What shapes women's decisions to take part in prenatal testing and Essay

What shapes women's decisions to take part in prenatal testing and screening - Essay Example As pregnancy progresses the chances of changing the normal situation to abnormal one also increases. These complications could be primarily related to mother or developing foetus and both can affect the other partner. Continuous contact between a pregnant woman and a health are provider reduces the chances of turning the situation towards real emergency situation. This care provider – client relationship not only addresses the medical issues but it becomes an excellent opportunity to discuss other related and required issues, like: nutrition, rest, event around delivery, postpartum period, care of newborn and family planning. During pregnancy, there is an opportunity for pregnant woman to get herself tested or screened as advised by her care provider. Prenatal testing and screening is a preventive measure to exclude as many pathological situations as possible so that the outcome of a pregnancy is smooth in the shape of a normal newborn. During the prenatal period, pregnant women are advised some routine laboratory tests for all women. These laboratory tests require samples from blood, urine and cervix, as well as tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) (Medial Library, ACOG). The purpose of this routine activity is that if some abnormality is detected then it can be treated early before complications start because of this abnormality. Moreover, treating these abnormalities is not a big task but the effects of treating these abnormalities are significantly high. Urine is tested for the presence of sugar and proteins in the urine. High levels or sugar are of some concern otherwise sugar is excreted in urine during pregnancy but the presence of proteins suggests further work on excluding urinary tract infection (UTI), other kidney diseases or blood pressure. To look for any change in the cervix, a Pap smear is taken and assessed for any change leading to cervical cancer if it has not been taken during