The maternity passport is by far the most important companion of a pregnant woman. Already after the first visit to the gynecologist and the determination that there is a pregnancy, the medical professional will issue the 16-page booklet. In the maternity passport all important information about the course of pregnancy, but also previous pregnancies and also diseases of the mother, are entered.
Everything at a glance
If the woman is diagnosed with a pregnancy, the doctor hands her the maternity passport. In the document are all the important data of the mother, but also examinations, appointments and also information about the unborn child. It is therefore extremely important that the maternity passport is always carried and also presented at every medical examination. The maternity passport is not only the proof to be pregnant, but also a source of information, which examinations were already accomplished and/or which still must be accomplished.
What does it say in the maternity passport?
On the first page of the maternity passport, you will find the stamp and also any contact details of the attending physician. On the second page, the data of the expectant mother (name, date of birth as well as address) are entered. The blood group, antibodies and rhesus factor are also noted on the second page. Any infections are noted on the third page. For example, if a urine test shows that a chlamydia infection is present (increases the risk of premature birth or miscarriage). The LSR test is also found on the same page. LSR (Lues-Such-Reaction) stands for a rarely occurring venereal disease, which can sometimes mean complications for the mother as well as for the child. The fourth page of the maternity record deals with previous pregnancies. On this page, previous pregnancies are recorded, and it must be noted whether a Caesarean section was performed or whether it was a forceps or suction cup birth. Premature or miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies and deliveries are also documented on this page. On the fifth page, the results of the first screening examinations are noted or the physician takes the medical history of the pregnant woman. On this page you will find information on whether the pregnant woman has any current illnesses or allergies. The sixth page deals with the course of the pregnancy. This includes current illnesses, medication and tobacco consumption, any pregnancy-specific complications or premature labor. It also provides information on whether the pregnancy is a multiple pregnancy. This information is intended to help the physician determine whether the pregnancy is at risk. The calculated date of birth is also entered on the sixth page. The seventh and eighth pages contain the gravidogram. The results of numerous preventive examinations are entered here. In the process, the pregnant woman repeatedly comes across abbreviations such as “QF” or also “SFA”. “SFA” (symphysis fundus distance) gives an insight into the position of the upper edge of the uterus, which – in the course of the further pregnancy – moves upwards. The information is given in “QF” (transverse fingers). “SL” also stands for cranial length and “BEL” for breech presentation. Under “RR”, the results of the regularly performed blood pressure measurements are entered. The weight of the woman is entered under the “Weight” column. “Hb” provides information about the blood pigment (hemoglobin value). “Sediment” or also “possibly bacteriolog. Bef.” give an overview of protein, nitrite, sugar as well as blood detected in the urine. “MM Ø” or “Cervix o.B.” mean that the cervix of the pregnant woman is still closed or that the uterine canal is “without findings”. Special findings that have occurred during the pregnancy are entered in “Risk no. according to catalog B”. The ninth page is reserved for findings (amniocentesis) as well as illnesses or hospitalizations. Pages 10 to 14 are available for results of ultrasound examinations. The last two pages – 15 and 16 – are used for final examinations. Here, the physician notes important data, such as the number of preventive examinations that were performed during the course of the pregnancy, or also notes whether there were previous pregnancies or how many deliveries the pregnant woman has already experienced.The last pages also contain information about the birth of the child. The physician documents the course of the birth and also notes the result of the Apgar test that was performed on the child. Within the scope of the test, breathing, muscle tension, pulse, the triggering of reflexes and skin color are checked and then entered. Furthermore, on the last page there is also information about the puerperium , to this end, any courses or complications are documented.
Always there – for all cases
The maternity log should be a companion of the pregnant woman during the entire pregnancy. Especially because the maternity passport not only records the mother’s medical history, but also documented the entire course of pregnancy. Especially if an emergency should occur, the attending physician can determine in the maternity passport whether there have already been complications or which factors must be paid attention to. For this reason, it is also particularly important that the maternity passport is also taken to the gynecologist at every checkup.
Throw it away or keep it?
The maternity passport should never be thrown away. On the one hand, it is a beautiful and unique souvenir of the pregnancy, on the other hand, the maternity passport also helps the medical professional, of course, if previous pregnancies have already been entered and documented. Thus, any comparisons can be made or there is already a complete anamnesis of the pregnant woman.
