Obstetrics Flashcards
Common danger signs of pregnancy
Bleeding/leaking fluid
Decrease in baby’s movement
Blurry/impaired vision
Dizziness, fever, pain
Unusual/severe abdomen or back
Induced abortion
Occurs after 20 weeks when dilation and evacuation can no longer be performed, initiated by medications
3 specific nursing responsibilities for a woman with suspected ruptured ectopic pregnancy
Blood typing/cross matching
IV access
Detailed informed consent
Recommended folic acid dose in pregnancy
800 mcg per day. Taken 4 weeks prior to conception until 12th week of pregnancy
What is the use for folic acid?
Helps form the neural tube, preventing neural tube defects (Spina bifida and anencephaly)
Pre-eclampsia
High blood pressure and protein in the urine during pregnancy. Occurs in 3rd trimester. Can progress to eclampsia which is life threatening (seizures & coma)
Gestational diabetes
Body can’t produce enough insulin during pregnancy and the placenta makes hormones that lead to a build up of glucose in the blood.
Maternal risks of gestational diabetes
Increase chance of miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, developing type 2 diabetes post-partum, pre term birth, c-section
Foetus risks of gestational diabetes
High birth weight, low bsl at birth, jaundice, temporary breathing problems
Abruptio placentae
Placenta separates from the uterus wall prior to delivery after 20 weeks gestation. This leads to trauma, hypertension and blood loss
Placenta previa
Cervical dilation causes the placenta and cervix to be pulled apart, causing bleeding and baby not being able to be delivered vaginally
DVT in pregnancy
When the uterus grows and puts pressure on the blood vessels restricting blood flow from legs and pelvis = slower blood flow = DVT
Reasons for an emergency caesarean
Abnormal presentation, failure to progress, fetal distress, cord prolapse, uterine rupture, placental problems, failed induction, failed instrumental delivery, twins/triplets/baby too big
2 main reasons for postpartum hemorrhage
Uterine atony (no contraction of uterus)
Not all of placenta being delivered
Postpartum blues onset
In the first days after birth for several days or weeks
Postpartum depression onset
Onset usually in 4th week postpartum
Low birth weight risks
Early growth retardation, infectious disease, developmental delay, death during infancy and childhood
6 week immunisations
Rotarix (oral)
Infanrix hexa
Synflorix
3 months immunisations
Rotarix (oral)
Infanrix hexa
5 months immunisations
Infanrix hexa
Synflorix
12 months immunisations
Priorix
Synflorix
15 months immunisations
Hiberix
Priorix
Varivax
4 years immunisations
Infanrix IPV
11 and 12 years immunisations
Boostrix
Gardasil 9 (2 doses 6 months apart)
2 natural methods of contraception
Basal body temperature
Cervical mucus charting
Barrier methods of contraception
Condoms, Diaphragm/Cap, IUD
Mod of action of an IUD
Small plastic device that is placed in the uterus to prevent fertilisation of the egg. The copper or hormone stops sperm moving through the uterus towards the egg.
Copper IUD
99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. No hormonal side effects
Mirena IUD
99.5 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. Uses progestogen. Women will have lighter periods
Best time to insert an IUD
During or just after a menstrual period, 6 weeks after your baby is born, immediately after an abortion
Risks of IUD
1% chance of infection after first being inserted.
Small risk of damage or perforation of the womb (roughly 1 in 1000).
Rare chance of pregnancy with an IUD in place.
Ectopic pregnancy.
Copper IUD may cause more bleeding and cramping during periods. Can also cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Mirena may initially cause irregular, light bleeding for more days than usual.
Roughly 5% chance of IUD coming out itself.
Hormonal methods of contraception
Combined oral contraceptive pill
Progesterone only pill
Depo provera
ECP
Combined oral contraceptive pill action
Preventing an egg being produced (ovulation)
thickening the cervical mucus (which stops sperm getting through)
altering the lining of the uterus so that if an egg does get fertilised it is less likely to implant and grow.
2 types of combined oral contraceptive pill
Monophasic - contains equal doses of oestrogen and progestogen
Triphasic - contains differing levels of oestrogen and progestogen, which mimics a normal menstrual cycle.
Progesterone only pill action
Thickens mucus layer in cervix to stop sperm from entering uterus and fallopian tubes. Is effective 48 hours after taking. Some can also prevent ovulation.
Reason why women would take progesterone only pill
Can’t tolerate oestrogen, have a history of blood clots, suffer from migraines, other medical conditions, breastfeeding
Important client education if taking progesterone only pill
Must be taken within 3 hours instead of 12 hours (combined pill is 12)
ECP action
Delays release of an egg from your ovary until sperm are no longer active, changes the lining of your uterus so a fertilised egg cannot implant and develop.
Success rate of ECP
95% of expected pregnancies when taken within 24 hours of sex, 85% if taken within 25-48 hours
58% if taken within 49-72 hours
Depo provera action
Contains progesterone - prevents pregnancy by stopping the ovaries releasing an egg each month. There are also changes to the lining of the womb (endometrium). Administered every 12 weeks
Why is a folic acid pill more beneficial than gaining it from leafy greens?
It is more readily absorbed and used in the body (bio-available) and stable than naturally occurring food folate
3 positive signs of pregnancy
foetal heartbeat, foetal movements, visualisation via ultrasound