Adolescent Pregnancy Flashcards
Define Pregnancy
adaptations by the woman’s physiology during pregnancy allow her to support the developing foetus to grow into a healthy baby while maintaining her own well-being
266 days
38 weeks from fertilisation
Routine Blood Screening is useful for
blood group and rhesus factor full blood count hepatitis B sexually transmitted infections rubella antibodies HIV Gestational Diabetes
Complications of Pregnancy
bleeding
spontaneous abortion
(infection, abnormalities)
Ectopic pregnancy (adolescents have the highest rate of mortality)
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
a pregnancy where the fetus develops outside the womb, typically in the fallopian tube
Medications in pregnancy
Drug use in pregnancy should be restricted
Folic acid - to reduce neural tube defects
Iron supplements
Drugs used in labour
Synthetic Oxytocin - induction of labour Prostaglandins - cervical gel Nitrous Oxide - laughing gas Pethidine - opiate Epidural analgesia Lignocaine hydrochloride - after childbirth, atopic medication
When is adolescent pregnancy risky?
adolescents over 15years who receive early prenatal care are at no greater risk during pregnancy
Adolescent Prenatal Care Complications
for those under 15 years - have a higher rate of complications. Majors concerns; STI's Substance use Poverty Dietary habits maturity
Nutritional needs
A balanced diet Protein - for growth folate - stops neural birth defects iron - for greater blood supply needed Calcium - if not taken, it is taken from your bones
Adolescent Birthing
12-15 years - because they are smaller in stature and incomplete growth - labour can be prolonged due to CPD (Cephalo pelvic disproportion)
15-21 years - often have labours that are shorter than average
What is cephalo pelvic disproportion?
occurs when a baby’s head or body is too large to fit through the mother’s pelvis
Adolescent response to labour and childbirth
Young adolescents have fewer coping mechanisms and less experience to draw on
cognition development is incomplete - problem solving
may be more childlike and dependent on others
may be more vulnerable to stress and discomfort
Adolescent postnatal expectations
unrealistic expectations in regards to; -feeding - breast or artificial crying - how much is normal sleeping ongoing demands of parenthood
Puberty
Becoming physically mature and able to reproduce
Girls average a two year lead on boys - BMI is a strongest indicator, takes around 2-4 years to complete for females
Female puberty in order
budding of breasts growth spurt menarche pubic hair and underarm hair completion of breast development
