. Mother's height is less than 1.45 meters.
8. Weight less than 38 kilo grams.
9. Has HIV or a sexually transmitted infection.

Pregnant women should be helped to recognize the signs of birth and know when to seek help from skilled birth attendants who can help with childbirth.

Birthmarks include the following:

1. Regular heartburn.
2. Heartburn is frequent and prolonged.
3. Mucus comes out mixed with blood from the birth canal.
4. Amniotic fluid comes out of the birth canal.

Danger signs in pregnancy include:

1. Bleeding in early pregnancy and late pregnancy.
2. Swelling in the legs, feet, hands or face accompanied by headaches and / or spasms.
3. Fever or high heat.
4. Amniotic fluid comes out prematurely.
5. Baby's movements in the womb are reduced or not moving.
6. Vomiting continues.
7. Do not want to eat.

During prenatal care visits, pregnant women and family members should get support to prepare for birth and possible complications by developing a plan that includes the following key points:

1. Where the mother will give birth and will be referred to where if complications occur.
2. Who will accompany the mother.
3. How does the mother arrive at her destination?
4. Items that will be needed for the mother and baby.
5. How much does it cost and how can it be collected
6. Who will help the family when the mother is not at home.
7. Who will be a blood donor, if needed.

Because conditions can change, childbirth plans and possible complications have to be updated each time during a pregnancy check-up visit.

Emergency treatment plans in the event of complications should include the location of the nearest maternity clinic, or hospital and the various resources needed to allow the mother to arrive at the destination at any time, both day and night.

All pregnant women must get access to health services when they will give birth. This becomes more important especially if the mother and family are aware that the birth process will be difficult. In some cases, where the estimated distance and risk of birth is a factor that must be taken into account, then the expectant mother should move to a place closer to the clinic or hospital chosen, so that in time to get services. Health workers, families and communities need to pay special attention to pregnant teenagers because they have a higher risk of pregnancy complications and in some cases they may not be able to influence the family to get support or ask for help.