Pregnancy Flashcards
Abnormal pregnancy locations, ectopic pregnancy location, Unknown locations in pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is one in which the fertilized egg implants in tissue outside of the uterus and the placenta and fetus begin to develop there. The most common site is within a Fallopian tube, however, ectopic pregnancies can occur in the ovary, the abdomen, and in the lower portion of the uterus (the cervix).
Types of ectopic gestation
Functions of the umbilical cord
Functions of the placenta
Anaemia in pregnancy Types of Anaemia during pregnancy Risk factors of Anaemia in pregnancy Symptoms of Anemia during pregnancy Complications of Anaemia Investigations for Anaemia Management
It’s normal to have mild anemia when you are pregnant. But you may have more severe anemia from low iron or vitamin levels or from other reasons. Anemia can leave you feeling tired and weak. If it is severe but goes untreated, it can increase your risk of serious complications like preterm delivery.
Types of Anemia During Pregnancy Several types of anemia can develop during pregnancy. These include: Iron-deficiency anemia Folate-deficiency anemia Vitamin B12 deficiency
Risk Factors for Anemia in Pregnancy
All pregnant women are at risk for becoming anemic. That’s because they need more iron and folic acid than usual. But the risk is higher if you:
Are pregnant with multiples (more than one child)
Have had two pregnancies close together
Vomit a lot because of morning sickness
Are a pregnant teenager
Don’t eat enough foods that are rich in iron
Had anemia before you became pregnant
Symptoms of Anemia During Pregnancy The most common symptoms of anemia during pregnancy are: Pale skin, lips, and nails Feeling tired or weak Dizziness Shortness of breath Rapid heartbeat Trouble concentrating In the early stages of anemia, you may not have obvious symptoms. And many of the symptoms are ones that you might have while pregnant even if you're not anemic. So be sure to get routine blood tests to check for anemia at your prenatal appointments.
Complications of anaemia
Severe or untreated iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy can increase your risk of having:
A preterm or low-birth-weight baby
A blood transfusion (if you lose a significant amount of blood during delivery)
Postpartum depression
A baby with anemia
A child with developmental delays
Untreated folate deficiency can increase your risk of having a:
Preterm or low-birth-weight baby
Baby with a serious birth defect of the spine or brain (neural tube defects)
Investigations for anaemia
During your first prenatal appointment, you’ll get a blood test so your doctor can check whether you have anemia. Blood tests typically include:
Hemoglobin test. It measures the amount of hemoglobin – an iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues in the body.
Hematocrit test. It measures the percentage of red blood cells in a sample of blood.
If you have lower than normal levels of hemoglobin or hematocrit, you may have iron-deficiency anemia. Your doctor may check other blood tests to determine if you have iron deficiency or another cause for your anemia.
Even if you don’t have anemia at the beginning of your pregnancy, your doctor will most likely recommend that you get another blood test to check for anemia in your second or third trimester
Management
If you are anemic during your pregnancy, you may need to start taking an iron supplement and/or folic acid supplement in addition to your prenatal vitamins. Your doctor may also suggest that you add more foods that are high in iron and folic acid to your diet.
In addition, you’ll be asked to return for another blood test after a specific period of time so your doctor can check that your hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are improving.
To treat vitamin B12 deficiency, your doctor may recommend that you take a vitamin B12 supplement.
The doctor may also recommend that you include more animal foods in your diet, such as: meat
eggs
dairy products
Your OB may refer you to a hematologist, a doctor who specializes in anemia/ blood issues. The specialist may see you throughout the pregnancy and help your OB manage the anemia.
Prevention of anaemia
Preventing Anemia
To prevent anemia during pregnancy, make sure you get enough iron. Eat well-balanced meals and add more foods that are high in iron to your diet.
Aim for at least three servings a day of iron-rich foods, such as:
lean red meat, poultry, and fish
leafy, dark green vegetables (such as spinach, broccoli, and kale)
iron-enriched cereals and grains
beans, lentils, and tofu
nuts and seeds
eggs
Foods that are high in vitamin C can help your body absorb more iron. These include:
citrus fruits and juices
strawberries
kiwis
tomatoes
bell peppers
Try eating those foods at the same time that you eat iron-rich foods. For example, you could drink a glass of orange juice and eat an iron-fortified cereal for breakfast.
Also, choose foods that are high in folate to help prevent folate deficiency. These include:
leafy green vegetables
citrus fruits and juices
dried beans
breads and cereals fortified with folic acid
Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking a prenatal vitamin that contains a sufficient amount of iron and folic acid.
Vegetarians and vegans should talk with their doctor about whether they should take a vitamin B12 supplement when they’re pregnant and breastfeeding.
CPD. Cephalopelvic disproportion
Strictly speaking, cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) is when a baby’s head is too large to fit through the mother’s pelvis.
Function of the umbilical cord
The umbilical cord is a connection between the mother and the developing fetus. The umbilical cord has three functions for the developing fetus: it supplies oxygen, it delivers nutrients, and it helps to withdraw blood rich in carbon dioxide and depleted in nutrients
Functions of the placenta
Functions of the placenta include:
Provides your baby with oxygen and nutrients.
Removes harmful waste and carbon dioxide from your baby.
Produces hormones that help your baby grow.
Passes immunity from you to your baby.
Helps protect your baby.
