Basic Preconception and Interpregnancy Care Flashcards
What is the goal of preconception care?
To optimize maternal health, manage chronic conditions, and reduce risks for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
What general health assessments should be included in preconception care?
Medical history, medication review, lifestyle assessment, vaccination status, genetic risk evaluation.
What chronic conditions should be optimized before pregnancy?
Diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, epilepsy, autoimmune diseases.
What is the recommended preconception folic acid supplementation?
400–800 mcg daily (4 mg for high-risk patients, e.g., history of neural tube defects).
What vaccinations should be updated before pregnancy?
MMR, varicella, hepatitis B, and HPV (if not previously given).
Why should MMR and varicella vaccines be given before pregnancy?
They are live vaccines and contraindicated during pregnancy.
What lifestyle modifications should be recommended preconception?
Smoking cessation, alcohol and drug avoidance, healthy diet, weight management.
What medications should be discontinued before pregnancy?
Teratogenic drugs such as ACE inhibitors, warfarin, isotretinoin, valproic acid, methotrexate.
What is the purpose of genetic carrier screening before pregnancy?
To assess risk for inherited conditions such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, and Tay-Sachs disease.
What is the recommended interpregnancy interval to reduce complications?
At least 18 months between pregnancies.
What are risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes that should be addressed preconception?
Advanced maternal age, obesity, previous preterm birth, recurrent pregnancy loss.
What is the purpose of assessing a patient’s reproductive life plan?
To align medical care with the patient’s pregnancy goals and contraceptive needs.
What is the first-line contraceptive recommendation for spacing pregnancies?
Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) such as IUDs or implants.
When should a patient with a history of gestational diabetes be screened for type 2 diabetes postpartum?
At 4–12 weeks postpartum with a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test.
What screening tests are recommended preconception?
STI screening, thyroid function tests, hemoglobin A1c (if diabetic), complete blood count.
What is the role of aspirin in preconception care?
Low-dose aspirin is recommended in high-risk patients to prevent preeclampsia.
When should aspirin be initiated for preeclampsia prevention?
Between 12–28 weeks of gestation (preferably before 16 weeks).
What nutritional counseling is important preconception?
Balanced diet with adequate calcium, iron, vitamin D, and folic acid intake.
What are common environmental exposures to avoid before and during pregnancy?
Lead, pesticides, radiation, high-mercury fish, excessive heat exposure.
What mental health considerations are important preconception?
Screening for depression, anxiety, and history of postpartum depression.
What is the importance of dental care in preconception planning?
Poor oral health is associated with increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.
What social determinants of health should be assessed before pregnancy?
Access to healthcare, financial stability, social support, housing security.
