Early Prenatal Education Program Protocol

Provider Type

  • Participating Physician Groups (PPG)
  • Hospitals
  • Ancillary

The following topics, adapted from the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and Gynecologists Guide to Planning for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond, 1990, are recommended for all early prenatal education programs. 

  • Normal changes of pregnancy:
    • Physical (appropriate weight gain)
    • Emotional
    • Sexual
  • Prenatal medical care:
    • Importance of regular care
    • What to expect at obstetrical (OB) visits
    • Genetic history
    • Maternal serum screening for birth defects
    • Recognizing problems
      • Warning signs
      • When to call the doctor
    • Special considerations
      • Pregnancy over age 35
      • The Rh factor
      • VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean)
        • Recommended for most women
        • Benefits of vaginal deliveries
  • Prenatal nutrition:
    • Balanced diet
    • Additional protein and calcium
    • Folic acid
    • Adequate fluid intake
    • Gestational diabetes
  • Prenatal exercise:
    • Benefits
    • Exercises/activities to avoid
    • Recommendations for exercising safely
  • Self-care:
    • Remedies for common discomforts
    • Stress management
    • Sexually transmitted diseases
  • Lifestyle considerations:
    • Avoid or minimize use of harmful substances
      • Alcohol
      • Nicotine
      • Prescription medications
      • Over-the-counter medications
      • Recreational drugs
      • Caffeine
      • Herbal medicine
    • Working during pregnancy
    • Safety
    • Protection from environmental hazards
    • Check-up after delivery
  • Infant car seat use:
    • Importance
    • How to use properly
    • Required by law

Frequency

One-to-one counseling should be offered on an ongoing, as-needed basis and be at least one hour in length. Health Net recommends that participating physician groups (PPGs) offer seminars or classes at least monthly that are at least two hours in length.

The early prenatal education program can be a one-session seminar, a multi-session class, one-to-one counseling, or any combination of these modes.

Participant Tracking

Documented feedback regarding program attendance should be given to the physician to be included in the member's medical chart.