The Nervous System

Question 1

If a woman has a neurological condition what would occur in her pregnancy care?

Answer 1

Women with known neurological conditions should receive pre-conceptual care to plan their pregnancy
Pre-conceptual medication review
Vital that a woman with epilepsy is counselled before pregnancy and her medication is altered and to ensure that the new regime is controlled before trying to conceive.
Multiple sclerosis-antenatal anaesthetic review lose sensation in hands and legs. So if wanting an epidural neurological wellbeing is assessed.
Plan place of birth: MS can have home births if they don’t have a lot of problems mobilising however epileptic women will need to have a hospital environment labour.

Question 2

If a woman has a neurological condition what would occur in her intrapartum care?

Answer 2

Place of birth: spina bifida and epilepsy in the hospital
• Additional equipment-hoists
• Anaesthetic review-epidural and anaesthesia
• One to one care in labour
• Mobility and positions in labour

Question 3

If a woman has a neurological condition what would occur in her postnatal care?

Answer 3

Breastfeeding and medication:
• Bathing baby
• Changing nappies
• Transporting baby
Women with epilepsy can never have a bath
• Known diagnosis of epilepsy-women should be cared for in a hospital bay near the staff station to ensure visibility of seizures. Unless a visitor ( partner or family member) can be there 24/7.

Question 4

Blood-brain barrier

Answer 4

At term the blood-brain barrier is not fully developed, leaving the neonatal brain more vulnerable to toxic substances in the bloodstream
• Bilirubin