Antenatal Advice Flashcards
Guidance for taking nutritional supplements in pregnancy?
folic acid 400mcg should be given from before conception until 12 weeks to reduce risk of neural tube defects
iron supplementation should not be offered routinely
vitamin A supplementation (intake above 700 micrograms) might be teratogenic. Liver is high in vitamin A so should be avoided
vitamin D: ‘women should be advised to take a vitamin D supplement (10 micrograms per day)
Advice for smoking cessation in pregnancy?
NRT may be used but women must have stopped smoking and risks/benefits need to be discussed
neither varenicline nor bupropion should be offered to pregnant or breastfeeding women
General diet advice for pregnancy?
listeriosis: avoid unpasteurised milk, ripened soft cheeses (Camembert, Brie, blue-veined cheeses), pate or undercooked meat
salmonella: avoid raw or partially cooked eggs and meat, especially poultry
Advice for air travel during pregnancy?
women > 37 weeks with singleton pregnancy and no additional risk factors should avoid air travel
women with uncomplicated, multiple pregnancies should avoid travel by air once >32 weeks
associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism, wearing correctly fitted compression stockings is effective at reducing the risk
Advice for exercise in pregnancy?
women should be informed that beginning or continuing moderate exercise is not associated with adverse outcomes
certain activities should be avoided e,g, high-impact sports where there is a risk of abdominal trauma and scuba diving
Advice for women concerned about foetal movements?
There should be no change to the pattern of movements or number of movements after 28 weeks gestation.
If a patient is unsure about the baby’s movements after 28 weeks, they should be advised to lie on their left side and focus on foetal movements for 2 hours. If they do not feel 10 or more movements during this time they should contact their maternity unit immediately.
Advice about normal length of morning sickness?
Normally starts between the 4th and 7th week and should settle by week 20
however can continue throughout pregnancy
Advice for women experiencing heartburn in pregnancy?
Alleviate by sitting up after meals, reducing fat and spice and eating smaller portions. Can suggest Gaviscon or omeprazole in severe cases.