In 2003 the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), published the original Antenatal Care Guideline.
The aim of the guideline was to “Offer information on best practice for baseline clinical care of pregnancies and comprehensive information on the antenatal care of the healthy woman with an uncomplicated singleton pregnancy.” NICE (2008)
By following this guideline, a midwife can ensure that she offers best practice advice on the care of healthy pregnant women and ensure that within her care, a women has choice, access and continuity of care within a safe and effective service. (Department of Health, D.O.H 2007)
This essay will discuss and evaluate the Antenatal Care provided to a nulliparous woman throughout her pregnancy focussing particularly on the Booking interview, Combined Screening and the monitoring of a women and fetus during the antenatal period to include emotional well being. To satisfy the requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Council Code of Conduct 2008 (NMC), consent has been gained and pseudonyms will be used to ensure confidentiality. The midwife will be referred to as Rachael and the client as Rebecca.
Rebecca is a 26 year old nulliparous women. She works as a flight attendant for a long haul flight company and lives with her partner, Scott who works as a long haul pilot. Rebecca is in good health and was very surprised when she discovered that her usually regular menstrual cycle was late. Both Rebecca and Scott were very anxious as they knew there lives were about to change and even though the pregnancy was not planned, both were very eager and keen to continue. Rebecca and her partner are both have