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We are committed towards the establishment of a first class, diversified medical service; providing innovative, technology-driven services to individuals, family and corporate patients while demonstrating a high sense of social responsibility in all our activities.

We believe that   selfless   service,   steadfastness,   going   the   extra   mile, unreserved commitment   to   meeting   the   expectation   of   our   clients   and exhibiting high   level   of   integrity   should   be   displayed   at   all   times.

We shall remain a distinguished healthcare provider with a high degree of integrity in all our dealings, and conduct ourselves in the most responsible way.

ANTE NATAL CARE

AIMS & OBJECTIVES OF ANC

• To assess the health and well-being of the mother and the foetus and make appropriate arrangement for care during pregnancy and labour.

• To early detect and prevent maternal and foetal complications that may develop during pregnancy and treat them.

• To help prepare the mother and her partner for the experience of childbirth and for the responsibilities of bringing up the child.

• To provide appropriate health screening and health education.

FIRST VISIT

This is usually arranged when a woman has missed her period for two months.

• Her personal history is obtained.

• A   general   examination, including breasts examination will be performed.

• An ultrasound scan is done to confirm date and assess the growing baby.

• Baseline laboratory blood and urine tests are carried out to establish her baseline indices.

• At the end of first visit, it would be easy for doctor to know if the pregnancy is of low or high risk and plan care accordingly.

SUBSEQUENT VISITS

The frequency of the woman's subsequent visits will be individualized based on the assessment from her first visit.

• During routine visits, the procedure is similar to that of the first visit, but the history and examination are restricted to the pregnancy itself.

• Particular care is taken to accurately record blood pressure and general well-being of the mother.

• Minor disorders are discussed and therapy given as indicated.

• Assessment of urine, weight and ultrasound scan for foetal growth and well-being are performed when necessary.

MINOR DISORDERS IN PREGNANCY

These include nausea and vomiting, abdominal cramps, heartburn, constipation, frequent urination, vaginal discharge, varicose veins, haemorrhoids, pelvic joints pains and para aesthesia in the hands.

NAUSEA AND VOMITING IN PREGNANCY

Majority of pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting in the first 12 weeks. The condition is usually worse in the morning, and it is aggravated by the act of cooking or smell of food. Frequent small meals are advised. Fatty, greasy or highly spiced foods are best avoided. Psychological support is useful. Admission to hospital is considered when the patient is unable to tolerate food or significant weight loss occurs.

HEARTBURN IN PREGNANCY

This condition, when it occurs is worse when the patient lies down. Meals, which include milk, should be light and more frequent to prevent over distention of the stomach. Her bed should be raised at the head with extra pillows. Smoking should be totally avoided; antacid would be given by your doctor.

BLEEDING IN PREGNANCY

Bleeding in early pregnancy occurs in about one in every five pregnant women. This is a common problem which usually settles with no long term side effect. Always inform your doctor of any bleeding experienced during your pregnancy.

CONSTIPATION IN PREGNANCY

This is common and is usually due to the pressure of the growing uterus. Increase your dietary fibre and water intake, do more exercise and avoid laxatives.

OEDEMA IN PREGNANCY

Oedema (swelling of legs, fingers etc) is very common in pregnancy. It is aggravated by prolonged standing. If your blood pressure and urine checks are normal, you have no cause to worry as this will subside after rest. Increasing your rest period with legs elevated will improve the condition.

VAGINAL DISCHARGE IN PREGNANCY

There is usually an increased vaginal discharge during pregnancy. Any discharge that is offensive or associated with itching should be reported to your doctor.

BACKACHE

Many pregnant women complain of backache especially as pregnancy advances. Adequate rest is important, but if this does not help, your doctor may recommend exercises. Do not take analgesic without your doctor's prescription.

Other minor disorders include headaches, varicose veins, haemorrhoid, muscle cramps, frequent urination. All these will be explained to you by your obstetrician.

GENERAL ADVICE

DIET IN PREGNANCY:

For women in good health and of normal weight-for-height, a good well-balanced, mixed diet should provide all that is required . Fruits and vegetables serve as roughage and ensure free bowel motions.

DRUGS IN PREGNANCY:

Routine - Haematinics, Daraprim, Tetanus Toxoid. Drugs should only be prescribed for pregnant women when the benefits outweigh the risk.

EXERCISE IN PREGNANCY:

Pregnant women should not participate in vigorous exercises. Walking or other non-strenuous exercises should however be encouraged.

REST IN PREGNANCY:

It is of high importance for pregnant women to have plenty of rest, especially during the second half of pregnancy. A minimum of two hours rest in the afternoon and eight at night is recommended.

CLOTHING IN PREGNANCY:

All pregnant women should be encouraged to wear loose-fitting clothing popularly known as maternity dress. A well-fitting brassiere to support the breasts is recommended. Wearing flat-heeled foot-wears is advisable during pregnancy.

ALCOHOL IN PREGNANCY:

Alcohol should be avoided as there is evidence that even a moderate intake may be harmful to the foetus.

SMOKING IN PREGNANCY:

It has been evidently proven that babies of mothers who smoke are smaller than those of non-smoking -mothers.          ._

COITUS IN PREGNANCY:

Gentle sexual intercourse during pregnancy is not harmful except when there is a threat of miscarriage or bleeding, in late pregnancy.

NOTE: The material contained herein is by no means exhaustive. For details and further enquiries, please contact a consultant Obstetrician.

DR. Y. O. SANUSI, MBBS, FWACS, MBA (IFE) Consultant Obstetrician Gynaecologist. Isalu Hospitals Limited, 10 Wempco Road, Ogba-lkeja, Lagos, Nigeria.

Tel: 234-1-0803-308-9592, 234-1-792-8206, 234-1-818-3134.