Original articles
Production of a self-monitoring check sheet for pregnant women
2005 Volume 19 Issue 1 Pages 1_6-1_18
Details
2005 Volume 19 Issue 1 Pages 1_6-1_18
Purpose
This study was conducted for the purpose of assessing the validity of having pregnant women monitor their own pregnancies by producing a self-monitoring check sheet relating to self-care during pregnancy.
Methods
Survey 1 : A survey was conducted on 55 pregnant women in which the subjects were asked to describe their experiences and opinions relating to maintaining and promoting health during pregnancy.
Surveys 2 and 3 : A survey was conducted on 31 pregnant women (in week 19 to 38 of pregnancy) for 7 to 8 days in which the subjects were asked to monitor their pregnancies using a check sheet in addition to measuring the amounts of walking and physical activity, recording waking and sleeping times, sleep time and dietary contents (Survey 2). In survey 3, the levels of apprehension and depression were measured before and after monitoring and the subjects were interviewed.
Results
A check sheet (daily maternity check sheet) was produced consisting of the 10 items of sleeping status, fetal movement, abdomen and bleeding, body weight, diet, exercise, daily activities, mood (comfort), maternal image and communication with the fetus, along with a column for allowing subjects to write down any comments they may have. In Surveys 2 and 3, (1) there was a correlation between monitoring of the amount of walking and exercise and monitoring relating to sleep time and sleep status, fetal movement and abdominal distention. (2) The amount of daily activity during the day, abdominal distention and psychological state had an effect on sleeping. (3) Agreement was confirmed between dietary contents, the contents of comments written by the subjects and monitoring. (4) It was possible to objectively make a retrospective assessment of the behavior and emotional state of pregnant women through self-monitoring.
Conclusion
The use of a daily maternity check sheet was confirmed to enable pregnant women to implement objective self-monitoring of their pregnancies with only a minimal burden.
