Reassessment is a routine and essential part of pregnancy care. It allows the care team to monitor the progress of the pregnancy and the health of the mother and baby, identify any complications that may have arisen since the last assessment, and make necessary adjustments to the care plan. Reassessment may also be used to determine the best course of action for the remainder of the pregnancy and delivery. This may include making changes to the mother’s diet or activity level, or modifying the delivery plan.
Reassessment typically occurs during the second trimester, but may also take place during the third trimester or immediately postpartum. It involves taking a comprehensive history and performing a physical examination. This may be done at regular intervals throughout the pregnancy, or more frequently if there are concerns about the health of the mother or baby.
During reassessment, the following information will be gathered:
- The date of the last menstrual period
- Details of any medical conditions that may affect the pregnancy
- Details of any previous pregnancies and births
- The mother’s weight and blood pressure
- The baby’s heartbeat
- The position of the baby in the womb
- The amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby
This information helps to assess the overall health of both mother and baby, and to identify any potential problems. If any concerns are identified, further tests or investigations may be required. These may include blood tests, ultrasounds, or referral to a specialist.
Purpose of Reassessment
- A reassessment may be used to monitor the following:
- The mother’s health: This includes checking her blood pressure, weight, and urine.
- The baby’s health: This includes checking the baby’s heart rate, breathing, and movements.
- The progress of the pregnancy: This includes checking the size of the uterus and the amount of amniotic fluid.
Reassessment may also be used to identify any potential complications, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or placental abruption. If any complications are found, treatment can be started as soon as possible.
Disambiguation and Other Related Terms
Reassessment should not be confused with resumption, which is the act of starting something again after it has been interrupted.
Some terms that are closely associated with reassessment include: review, evaluation, examination, and assessment.
This image shows how often the term ‘Reassessment’ is used in relation to other, similar birth terms:
Do you know a man who wants to learn more about birth? Send him our way! Also, men and women are welcome to join our free public community of Dads helping Dads be better at birth.