Best practice variable | Description | Data collection time |
---|---|---|
Body mass index (BMI) | Measure weight and height and calculate body mass index (BMI). | At first antenatal visit |
Blood pressure | Measure blood pressure to identify existing high blood pressure. | At first antenatal visit |
Proteinuria | Use an automated analyser if available, or urinary dipstick as less accurate method to detect true proteinuria. | At first antenatal visit or subsequent visits |
Blood Group | Important to prevent haemolytic disease of the newborn | At first antenatal visit |
Antibody status | As above | At first antenatal visit |
Haemoglobin | To assess anaemia | At first antenatal visit |
Human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) | Offer and recommend HIV testing | At first antenatal visit |
Hep B | Offer and recommend hepatitis B virus testing. | At first antenatal visit |
Rubella | Offer and recommend testing for rubella immunity | At first antenatal visit |
Syphilis | Offer and recommend syphilis testing | At first antenatal visit |
Urine Culture (MSU) | Use urine culture testing wherever possible as it is the most accurate means of detecting asymptomatic bacteriuria. | At first antenatal visit or subsequent visits |
Glucose challenge test (GCT) | To screen for diabetes in pregnancy | Measured at 26ā26 week visit |
Glucose tolerance test (GTT) | To screen for diabetes in pregnancy | Measured at 26ā26 week visit |
Dating scan | Offer an ultrasound scan to determine gestational age, detect multiple pregnancies and accurately time fetal anomaly screening. | between 8Ā weeks 0Ā days and 13Ā weeks 6Ā days |
Nuchal translucency scan | Offer nuchal translucency thickness ultrasound scan | Between 11Ā weeks 0Ā days and 13Ā weeks 6Ā days. |
Morphology | To check for abnormalities in your baby. | Scan at 18ā20 week gestation |
Folic acid supplementation advice | Inform women of/determine if dietary supplementation with folic acid, from 12Ā weeks before conception and throughout the first 12Ā weeks of pregnancy occurred | At first antenatal visit |
Iron supplement advice | Do not routinely offer iron supplementation to women during pregnancy. | At first antenatal visit |
Vitamin D deficiency | Offer vitamin D screening to women with limited exposure to sunlight, have dark skin or a pre-pregnancy BMI of >30. | At first antenatal visit |
Oral health | Advise/ask about oral health checks and treatment. | At first antenatal visit |
Tobacco smoking | Assess the womanās smoking status and exposure to passive smoking. | At first antenatal visit |
Alcohol | Advise women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy that not drinking is the safest option. Discuss alcohol consumed during pregnancy. | At first antenatal visit |
Drug Use- Illicit assessment | Determine if ever used illicit drugs or requires assistance. | At first antenatal visit |
Domestic violence assessment | Explain to all women that asking about domestic violence is a routine part of antenatal care. | At first antenatal visit |