Pregnancy Risk Factors

Question 1

Identify risk factors that can occur before/during pregnancy

Answer 1

1) Infections: UTI, venereal disease, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), fifth disease, toxoplasmosis (rare/serious infection associated w/ cats)

2) Exposure to potential teratogens
- medications incl: isotretinon (used to Tx severe acne). Anticonvulsants. Lithium. Antibiotics (streptomycin, kanamycin, tetracycline). Thalidomide. Warfarin. Angiotensin - converting enzyme.
- alcohol
- cocaine
- smoking cigarettes

Question 2

Identify each of the following pregnancy risk factors for:

1) Physical characteristics,
2) Nutrition alterations
3) Social characteristics,
4) Problems w/ pas pregnancy
5) Current disorders before pregnancy
6) Autoimmune conditions

Answer 2

1) 35 yrs, increased risk of development of high BP/ gestational diabetes. Labor complications eg. Preeclampsia, placenta abruption, placenta previa
2) wt pregnancies). Complications/ problems w/ past pregnancy: premature baby, under wt baby, baby w/ birth defects, baby wt > 10 lbs, previous miscarriage, late postterm delivery (after 42 wks), c-section, still birth
5) Disability. Hereditary conditions. Chronic problems: diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, cancer
6) lupus/ multiple sclerosis