Preconception and Prenatal Care Flashcards
Define gestation
From first day of last menstrual period, assumes conception two weeks beyond this date
What is Naegle’s rule?
Used to assess approximate due date
First day of LMP + 9/12 +1/52 on 28 day cyle
OR
First day of LMP + 1/52 - 3/12
What are the main things that need to be covered during preconception counselling (3)?
- Past medical history - optimise medical illnesses and necessary medications prior to pregnancy
- Supplementation - folic acid; start 3 months preconception until end of T1 to prevent NTDs; iron supplementation and previtamins
- Risk modification - lifestyle, medications (teratogenic?), infection screening, genetic testing as appropriate for high risk groups, social
What investigations are usually done in the initial prenatal visit? (3)
- Bloodwork - FBE, blood group and type, Rh antibodies, infection screening (rubella, varicella, syphilis, Hep B,C , HIV)
- MSU - bacteriuria/proteinuria
- Pelvic exam - Pap smear (unless done within last 6-12 months)
How often should prenatal visits occur?
For uncomplicated pregnancies:
until 28 weeks - q4-6weeks
from 28-36 weeks - q2-3 weeks
from 36 weeks until delivery - weekly
What needs to be assessed at every prenatal visit? (4)
- Record estimated GA
- History of present pregnancy: foetal movements,uterine bleeding,cramping
- Physical exam: BP, weight gain, symphysis fundal height (SFH), Leopold’s maneouvres (T3) for lie, position and presentation of foetus
- Investigations: urinalysis for glucosuria, ketones, proteinuria, foetal heart tones starting at 12 weeks using doppler, liquor volume
What needs to be assessed during a physical exam at prenatal visits? (4)
- BP
- Weight gain
- Symphysis fundal height (SFH)
- Leopold’s maneouvres (T3) for lie, position and presentation of foetus
What is the expected SFH at 12 weeks?
uterine fundus at pubic symphysis
What is the expected SFH at 20 weeks?
Fundus at umbilicus SFH should be within 2 cm of GA between 20-36 weeks
What is the expected SFH at 37 weeks?
Fundus at sternum
WHen are Leopold’s Maneouvres performed?
T3 - after 30-32 weeks gestation
But remember! US required to conclusively determine position
What are the four Leopold’s maneouvres?
- To determine which foetal part is lying furthest away from the pelvic inlet
- TO determine the location of the foetal back
- Pawlick’s Grip - to determine which foetal part is lying above the pelvic inlet
- To locate the foetal brow
Name 4 causes of a foetus being small for dates
- Date miscalculation
- IUGR
- Foetal demise
- Oligohydramnios
Name 3 causes of a foetus being large for dates
- Date miscalculation
- Multiple gestation
- Polyhydramnios
What is the accuracy of using US in establishing GA in the first trimester vs second trimester?
First trimester = adequately accurate (+/- 7 days)
18-20 weeks = accuracy +/- 10days-2 weeks
At which points is U/S used in prenatal screening? (3)
- Dating (8-12 weeks) - remember, dating more accurate in T1 than in T2 when using US
- Nuchal translucency (11-14 weeks)
- Dates, foetal growth and anatomy assessment (18-20 weeks)
But earlier or subsequent US performed when medically indicated
What is the Combined Test, when is it conducted and what three measures are looked at?
Combination of US and blood test to screen for risk of Down Syndrome. Trimester 1
- Nuchal translucency on US (between 11 and 13 weeks, ideally 12)
- beta-HCG
- PAPP-A (pregnancy-associated plasma protein A)
Blood tests measured between 9 and 13 weeks, ideally 10th week)
What is the second trimester serum screen, when is it conducted, and what 4 measures are looked at?
Screens for Down syndrome, Trisomy 18 and NTDs
14 - 20 weeks (ideally between 15 and 17)
- MSAFP (maternal serum alpha feto-protein)
- beta-HCG
- Unconjugated oestrogen (oestriol)
- Inhibin A