Preterm Labor and Infants Flashcards
What is preterm labor?
Any true labor experienced between 20 and 37 weeks
What does true labor include?
Cervical change, dilation of 2cm+, 80% effacement, and uterine contractions.
What is premature rupture of membranes?
Rupture of amniotic sac and leakage of fluid beginning before the onset of labor at any gestational age
What is preterm premature rupture of membranes (PrePROM)?
ROM before 37 weeks gestation. Unknown etiology, possibly because of weak membrane or inflammation
What does a prePROM put the mother and infant at risk for?
Infection, placental abruption, cord prolapse
What are the two most common biochemical markers?
Fetal Fibronectin and Salivary Estriol
What is Fetal Fibronectin?
Glycoproteins found in plasma and fetal live found between 24 and 34 weeks
What is Salivary Estriol?
A form of estrogen that is produced by the placenta and increases 2-3 weeks before labor
What does the endocervical length have to do with predicting preterm labor?
A shortened length may increase changes of preterm labor.
What are risk factors of pre term labor?
Spontaneous preterm birth, african american race, multifetal pregnancy, genital infection, 2nd trimester bleeding, low prepregnancy weight, smoking, no prenatal care
What are signs and symptoms of pre term labor?
Uterine contractions greater than every 10 minutes, lower back pain, pelvic pressure, cramps, urinary frequency, vaginal discharge change, trickle from ROM
What is the criteria for treatment of pre term labor?
Contractions with progressive change in cervice, dilation 2-4 cm, effaccement 80%+, fetus is viable
Management for pre term labor patients
Limited activity, modified bedrest, 2L of fluid/day, urinate frequently, limit sex, visit HCprovider.
Management for PrePROM patients
Assess for infection, assess for uterine contraction, count fetal movement, no baths, antibiotics
Management in the hospital for patients
Modified bedrest, hydrate, meds, fetal monitoring
What do beta andrengic agents do?
Relax smooth muscle inhibiting uterine activite- Terbutaline (Brethine)
What does magnesium sulfate do?
Depresses CNS relaxing smooth muscle in uterus, inhibits contractions
What do calcium channel blockers do?
Reduce contractions, inhibits calcium movement to smooth muscle- Nifedipine (Procardia)
What do prostaglandin inhibitors do?
Relax smooth muscles including uterus- Indomethacin (indocin)
When are glucocorticoids not recommended?
If a cord has prolapsed, chorioamnionitis, abruptio placenta