Maternity Nursing Flashcards
amniotic fluid
Pale, straw-colored fluid in which the fetus floats. It serves as a cushion against injury from sudden blows or movements and helps maintain a constant body temperature for the fetus. The fetus modifies the amniotic fluid through the processes of swallowing, urinating, and movement through the respiratory tract.
ballottement
Rebounding of the fetus against the examiner’s finger on palpation. When the examiner taps the cervix, the fetus floats upward in the amniotic fluid. The examiner feels a rebound when the fetus falls back.
Chadwick’s sign
Violet coloration of the mucous membranes of the cervix, vagina, and vulva that occurs at about 4 weeks of pregnancy; caused by increased vascularity. This is considered a probable sign of pregnancy.
delivery
Actual event of birth; the expulsion or extraction of the neonate.
embryo
Stage of fetal development that lasts from day 15 until approx 8 weeks after conception or until the embryo measures 3 cm from crown to rump.
fertilization
Uniting of the sperm and ovum, which occurs within 12 hours of ovulation and within 2-3 days of insemination, the average duration of viability for the ovum and sperm.
Goodell’s sign
Softening of the cervix that occurs at the beginning of the second month of gestation. This is considered a probable sign of pregnancy.
gravida
A pregnant woman; called gravida I (primigravida) during the first pregnancy, gravida II during the second pregnancy, and so on.
Hegar’s sign
Compressibility and softening of the lower uterine segment that occurs at about week 6 of gestation. This is considered a probable sign of pregancy.
implantation
Embedding of the fertilized ovum in the uterine mucosa 6-10 days after conception.
Infant
A human born alive; also a human from 28 days of age until the first birthday.
Labor
Coordinated sequence of rhythmic involuntary uterine contraction resulting in effacement and dilation of the cervix, followed by expulsion of the products of conception.
lecithin-to-sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio
Ratio of two components of amniotic fluid, used for predicting fetal lung maturity; normal L/S ratio in amniotic fluid is 2:1 or greater when the fetal lungs are mature.
lochia
Discharge from the uterus that consists of blood from the vessels of the placental site and debris from the decidua; lasts for 2-6 weeks after delivery.
Nagele’s rule
Determines the estimates date of birth based on the premise that the woman has a 28-day menstrual cycle. Substract 3 months and add 7 days to the first day of the last menstrual period; then add 1 year. Alternatively, add 7 days to the last menstrual period and count forward 9 months.
newborn; neonate
A human from the time of birth to the 28th days of life.
Parity
Number of pregnancies that have reached viability regardless of whether the fetus was born alive or stillborn.
Placenta
Organ that provides for the exchange of nutrients and waste products between the fetus and the mother and produces hormones to maintain pregnancy. The placenta develops starting at implantation and ends by the 3rd months of gestation (week 12). Is also called afterbirth.
Quickening
Maternal perception of fetal movement for the first time, occurring usually in the 16th-20th week of pregnancy.
Surfactant
Phospholipid that is necessary to keep the fetal lung alveoli from collapsing; amount is usually sufficient after 32 weeks’ gestation.
Uterus
Organ located behind the symphysis pubis, between the bladder and the rectum.
The 4 parts of the Uterus
- Fundus (upper part)
- Corpus (body)
- Isthmus (lower segment)
- Cervix
Vagina
Tubular structure located behind the bladder and in front of the rectum; it extends from the cervix to the vaginal opening in the perineum. It functions as the outflow tract for menstrual fluid and for vaginal and cervical secretions, as the birth canal, and as the organ for coitus (sexual intercourse).
True pelvis
Lies below the pelvic brim.
Consists of the pelvic inlet, midpelvis, and pelvic outlet.
False pelvis
Is the shallow portion above the pelvic brim.
Supports the abdominal viscera.
Types of pelvis
- Gynecoid
- Anthropoid
- Android
- Platypelloid
Gynecoid (pelvis)
Normal female pelvis;
Transversely rounded or blunt;
Most favourable for successful labor and birth.
Android (pelvis)
Heart-shaped or angulated;
Resembles a male pelvis;
Not favourable for labor & birth;
Narrow pelvic planes can cause slow descent and midpelvic arrest.
Platypelloid (pelvis)
Flat with an oval inlet;
Wide transverse diameter, but short anteroposterior diameter, making labor and birth difficult.
Anthropoid (pelvis)
Oval shape;
Adequate outlet, with a narrow pubic arch.
Each reproductive cell carries ____.
23 chromosomes.
Sperm carry an X or Y chromosome - XY=Male; XX=Female.
Amnion
Encloses the amniotic cavity.
The inner membrane that forms about the 2nd week of embryonic development.
Forms a fluid-filled sac that surrounds the embryo and later the fetus.
Chorion
The outer membrane enclosing the amniotic cavity.
Becomes vascularized and forms the fetal part of the placenta.
Amniotic fluid consists of _______ by the end of pregnancy.
800-1200 mL
Fetal Heart Rate (FHR)
Depends on gestational age.
FHR is 160-170bpm in the 1st trimester, but slows with fetal growth to 110-160bpm near or at term.
FHR is about twice the maternal heart rate.
Infertility
Is the involuntary inability to conceive when desired.
Male Factors for Infertility
Abnormalities of the sperm;
Abnormal erections or ejaculations;
Abnormalities of the seminal fluid.
Female Factors for Infertility
Disorders of ovulation;
Abnormalities of the fallopian tubes or cervix.
Infertility options
Medication; Surgical procedures; Therapeutic insemination; Vitro fertilization; Surrogate mothers; Embryo hosts; Adoption
Gravidity
Refers to the number of pregnancies.
A nulligravida
is a woman who has never been pregnant.
A primigravida
is a woman who is pregnant for the 1st time.
A multigravida
is a woman in at least her second pregnancy.
Parity
the number of births (not the number of fetuses, ex: twins) carried past 20 week’s gestation, whether or not the fetus was born alive.
A nullipara
is a woman who has not had a birth at more than 20 weeks of gestation.
A primipara
is a woman who has has one birth that occurred after the 20th week of gestation.
A multipara
is a woman who has had two or more pregnancies to the stage of fetal viability.
Presumptive Signs (Pregnancy Signs)
- Amenorrhea
- N&V
- Increased size & increased feeling of fullness in breasts
- Pronounced nipples
- Urinary frequency
- Quickening
- Fatigue
- Discoloration of the vaginal mucosa
Probable Signs (Pregnancy Signs)
- Uterine enlargement
- Hegar’s sign
- Goodell’s sign
- Chadwick’s sign
- Ballottement
- Braxton Hicks Contractions
- Positive pregnancy test for determination of presence of human chorionic gonadotropin
Braxton Hicks contractions
Irregular painless contractions that may occur intermittently throughout pregnancy.
Positive signs (Diagnostic) (Pregnancy Signs)
- FHR detected by electronic device (doppler transducer) at 10-12 weeks and by nonelectronic device (fetoscope) at 20 weeks of gestation.
- Active fetal movements palpable by examiner.
- Outline of fetus via radiography or ultrasonography.
Fundal height is measured to…
evaluate the gestational age of the fetus.
Physiological Maternal Changes - Cardiovascular System
- Blood volume, Plasma, RBCs volume Increases (by 40-50%).
- Anemia occurs as plasma increase exceeds the increase in production of RBCs.
- Iron requirements are increased.
- Heart size increases and moved slightly up and to the left, as the diaphragm displaces due to enlargement of the uterus.
- Retention of sodium and water may occur.
Physiological Maternal Changes - Respiratory System
- O2 consumption increases (15-20%)
- Diaphragm is elevated because of the enlarged uterus.
- SOB may be experienced.
Physiological Maternal Changes - Gastrointestinal System
- N&V may occur due to secretion of human chorionic gonadotropin (subside in 3rd trimester).
- Poor appetite due to decreased gastric motility.
- Alterations in taste and smell.
- Constipation due to pressure of uterus causing decreased gastrointestinal motility.
- Flatulence and heartburn
- Hemorrhoids due to increased venous pressure.
- Gum tissue may swollen and bleed due to increased levels of estrogen.
- Ptyalism (excessive secretion of saliva) due to increase estrogen.
Physiological Maternal Changes - Renal System
- Frequent urination due to bladder sensitivity and pressure from uterus onto the bladder.
- Decreased bladder tone
- Renal threshold for glucose may be reduced.
Physiological Maternal Changes - Endocrine System
- Basal metabolic rate and function increases.
- Anterior lobe of the pituitary gland enlarges.
- Thyroid enlarges slightly and thyroid activity increases.
- Parathyroid increases in size.
- Aldosterone levels gradually increase.
- Body weight increases.
- Water retention is increased.
Physiological Maternal Changes - Reproductive System
- Uterus: enlarges, size and number of blood vessels and lymphatics increase, irregular contractions.
- Cervix: becomes shorter, more elastic, larger in diameter; endocervical glans secrete a thick mucous when dilation begins; increased vascularization and increase estrogen cause softening and chadwick’s sign (4 weeks gestation)
- Ovaries: secrete progesterone for first 6-7 weeks; maturation o new follicles is blocked; cease ovum prodcution.
- Vagina: hypertrophy and thickening of muscle; increase in secreting.
- Breasts: size increase; tender; nipples more pronounced; areola darker in color; superficial veins become prominent; colostrum may leak.
Physiological Maternal Changes - Skin
Increased pigmentation; Dark streak down midline abdomen; Chloasma (blotchy brown hyperpigmentation over face); Reddish purple stretch marks (striae); Hair growth increase.
Psychological Maternal Changes
- Ambivalence (dependence-independence conflict; role changes)
- Acceptance
- Emotional lability (frequent mood changes)
- Body image changes
- Relationship with the fetus (daydreaming of motherhood; accept the fact of pregnancy; accept growing fetus as distinct from herself)
Discomforts of Pregnancy
- N&V (1st trimester, subside by 3rd month)
- Syncope (1st trimester; supine hypotension in 2nd or 3rd trimester)
- Urinary urgency and frequency
- Breast tenderness
- Increased vaginal discharges
- Nasal stuffiness
- Fatigue
- Heartburn
- Ankle edema
- Varicose veins
- Headaches
- Hemorrhoids
- Constipation
- Backache
- Leg cramps
- SOB
What causes N&V in pregnancy and interventions?
Caused by elevated levels of human chorionic gonadotropin and changes in carbohydrate metabolism.
Intervention: eat dry crackers before arising; don’t brush teeth right away, eat small frequent low fat meals during the day; drink liquid between meals rather than at meals; avoid fried or spicy foods.
What cause syncope in pregnancy and interventions?
Triggered hormonally or caused by the increased blood volume, anemia, fatigue, sudden position changes, or lying supine.
Interventions: Sitting with feet elevated; Risk for falls, teach to change positions slowly.
Supine hypotension occurs as a result of…
pressure of the uterus on the inferior vena cava.
Antepartum Diagnostic Testing
- Blood type and Rh factor
- Rubella titer
- Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels
- Papanicolaou’s smear (screen for cervical neoplasia)
- STIs
- Sickle cell screening
- TB skin test
- Hepatitis B surface antigens
- Urinalysis and urine culture
- Ultrasonography
- Biophysical profile
- Doppler blood flow analysis
- Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling
- a-Fetoprotein screening
- Chorionic villus sampling
- Amniocentesis
- Kick counts
- Fern test
- Nitrazine test
- Fibronectin test
- Nonstress test
- Contraction stress test
ABO typing is performed to determine the…
woman’s blood type in the ABO antigen system.
Rh typing is done to determine the…
woman’s blood type in the rhesus antigen system.
Rh positive indicates the…
presence of the antigen.
Rh negative indicates the…
absence of the antigen.
If the client is Rh negative and has a negative antibody screen, she will need…
repeat antibody screens and should receive Rh (D) immune globulin (RhoGAM) at 28 weeks’ gestation.
Value for a negative titer is
less than 1:8
A negative titer indicating susceptibility to the rubella virus, she should receive…
the appropriate immunization postpartum.
What should the client do when getting the immunization for rubella virus?
- Using effective birth control
- Not become pregnant for 1-3 months after
- Avoid contact with immunocompromised people
- If vaccine is administer at same time as Rh0 (D) immune globin then it might not be effective.
Rubella vaccine is not given during pregnancy because…
The live attenuated virus may cross the placenta and present a risk to the developing fetus. It is administered subq postpartum before discharge.
TB skin test is performed..
after delivery. If needed chest radiography it would have to wait till after 20 weeks gestation. Treatment with medication may be needed after delivery.
Hepatitis B vaccine is…
not contraindicated during pregnancy.
Glycosuria (from urinalysis) is a common result of…
decreased renal threshold that occurs during pregnancy, but if it persist it may indicate diabetes.
WBCs in the urine may indicate…
infection.
Ketonuria in urine may result from…
insufficient food intake or vomiting.
Levels of 2+ to 4+ protein in the urine may indicate…
infection or preeclampsia.
Ultrasonography is used to
outline and identifies fetal and maternal structures; assists in confirming gestational age and estimate delivery date; evaluating amniotic fluid volume.
Can be done abdominally (need to drink water to fill bladder) or transvaginal.
Biophysical profile is a…
noninvasive assessment of the fetus (breathing movements, movements, tone, amniotic fluid index, HR patterns) via a nonstress test.
A normal fetal biophysical activities indicate that…
the CNS is functional and that the fetus is not hypoxemic.
Percutaneous umbilicus blood sampling is performed if…
fetal blood sampling is necessary; insertion of needle into the fetal umbilical vessel under ultrasound guidance.
FHR monitoring for 1 hour after; follow up ultrasound to check for bleeding or hematoma formation 1 hour after.
a-Fetoprotein screening assesses the…
quantity of fetal serum proteins.
Can detect spinal bifida and down syndrome.
Abnormal fetus serum protein levels are associated with
open neural tube and abdominal wall defects.
Chorionic villus sampling is done for the detection of…
genetic abnormalities.
HCP aspirates small sample of the chorionic villus tissue at 10-13 weeks.
Rh-negative women may be given Rh0(D) immune globulin when completing chorionic villus sampling because…
chorionic villus sampling increases the risk of Rh sensitization.
Amniocentesis
aspiration of amniotic fluid at 15-20 weeks to determine genetic disorders, metabolic defects and fetal lung maturity.
Amniocentesis risks
- Maternal hemorrhage
- Infection
- Rh isoimmunization
- Abruptio placentae
- Amniotic fluid emboli
- Premature rupture of the membranes
When doing kick counts instruct the client to notify the HCP when…
there are fewer than 10 kicks in two consecutive 2-hour periods or as instructed by their HCP.
Fern test is a…
microscopic slide test to determine the presence of amniotic fluid leakage. A fernlike pattern produced by the effects of salts of the a. fluid indicate the presence of a. fluid.
Nitrazine test is used to..
detect the presence of amniotic fluid in vaginal secretions.
Vaginal secretion have a pH of
4.5-5.5 and do not affect the nitrazine strip or swab.
Amnotic fluid has a pH of
7.0-7.5 and turns the nitrazine strip or swab blue.
Fribronectin test
sampling of cervical and vaginal secretions for fetal fibronectin.
Fetal fibronectin
A protein present in fetal tissues normally found in cervical and vaginal secretions until 16-20 weeks and again at or near term.
Fibronectin positive test results indicates…
the onset of labor in 1-3 weeks.
Nonstress Test is performed to…
assess placental function and oxygenation; fetal wellbeing; FHR.
Done for at least 20 mins.
Reactive Nonstress Test (Normal, Negative) (Results)
“Reactive” indicates a healthy fetus.
Require 2 or more FHR accelerations of at least 15 beats/min, lasting at least 15 sec in a 20 min observation.
Nonreactive Nonstress Test (Abnormal) (Results)
No accelerations or accelerations of less than 15 beats/min or lasting less than 15 sec in duration during a 40 min observation.
Unsatisfactory Nonstress Test Results
The result cannot be interpreted because of the poor quality of the FHR tracing.
Contraction Stress Test assesses…
placental oxygenation and function; fetal ability to tolerate labor and wellbeing; assess the adequacy of placental perfusion under stimulated labor conditions.
Contraction Stress test is performed when..
the nonstress test in abnormal.
Contraction Stress Test process
- External fetal monitor
- 20-30 min baseline strip recorded
- Uterus stimulated to contract by administration of a dilute dose of oxytocin (Pitocin) or nipple stimulation until 3 palpable contraction with a duration of 40 second or more in a 10 min period has been achieved
- Frequent BP when increase oxytocin
Negative Contraction Stress Test (Normal) (Results)
A negative result is represented by no late decelerations of the FHR.
Positive Contraction Stress Test (Abnormal) (Results)
A positive result is represented by late decelerations of FHR, with 50 % or more of the contractions in the absence of hyperstimulation of the uterus.
Unsatisfactory Contraction Stress Test (Results)
means that adequate uterine contractions cannot be achieved, or the FHR tracing is of insufficient quality for adequate interpretation.
Nutritional Guideline during Pregnancy
Average expected weight gain is 25-35 lb for woman with a normal prepregnancy weight.
An increase of about 300 cal/day is needed.
Calories needs are greater in the last two trimesters than in the 1st.
An increase of about 500 cal/day is needed during lactation.
A diet high in folic acid and folic acid supplements is recommended.
8-10 glasses of fluid daily.
Pica
refers to eating nonfood substances (dirt, clay, starch, freezer frost).
Iron deficiency anemia may occur as a result of pica.
Labor
Coordinated sequence of involuntary intermittent uterine contractions.