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Table 3 Description of best practice variables and timing of collection

From: Sharing of clinical data in a maternity setting: How do paper hand-held records and electronic health records compare for completeness?

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 26ā€“26 week visit

Glucose tolerance test (GTT)

To screen for diabetes in pregnancy

Measured at 26ā€“26 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 18ā€“20 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 womanā€™s 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