Pregnancy Flashcards
What are three factors that could affect the growth and development of an unborn baby?
alcohol,smoking,drugs,diet,
why is the blood pressure of a pregnant woman checked?
high blood pressure can indicate pre-eclampsia
why is a pregnant woman’s urine checked?
to see if there is protein in it which can indicate an infection
What is TENS?
The use of electrical impulses to block pain
What is pethidine?
A drug given by injection
What is an Epidural?
An injection in the lower part of the spine
How are identical twins formed?
One egg is relased from the ovary and fertilised, it then splits in two.
What are 3 functions of the placenta?
allows baby to feed, filters out harmful substances, gets rid of waste products, links blood supply of mother and baby
What is a breech birth?
When the baby is lyiing with its feet/bum facing down
What is the role of a health visitor?
takes over after 10 days, responsible for care until child is 5, gives advice, carreis out development checks
what is the role of a midwife?
delivers baby, looks afer mother and baby immediately after birth, carries out antenatal checks
What is the average weight of a new born baby?
3.5kg or 7 and a half pounds
What are Milia?
small white spots
What is vernix?
greasy white substance on the baby’s skin
What is lanugo?
fine downy hair
What is the fontanelle?
soft spot on the baby’s head
How can cot death be prevented? give 3 ways
put baby on back to sleep, baby’s cot in your rooms for 6 months, head uncovered, feet to foot position, do not smoke near baby, don’t use pillows, new matrass, do not sleep with baby in your bed
What happens in stage 1 of conception?
The egg is released from the ovary
What happens in stage 2 of conception?
The sperm try to fertilise the egg
What happens in stage 3 of conception?
the fertilised egg begins to divide as it moves along the fallopian tube
What happens in stage 4 of conception?
the fertilised egg reaches the uterus
what happens in stage 5 of conception?
the fertilised egg implants in the uterus
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
Fertilised egg implants outside of the uterus
What 3 pieces of information can an ultrasound scan give?
number of babies, gender, position of baby, size od baby, heartbeat
What does an incubator do?
filters air, maintians constant temperature, provides oxygen, controls humidity, reduces risk of infection
What are naigastric tubes for?
to feed the baby when it can not swallow or suck
What are 4 signs of post nantal depression?
problems sleeping, feeling sof guikts, rejecting baby, can not bond with baby, loss of appetite, anxuis, mood swings, suicidal feelings
How many days does a woman’s mentrual cycle last?
28
Name one hormone that controls the mensrual cycle
oestrogen, FSH, LH, progesterone
What are 2 causes of infertility?
blocke tubes, over 35 years old, cancer treatments, drugs, polycystic ovaries, hormone imbalance
What is a screening test?
checks for an abnormality
what is a diagnositc test?
confirms an abnormality
What are 2 points a woman might put in her birth plan?
pain relief, birhting partner, where to give brith, who cuts cord, breast or bottle feed
what is an apgar test?
test carried out immediately after birth
what are 4 pointers to consider as part of pre-conceptual care?
helathy diet, take folic acid, lose weight if over weight, stop smoking, limit alcohol intake,
What is the lining of the womb called?
endometrium
When should pre-conceptual care begin?
three months before trying to conceive
Why are blood tests carried out on pregnant women?
blood type, blood sugar, some STIs, iron levels
What are two advantages of TENS?
drug free, can be used at home, no side
what are 2 advantages of epidrual?
complete pain releif, allows mother to rest, can be topped up, effective for a long time, works quickly
what does indiced mean?
labour is started artificially
What are 2 early signs of pregnancy?
missed period, tired, need the toilet more often, feeling sick, sore breastas, metalic taste
What is the role of the amniotic sac?
keeps foetus at constant temperature, protects against bumps, enables baby to breathe
Why is the uterus important?
where the baby grows, keeps the baby protected, contracts to deliver baby
Why should pregnant women take folic acid?
prtoects against spina bifid and helps with the formation of the spine
Name three ways that smoking can affect an unborn baby
premature birth, miscarraige, still birth, low birth weight
What are 2 foods that should be avoided when pregnant?
raw/uncooked meat, pate, peanuts, soft cheses, raw eggs, raw shellfish
What does oxytocin do?
stimualtes contractions during labour, stimualtes the production of milk
How are non-identical twins formed?
two eggs are fertlised by two sperm
What are forceps?
surgical instrument that resembles a pair of tongs and can be used to pull the baby out
What is ventouse extraction?
method to assist delivery of a baby using a vacuum device
What is an episiotomy?
surgical cut in the muscular area between the vagina and the anus (the area called the perineum) made just before delivery to enlarge your vaginal opening
