Pregnancy Complications Flashcards
Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)
Intractable vomiting w/ weight loss of > or = to 5% of pre-pregnancy weight
Can lead to dehydration and ketonuria
Check UA for ketones
Severe Cases of Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Enteral nutrition or TPN if severe
Have symptoms of dehydration and starvation:
Hypotension
Tachycardia
Metabolic alkalosis and later to acidosis
Hyperemesis Gravidarum Treatment Goals
Control vomiting
Correct dehydration
Restore electrolyte balance
Maintain adequate nutrition
Hyperemesis Gravidarum Treatment
IV LR
Vitamins
PO meds:
Pyridoxine (B6)
Doxylamine (unisom)
Combined doxylamine and vitamin B6 (Diclegis)
Metoclopramide (Reglan)
NPO then advance diet
Cervical Insufficiency
Inability of the uterine cervix to retain a pregnancy in the 2nd trimester, in the absence of uterine contractions related to a presumed physical weakness of the cervical tissue in an otherwise healthy pregnancy
Cervix has insufficient strength to maintain pregnancy and fetus is born premature and dies
<1% of all pregnancies
Cervical Insufficiency Risk Factors
2 consecutive 2nd trimester fetal losses (this is the dx)
Cervical trauma
Cervical Insufficiency Clinical Manifestation
Painless dilation w/out noticeable contractions
Cervical Insufficiency Treatment
Cerclage, stitching the cervix closed (placed at 12-14 wks)
Placed before baby puts pressure on the cervix
Removed at 36 wks gestation or when spontaneous rupture of membranes or spontaneous labor occurs
Cerclage Nursing Assessment
Vaginal discharge
Pt perception of pressure/contractions
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Placental hormones make insulin less effective, and pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin
Diagnosed in 2nd or 3rd trimester
Early Pregnancy Changes R/T DM
Increase insulin production
Increase tissue response to insulin
Increase stores of glycogen in the liver and other tissues
What are a GDM mother’s need for insulin in the first trimester?
The pregnancy person’s need for insulin frequently decreases d/t metabolic changes and less food consumption
Second Half of Pregnancy Changes R/T DM
Increase resistance to insulin
Decrease glucose tolerance
Fat metabolism
Glucose production and utilization is stressed by fetal demands for glucose
What are a GDM mother’s need for insulin in the 2nd and 3rd trimester?
The pregnancy person’s need for insulin are 140% greater
When does GDM develop?
Most pregnant persons are able to make enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels but if they cannot, then GDM develops
Maternal Issues w/ DM & Pregnancy
Increase vascular damage r/t diabetes
Decrease placental perfusion
Pre-eclampsia
Polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid)
Preterm delivery
Dystocia (difficult birth) secondary fetal macrosomia
Fetal Issues w/ DM & Pregnancy
Increase risk congenital malformation
Large for gestational age = increase insulin acting as growth hormone
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) = decrease placental perfusion
Hypoglycemia after birth
Resp distress syndrome = decrease in surfactant production
Polycythemia (extra RBC production) = decrease O2 release from maternal RBC
Hyperbilirubinemia (destruction of RBC = bili released)
Fetal hypoxia and acidosis
What do we want the HbA1C to be in a diabetic person?
<6%
GDM & Assessment of Fetal Status
More frequent ultrasound (fetal growth)
Non-stress test (fetal well-being)
Fetal biophysical profile (fetal well-being)
Amniocentesis (lung maturity)
GDM Intrapartum
Protocol for frequent glucose checks and insulin administration during labor
Insulin needs vary
GDM Postpartum
Insulin needs decrease rapidly after delivery
GDM Newborn
Hypoglycemia protocol
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Most common complication in pregnancy
Causes: hemodilution or inadequate intake of iron
HgB < 11
S/S: fatigue, craving unusual food
Iron Deficiency Anemia Prevention
Supplemental iron or folic acid during pregnancy
Iron-rich diet