Early prenatal care
The early prenatal interview, or 4th month prenatal interview, is relatively recent. “It was created in 2007, after the 2005-2007 perinatal survey which revealed shortcomingsspecifies Charline Gayault, midwife. Fifteen years after its creation, only 36.5% of future mothers carry out this interview.»
The 2021 perinatal survey shows a slight increase compared to 2016, but pregnant women who benefit from it remain a minority. However, it was returned mandatory since May 1, 2020. Theoretically, caregivers (general practitioners, midwives, gynecologists) should inform their patients. So what keeps pregnant women from coming to this early prenatal interview? ” Several thingssays the midwife: ignorance of the existence of this 4th month prenatal interview, the fact that they do not know what it is for, for some pregnant women their pregnancy is going well they think that they do not need it just like those who have already given birth. »
prenatal appointment
This early preliminary interview can be scheduled from the third month of pregnancy. It can be carried out by a general practitioner, a midwife or a gynecologist. It lasts between 45 minutes and one hour and he is 100% covered by health insurance. “In practice, as during this early prenatal interview, the birth preparation is addressed, these are mainly towards the midwives What are pregnant women heading for?explains Charline Gayault.
Good to know: the early prenatal interview can also be carried out after the 4th month without worry.
The pregnant woman will be able to learn more about what is happening in her body, what is a contraction, when will the baby turn over, what are the signs that announce its imminent delivery, what is the effacement and dilation of the cervix…
She can also discuss with the midwife the choice of maternity: public, private, birthing center… The different positions in which she can give birth: the classic gynecological position, the posture with arch, on the side, on her knees , squatting, standing, and how to push on D-Day.
The midwife can also talk to her about the vagaries of childbirth and the possible use of suction cups, forceps, spatulas, but also about a possible tear or the need to perform an episiotomy.
What is the purpose of early prenatal interview?
4th month prenatal interview has been set up so that future mothers and future fathers experience pregnancy, the arrival of their baby and their new role as parents as best as possible. “It is in no way a medical examination like the monthly medical appointments for pregnancy, but an exchange with the future parents”, specifies Charline Gayault. It allows to identify the medical and psychological health of pregnant womento make sure she doesn’t need a psychological support…
“It’s a moment of exchange, time for oneself, for the future mother or the couple of future parents, dads are welcome! says the midwife. During this moment of listening and sharing, the health practitioner will ask the future mother and her spouse (when the latter is present) how the pregnancy is experienced, whether there is a birth project, how the future parents envisage their parenthood… It will also address tobacco and alcohol in pregnant women. He can offer, if necessary, the help of a psychologist in order to detect risk factors for postpartum depression, or of a social worker, for example. Without forgetting the postpartum, a ‘4th trimester’ of which we speak little and the future mother and the couple in general, do not always know what to expect both physically and mentally.
“Early prenatal care allows all pregnant women, whether they are primiparous or multiparous, to take time for themselves, and to enter the birth smoothly, believes Charline Gayault. When the future parents come as a couple, it allows everyone to give their feelings, to talk about things that they did not necessarily think of saying to each other before. It sparks some interesting conversations. »
Preparation for birth
This prenatal interview is also an opportunity to discuss the preparation for the birth. “From experience, said the midwife, women who do not know about early prenatal maintenance do not prepare for birth and often go through childbirth more stressed, because they do not know how long a childbirth lasts, how to react in the event of contractions…”
Each midwife having her specialty, she can also offer the future mother sophrology sessions for those who need to relax during their pregnancy, to project themselves positively; hypnosis, especially if the mother-to-be has experienced trauma, if she is looking for concrete relaxation techniques; yoga good for the pregnant woman who has pain, who wants to move, to relax physically and mentally; or preparation for birth in the swimming pool for the future mother who enjoys swimming, who feels physical pain. There is also thehaptonomythe prenatal song…
The pregnant woman will be able to learn more about what is happening in her body, what is a contraction, when will the baby turn over, what are the signs that announce its imminent delivery, what is the erasure and dilation of the cervix…
She can also discuss with the midwife the choice of maternity: public, private, birthing center… The different positions in which she can give birth: the classic gynecological position, the posture with arch, on the side, on her knees , squatting, standing, and how to push on D-Day.
The midwife can also talk to her about the vagaries of childbirth and the possible use of suction cups, forceps, spatulas, but also about a possible tear or the need to perform an episiotomy.
What questions to ask during the 4th month interview?
All those that arise the future mother and the future father! Because, as the midwife says: It is a totally personalized appointment. »
The expectant mother and the expectant father can ask for advice on how to live the pregnancy well, how to prepare for the arrival of their future baby, ask what their rights are, find out about feeding the newborn (want to breastfeed or not , bottle feeding).
What did the 4th month prenatal interview change?
Just over a third of pregnant women register for early prenatal care, although it has been around for 15 years. As a result, pregnancy and postpartum wellness numbers aren’t much better than before it existed.
The second interview
In addition to the early prenatal interview, expectant mothers benefit from a second interview during their pregnancy. This aims to help them organize their return home after the birth of their baby.
“Participating in the early prenatal interview is also an opportunity to meet the midwife who may be available for postpartum follow-up,” says Charline Gayault.
However, it can be important to already know the nurse who will accompany us after the birth. This ‘4th trimester’ is not always easy to manage, we feel more confident when a first contact has already taken place during pregnancy.