Antenatal Flashcards
Antenatal medicine
When is it recommended for a female to take folic acid tablets?
When they start trying to conceive and for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy
Why is folic acid intake important for expectant mother’s?
It decreases the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida and cleft palate as well as helping to produce RBC
What is the normal dose recommended for folic acid?
400 micrograms daily
Which group of women is it recommended take 5mg of folic acid daily?
Previous pregnancy with NTD, family history of NTD, anti-eplieptic medication, diabetes, bowel disease, obesity
How many appointments will a nulliparous woman have for an uncomplicated pregnancy?
10
How many appointments will a parous woman have for an uncomplicated pregnancy?
7
Why should pregnant women avoid liver?
it contains high levels of vitamin A which could be teratogenic if intake above 700 micrograms
How much is the recommended supplement of vitamin D?
10 micrograms daily
Which groups of women is it vital to recommend vitamin D supplement?
Those with dark skin or with limited exposure to sunlight (housebound, skin covered for cultural reasons)
Which foods should pregnant women avoid to reduce the risk of listeriosis?
unpasteurised milk
camembert, brie and blue-veined cheeses
any type of pate
uncooked or underprepared ready meals
Which foods should pregnant women avoid to reduce the risk of salmonella?
raw or partially cooked eggs or meat especially poultry and mayonnaise
What are the recommendations regarding alcohol consumption during pregnancy?
No safe limit
Increased risk of miscarriage in the first trimester
Binge drinking (>5 drinks on one occasion) maybe harmful to unborn baby
How should a pregnant woman wear a three point seatbelt?
Above and below the bump, not over it
Which interventions appear to be effective in reducing symptoms of morning sickness?
ginger
P6 (wrist) acupressure
antihistamines
What is the normal range of haemoglobin levels for pregnant women?
110g/L at first contact
105g/L at 28 weeks