What is an antenatal health card?
The health card for pregnant women is a document that acts as a link between you, your doctor, the midwife and the hospital. The card ensures that everyone receives the same information about you and your child’s health, as well as any special needs you may have. You decide what information you wish to provide.
During your pregnancy, you must take your card with you to all consultations and examinations with your GP, midwife, hospital and other healthcare services you come into contact with. You must also take your card to the maternity ward when you go there.
Tell your doctor/midwife if you have lost your health card. If you forget to take it to a check-up, it is important that you make a note of any entries and information on the card later.
We are currently working to digitalise the health card. A limited trial of the solution is scheduled to take place in 2025. The plan is to make the card available to pregnant women via Helsenorge.
Information on the health card
The information given on the health card will be important for your pregnancy and birth. This could be information about previous pregnancies, medical conditions that may require follow-up, and other background information. Information and measurements from throughout your pregnancy will be entered in connection with your pregnancy consultations.
Consultations
All examinations that you have during your pregnancy will be recorded, so that your midwife, doctor and any other medical professionals will know what types of treatment you have had. A note will also be made as to whether you have been given guidance concerning breastfeeding and attended a course aimed at preparing you for childbirth/parenting.
Birth location and health centre
Your midwife and GP will help you choose where to give birth and enter your birth location onto the health card. If you need the companion service, this should be noted. The health centre, where you will receive follow-ups after you have had your baby, will also be noted.
Antenatal checks and tests
All pregnant women are entitled to antenatal care. The service is free and intended to ensure that you receive the best possible care and guidance during and after your pregnancy.
Illustration: Lev Dolgachov / Mostphotos
Need more follow-ups?
If you need extra follow-ups, it is very important that your midwife or doctor receives information about this.
This may be information about social circumstances, such as that you or the father/co-mother
- are unemployed
- need financial support
- have language difficulties
or physical/mental circumstances, such as
- disease, health problems
- disability
- experience of violence and/or past abuse
- traumatic experiences from the health service, previous pregnancies or childbirth
What do the abbreviations mean?
The list below explains the meanings of some of the terms on your antenatal health card, but you do not need to know or understand these terms. Ask your midwife or doctor if you are unsure of anything.
|
Term |
Meaning |
|
AB0 |
Your blood type is recorded as: A, B, AB or O. |
|
ABU |
Asymptomatic bacteriuria. Refers to levels of bacteria in the bladder and urine. |
|
P/Alb |
Protein/albumin (egg white) in urine. |
|
BT |
Blood pressure. |
|
Due date |
Estimated date on which the fetus is 40 weeks + 3 days for birth, one for period due date and one for ultrasound due date. The corrected due date will be the due date based on an ultrasound examination. Otherwise, the due date also indicates the time interval between weeks 37 and 42. |
|
ESBL |
An enzyme called Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase, which makes bacteria resistant to antibiotics |
|
Ex. u. |
Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus). |
|
Ferritin |
Blood test which tells you your iron level. |
|
Fl/min. |
Fetal heart rate (fetal heartbeat) per minute. |
|
Glucose load |
Test which shows how your body copes with the intake of a specific amount of sugar (glucose). |
|
Hb |
Haemoglobin count (blood count, test for possible anaemia). |
|
HIV |
Test results from HIV test. |
|
Lie |
How the fetus is presented or oriented. H/S/T are codes for the normal cephalic (head), breech, transverse (where the fetus is lying laterally) position of the fetus. The code F or B indicates whether or not the head has become engaged. |
|
Medication - |
No regular medication. |
|
Medication + |
Use of medications. Dietary supplements such as iron, vitamins and folate. |
|
MRSA |
Resistant bacteria known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. |
|
Oedema |
Water accumulations in the body, for example in the legs. |
|
Position |
How the fetus is presented or oriented. H/S/T/F/B are codes for the normal cephalic, breech, transverse (where the foetus is lying laterally) position of the fetus and whether the head has become engaged. |
|
RH-D |
Your blood type or that of the foetus may be Rh-positive or Rh-negative. |
|
Syphilis |
Syphilis sample. The date on which the sample was taken and the test result is recorded here. |
|
Symphysis-fundus measurement |
Assumed distance from the upper part of the pelvic bone to the top of the uterus. Stated in centimetres and noted on the diagram. |
|
VRE |
Resistant bacteria called Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci |
|
Week |
How far you have progressed in your pregnancy. Stated in full weeks + days. |
|
+ |
Traces found. |
|
- |
No findings. |