Vital Signs

PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT OF
A PREGNANT PERSON
& BABY

MALERIE BROCK
But first, consent.
It is best practice to explain the
procedures & expectations of
obtaining vital signs during
prenatal visits, long before they
are taken during birth.This
both minimizes the disruption
during the birthing process and
builds a trusting relationship.
After explaining the procedure,
the pregnant person should be
made aware of what we are
looking for and why. Verbally
speaking the findings also
allows for conversation and
confirmation.
Consent should be obtained
not only at every prenatal visit
but anytime vitals are taken,
including during the
antepartum period.
 Evaluate at each prenatal appointment, at
admission for birth (then q. 4 hours and as
indicated), immediate pospartum q.15 min for

Blood Pressure first hour and before discharge and at each

postpartum appointment.
maternal

WNL: S 90-119 / D 60-80

Elevated: 120-129 or < 80

Hypertension (stage 1): 130-139 or 80-89
Hypertension (stage 2) >139 or > 90
 Evaluate at each prenatal appointment, at

Pulse admission for labor (then q. 4 hours and as

indicated), immediate postpartum q.15 min for
maternal first hour and before discharge, and at each
postpartum appointment.

WNL: 60- 100 BPM

>100 may indicate anxiety, infection, ketosis,

or hemorrhage
 Temp should closely monitored while bathing
and after membranes rupture to continue
monitoring for infection or overheating.

Temperature Evaluate at admission for labor (then q. 4

maternal hours and as indicated), immediate postpartum
q.15 min for first hour before discharge and at
each postpartum appointment.

WNL: 97-99 / average 98.6

Fever at 100.4+
Fetal Heart Rate
Intrapartum
New Mexico Midwifery Guidelines:
Early labor: At least every hour
Active labor: Every 15-30 minutes
Second stage: Every 5-15 minutes
Check FHTs upon:
Unusual bleeding other than normal show,
signs and symptoms of abruption Rupture of
membranes, any other concerning signs and
symptoms, or drastic change in labor
Reassuring: 110-160
> 5 variability / 0 decels / Accels present
Non-reassuring: 100-109 or 160-180
< 5 variability (for 40-90 min)
Variable decels (typical) in over 50% ctx for 90
min or single decel lasting 3 min, possibly 0
accels
Abnormal: <100 or >180
<5 variability for over 90 min
Variable decels (atypical) in over 50% ctx for
90 min or late decels (both for over 30 min)
single dec lasting 3 min, possibly 0 accels
References:
Marshall, J., & Raynor, M. (2014). Myles Textbook for Midwives (16th ed.). Churchill Livingstone Elsevier

New Mexico Midwives Association. (2019). New Mexico Midwives Association: Practice Guidelines.
https://www.nmhealth.org/publication/view/guide/1725/