Chapter 10: Promoting a Healthy Pregnancy Flashcards
Preconception
when female reaches menarche and is capable of reproduction
-represents the earliest stage of pregnancy continuum
>time when a woman builds the foundation for a healthy pregnancy long before she may ever think of becoming pregnant
-time to identify conditions that can adversely affect pregnancy (environment)
Periconception
time immediately before conception through the period of organogenesis (fetus important organs are developing)
Interconception
time period between the end of one pregnancy and the beginning of the next pregnancy
>optimal time to address problems that occurred with the previous pregnancy to minimize repetition
During preconception visit: Menstrual and Medical History
- review of menstrual history; frequency and length; keep accurate menstrual calendar
- review of family history
Preconception Visit: Physical Exam
- performs complete physical exam, pelvic exam, general physical assessment
- Papanicolaou test (Pap test)
- cultures for STIs and other infections obtained
Laboratory Evaluation for Prenatal Care
- CBC (complete Blood Count); to test for anemia via analysis of hemoglobin and hematocrit
- WBC (infections)
- bloody type
- Rh
Exposure to Childhood Illness
- Rubella (can be immunized after child is born)
- Varicella (chickenpox) should be immunized before pregnancy
- receive a tetanus booster immunization every 10 years
Exposure to STI’s
- routine screenings aids in early detection
- VDRL test screening titer for syphillis that measures antibodies; but can result a false positive in pregnant woman; use RPR screening and further tests to confirm
- screen for HIV
- gonorrhea and chlamydia (cervical infections)
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
Genetics Screening During Pregnancy
- Sickle cell disease
- Tay-Sachs disease
- Thalassemia
- Hemophilia
- Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
- Cystic Fibrosis
Exposures related to lifestyle choices
- tobacco
- alcohol
- caffeine
- artificial sweeteners
- marijuana
- cocaine
Tobacco and Effects of the fetus
-carbon monoxide in the cigarette smoke binds more readily than oxygen to hemoglobin, decreasing oxygen-carrying capacity of the RBCs; decreases amount of oxygen traveling to the placenta; decreasing available oxygen for the growth and development for the tissues and organs of the fetus
-nicotine can be harmful; tachycardia, hypertension, and tachypnea
-vasoconstriction causes decreased blood flow through arteries and decrease oxygen transport to the placenta and developing fetus
>smoking = spontaneous abortion, low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm labor and birth, placenta previa, placental abruption, and premature rupture of membranes
-most likely to be small for gestational age
Alcohol and Effects on the fetus
-alcohol passes quickly through the placenta and reaches fetal bloodstream more rapidly than adults
>the fetal body system functions are immature and unable to metabolize alcohol resulting in elevated alcohol levels and damage to developing organs and tissues; results in the facial features associated with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
-features: low nasal bridge, short nose, flat midface, and short palpebral fissure>can result in spontaneous abortion and low birth weight
Caffeine and Effects on the Fetus
-caffeine acts as CNS stimulant, causing tachycardia and hypertension
-can readily pass through placenta to the fetus; affects FHR and movement
-increases rate of miscarriage
-harmful to fetus; stresses the fetus’s immature metabolic system and decreases blood flow to placenta
>sources: coffee, tea, and sodas (“caffeine-free” may still contain small amounts)
>nurse should assess daily intake of caffeine
-decreased birth weight
-limit caffeine to 2 cups a day or less or change to decaffeinated sources
Artificial Sweeteners and Effects on the Fetus
saccharin should be avoided
-aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal), acesulfame potassium (Sunett, and sucralose (Splenda) have not been shown to have negative affects
Marijuana and Effects on the Fetus
-adverse effects on neonatal neurobehavior producing hyperirritability, tremors, and photosensitivity
Cocaine and Effects on Fetus
- congenita anomalies that involve the brain, skull, face, eyes, heart, limbs, intestines, genitals, and urinary tract
- stillbirth, abruptio placentae, preterm labor, preterm birth, and small for gestational age (SGA)
Readiness for Motherhood
- relationship with mother plays a role
- have patient educate herself about maternal changes, fetal growth and development, and motherhood
- books, brochures, online resources, community programs
Physiological Changes During Pregnancy
- hormone levels; progesterone exerts depressant effect
- anxiety may develop
- provider be aware of S/S of mental illness in pregnant woman
The Healthy Relationship
- incidence of intimate partner violence (IVP) during pregnancy is high
- every woman should be screened for IVP during initial visit and when needed (e.g. if bruises or other injuries are present) throughout pregnancy
Stress During Pregnancy
- anxious and stressed are more likely to deliver preterm or give birth to smaller babies
- nurse should assess for stressors and coping skills
Promoting Stress Management during Pregnancy
- Massage therapy: increases blood flow to maternal and fetal tissues; increases relaxation
- Chiropractic care: treats lower back pain and headaches related to increased hormone levels
- Acupuncture and acupressure: treat many physical ailments without introduction of medications
- Relaxation exercises, meditation, and breathing techniques; increase blood flow to maternal and fetal tissues; increases relaxation
- Light therapy: enhances mood and treats depression
- Reflexology: stimulates nerve pathways to increase blood flow and energy flow to corresponding areas of the body
- Aromatherapy: increases relaxation
- Mindfulness-based yoga: enhances physical well-being and diminishes psychological stress
Readiness for Fatherhood
-First Trimester: deal with reality of pregnancy, worry about financial strain and ability to be a good father
>Couvade: experience maternal signs and symptoms
-Second trimester: becomes more real to father, identify fetal movement, willingness to learn
-Third Trimester: both parents are preparing for new roles
Important Nutritional Elements
- calories
- protein
- water
- minerals and vitamins
Important Nutritional Elements: Calories
-signifies the energy expenditure of food
-kcal = 1000 calories
-increase of 300 kcal./day from prepregnant needs
>increase in maternal caloric intake is most important in second and third trimester; third trimester= growth in fetal tissues
-calories should be from the major food groups (skim milk, yogurt, or cheese; fruits, vegetables and bread, cereal, rice, or pasta) not from soda, candy, or simple carbohydrates
Important Nutritional Elements: Protein
-for tissue growth and repair
-needs just a modest increase; increase intake of milk and dairy by one or two servings per day meets the daily requirement
>protein found in animal sources; meat, poultry, and fish
>eggs, milk, cheese, and yogurt
>lactose-intolerant: soy milk, and soy cheese
>peanut butter, but high in fat
>beans and legumes
Important Nutritional Elements: Water
necessary for all body tissues and body system functions
-8-10 (8oz) glasses of fluid per day
>increased need during pregnancy is necessary to meet the changing physiology of the maternal cardiovascular system and maintain adequate blood flow to the fetus
-can be in the form of fruit juice and vegetable juice (but at least 4 to 6 glasses should be water)
>caution diet sodas (high in sodium and artificial sweeteners) and caffeinated drinks (promote diuresis) in moderation
-avoid alcohol
Important Nutritional Elements: Minerals and Vitamins: Calcium and Vitamin D
> calcium: essential in maintaining bone and tooth mineralization and calcification
-1000 mg/day
-dairy products (milk and milk products)
-others: legumes, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, and nuts
Vitamin D: important in absorption and metabolism of calcium
-600 IU (15 mcg)/day
-vitamin D fortified foods or supplements
-fortified milk and ready-to-eat cereals constitute major food sources for vitamin D
-cereals, egg yolks, liver, and fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and trout if you do not like milk
-sunscreens with recommended SPF rating 8 appear to block vitamin D producing UV rays
Important Nutritional Elements: Iron and Vitamin C
> Iron: as blood volume increases, the number of circulating red blood cells also increases
-maternal iron intake must be increased to maintain the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood and to provide an adequate number of red blood cells
-27 mg/day
-fortified ready-to-eat cereals, white beans, lentils, spinach, kidney beans, lima beans, soy beans, shrimp, and prune juice
-red meats including beef, duck, and lamb
-best= oysters, organ meats (giblets and liver) and fortified instant cooked cereals
Vitamin C: tissue formation; enhances absorption of iron
-red and green sweet peppers, oranges, kiwi fruit, grape fruit, strawberries, brussels sprouts, cantaloupe, broccoli, sweet potatoes, tomato juice, cauliflower, pineapple, and kale
-80 to 85 mg
Important Nutritional Elements: Folic Acid
Vitamin B9 or folic acid (folate): helps regulate RBC development and facilitates oxygen carrying capacity of the blood
- essential in production of DNA and RNA and helps maintain normal brain function and stabilize mental and emotional health
- minimum of 800 mcg/day
- supplementation
- dark leafy greens, asparagus, broccoli, citrus fruits, beans, peas, and lentils, avocado, okra, brussels sprouts, seeds and nuts, fortified breakfast cereals and calf liver
Factors Affecting Weight Gain
> nurses should assess weight at initial visit and monitor throughout pregnancy
- from increased blood volume, dilation of renal pelvis and ureters from increased blood flow adds volume to the bladder and results in increased production of urine, enlargement of placenta and fetal body
- social factors for insufficient weight gain; inability to purchase food, intimate partner violence (IVP), anorexia nervosa, shortened time period between pregnancies, and lack of prenatal care
- increased weight gain; inadequate physical activity, high carb or fat intake, excessive consumption of sweets, and lack of prenatal care
Factors Affecting Nutrition During Pregnancy
- eating disorders
- cultural factors
- vegetarian diets
Eating Disorders: Pica
consumption of non-nutritive substances or food
-clay, dirt, cornstarch, and ice
-causes: nutritional deficiencies, cultural and familial factors, stress, low socioeconomic status, and biochemical disorders
Treatment: diagnoses and treatment of underlying nutritional deficiencies
Eating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervos
characterized by distorted body image; involve an intense fear of becoming obese
>Anorexia nervosa lose weight by excessive dieting or by purging themselves of calories ingested
>Bulimia nervosa engage in recurrent episodes of binge eating, self-induced vomiting and diarrhea, excessive exercise, strict dieting, or fasting and display an exaggerated concern about body shape and weight
>nutritional counseling, psychological counseling, stress management, and support groups
Nutrition and Cultural factors
- -nurse must understand different dietary habits and knowledge of cooking methods and basic ingredients
- good may have symbolic meaning