Urine dipsticks: I do a urine dip at every prenatal. I can learn a lot about pregnancy health with a urine dip. Specific gravity can tell me if Mom needs to drink more water, leukocytes might appear if allergies are cropping up, or if mother is recovering from an illness. If sugar is in the urine, I would wonder about diet and the possibility of gestational diabetes. If protein is in the urine, I will be monitoring closely for signs of preeclampsia (a very serious condition in pregnancy). If Mom isn't eating enough calories, or it has been a long time since she last ate, ketones may appear in the urine.
Hemoglobinometer: Hemoglobin levels drop as a result of blood volume expansion during pregnancy. Low hemoglobin can be a cause of low energy levels or fatigue. I want Mom to feel her best throughout pregnancy, and I want to be sure levels are in a safe range for a homebirth. While not as accurate as being checked at a lab, this tool can give me an idea of what changes are occurring with hemoglobin levels.
Blood pressure cuff and stethoscope: Blood pressure is a measurement of how hard the heart is working to circulate blood throughout the body. High blood pressure can create issues with how well the placenta functions to supply nutrients and oxygen to baby. High blood pressure can also be a sign of preeclampsia. I take blood pressure at every prenatal, I want to know what is normal for each mom and I want to know blood pressure is staying in a healthy range throughout pregnancy.
My most important tools: I believe my most important tool is listening well to Mom. Mom is the one who best knows her body. My other important tools are my intuition and knowing what is normal for each client and how that lines up with a healthy, low risk pregnancy.
Hemoglobinometer: Hemoglobin levels drop as a result of blood volume expansion during pregnancy. Low hemoglobin can be a cause of low energy levels or fatigue. I want Mom to feel her best throughout pregnancy, and I want to be sure levels are in a safe range for a homebirth. While not as accurate as being checked at a lab, this tool can give me an idea of what changes are occurring with hemoglobin levels.
Blood pressure cuff and stethoscope: Blood pressure is a measurement of how hard the heart is working to circulate blood throughout the body. High blood pressure can create issues with how well the placenta functions to supply nutrients and oxygen to baby. High blood pressure can also be a sign of preeclampsia. I take blood pressure at every prenatal, I want to know what is normal for each mom and I want to know blood pressure is staying in a healthy range throughout pregnancy.
My most important tools: I believe my most important tool is listening well to Mom. Mom is the one who best knows her body. My other important tools are my intuition and knowing what is normal for each client and how that lines up with a healthy, low risk pregnancy.
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