Pregnancy Flashcards
Advice for trying to get pregnant
Have sex every 2-3 days
Have sex during ovulation (12-16 days before period due)
Maintain healthy weight
Stop drinking alcohol
Stop smoking
Take folic acid
Referral for trying to get pregnant
Trying for >1 year (80% chance of conception in 1 year).
You are taking teratogenic medicines
>36
When to take pregnancy test
From first day of a missed period
If unsure of when this is, 21 days after UPSI.
How do pregnancy tests work?
Detect hCG, a hormone which is produced 6 days after fertilisation
If pregnancy test positive?
Consider your options
Visit a GP or sexual health clinic
If pregnancy test negative?
Take another in a few days. False negatives more common than false positives.
Which vitamins should you take in pregnancy?
400mcg/5mg folic acid - upto 12 weeks.
100 mcg Vitamin D
Iron (if anaemic)
Which vitamins should you avoid in pregnancy?
Vitamin A
What foods should you avoid in pregnancy?
Soft or blue cheeses
Cured meats
Pates
Liver
Rare/undercooked meats
Raw/partially cooked eggs which aren’t under British Lion or Laid in Britain scheme
No more than 2 oily fish or tuna
Smoked/cured fish
How much caffeine can you have in pregnancy?
200mg a day
Common pregnancy issues
Constipation
Indigestion
Incontinence
Back pain
Thrush
Stretch marks
Swollen feet/fingers/hands
Key point for thrush in pregnancy?
Can still use pessary but advise to use finger to insert, not applicator, especially in later trimesters as can scratch cervix.
Do not supply oral fluconazole capsules OTC.
Constipation in pregnancy OTC treatment?
Ispaghula husk (Fybogel) bulk-forming laxative (1st line) - 1 sachet in the morning and 1 in the evening after meals. Add to >150ml water and stir.
Can cause wind or bloating.
Analgesics in pregnancy?
Paracetamol
Codeine not recommended but can be prescribed.
NSAIDs - not recommended, especially not in 3rd trimester
Weight gain and stretch marks in pregnancy advice.
It is normal to gain 10-12.5kg.
Gaining more weight increases risk of stretch marks.
Don’t try lose weight while pregnant.
Have a healthy balanced diet
Stretch marks fade over time but may be permanent.
Use moisturisers, creams, and oils which can help prevent stretch marks.
Urinary incontinence in pregnancy advice.
Pelvic floor exercises - tensing the muscles. See NHS website for tutorial.
Heartburn in pregnancy advice.
DON’T advise to lose weight
Stop smoking
Don’t drink
Avoid spicy fatty foods
Have smaller more regular portions.
If lifestyle insufficient:
Advise using Rennie peppermint chewable tablets prn, max 10 a day. Don’t take within 2 hours of any medications or supplements as can impact absorption.
Swollen hands/feet in pregnancy advice.
Avoid standing for long periods
Wear comfy shoes and socks
Raise feet when resting
Take regular walks or do foot exercises (rotate, stretching)
Swollen hands/feet in pregnancy cause?
Body retains more water when pregnant and it gathers usually in the ankles/feet. Also pressure of womb can affect blood supply to legs which can increase swelling/
Swelling in pregnancy red flags.
Pre-eclampsia symptoms:
Sudden increase in swelling of face, hands, or feet
Vision issues
Nausea and vomiting
Severe headache.
