Caring for neonatal and postnatal women is a rewarding and important role for family nurse practitioners. Exceptional prenatal and postnatal care is something every woman deserves for every pregnancy.
Here are a few roles FNPs play when caring for pregnant women and their children.
Prenatal screenings and testing
During pregnancy, women are tested for a range of diseases to ensure they have as healthy a pregnancy and baby as possible. Family nurse practitioners or their assistants take blood samples and use these to test for sexually transmitted diseases, iron levels, white blood cells, and more.
Blood tests are conducted several times throughout an average pregnancy but may be conducted more if necessary.
An FNP can conduct testing for gestational diabetes and Group B strep at appropriate times during a woman’s pregnancy.
Genetic testing and determining gender may also be ordered by the patient and conducted by the FNP, but this is optional for each pregnancy.
Understanding and treating postpartum depression
Postpartum depression can happen to any woman. Even if they are very excited and glad to be having a child, after the child is born, it is natural for there to be a few weeks of the baby blues, as it is sometimes called. When symptoms last longer, or a woman is having dangerous thoughts about herself or her child, she must receive some help to get through them. The good news is that most postpartum depression goes away fairly quickly and without major intervention.
An FNP helps by recognizing the signs and screening postnatal women for signs of depression. Based on the answers and observations of the patient, the FNP can either prescribe treatment or recommend resources such as counselors, support groups, and more.
FNPs may recommend specialists
Every pregnancy is different, so the needs of a woman will vary. FNPs can assess risk factors and concerns and recommend specialists, such as OB-GYNs. Other specialists that may be involved with advanced maternal-age pregnancies or those with underlying issues may include cancer specialists for cysts or women’s health centers skilled in high-risk pregnancy care if a problem arises on an ultrasound. Several ultrasounds are conducted during pregnancy, with some requiring very frequent ultrasounds to assess the health of the fetus and the stability of the placenta.
FNPs must provide emotional support and reassurance
Since pregnancies vary so much, medical professionals must have an excellent eye for detail and bedside manners. Being able to talk about emotional and sensitive topics without causing a lot of alarm in a pregnant woman is a skill that must be developed. Mothers-to-be are often prone to high levels of anxiety and worry, especially when it comes to their health and that of their baby. It can be easy for words to be taken the wrong way or mistaken for something more serious than the situation calls for. Mothers-to-be patients are something FNPs will find themselves coming across frequently.
FNPs that specialize in neonatal care may play a larger role in the aftercare of infants
While all FNPs are qualified to do the care discussed in this article, some FNPs choose to specialize in neonatal care. In this case, the FNP may take on the care of mothers who are going through a high-risk pregnancy and offer care to the infant after it is born. For example, if an infant is born at a low birth weight, it will likely require more frequent checkups and may need special medications, formula, and more. Frequent weight checks are a must in this case to ensure the infant is gaining weight at an acceptable rate. There are cases where an FNP offering neonatal care may provide specialized care for toddlers up to two years old with special health concerns.
FNPs specializing in neonatal care typically do not offer primary care health services to others but focus on mothers and babies.
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FNPs perform postnatal checkups on mothers
Several checkups after giving birth are required for mothers. Typically, a check-up for mom and baby occurs within a few days or, at most, a week after giving birth. The final postpartum exam occurs around six weeks. At the final exam, an FNP ensures the mother is healing and recovering well. There may be discussions about birth control methods and a prescription made for the method of choice.
For difficult and C-section deliveries, there may be more checks if needed. An incision check is performed at least twice if a C-section delivery occurs. It is typically at the two-week and six-week postpartum and well-baby checks.
Conclusion
Pregnant and postpartum women require regular care and support. Without good care and support, the risk of problems for the mother and baby rises drastically. Through good and regular preventative care, pregnancy can be a more positive experience for everyone in a family.
FNPs are important because they can serve as a primary care provider for mother and baby through pregnancy and beyond. FNPs often fulfill the role of pediatrician after birth. With the distinct lack of healthcare workers and providers, it is easy to see why FNPs are so sought-after. They can fulfill many roles in an overcrowded medical system, so everyone gets as high a level of care as possible.
