Conditions Before Pregnancy – Key Vocabulary

A set of 33 vocabulary flashcards summarizing crucial terms related to preexisting conditions and pregnancy management.

Preexisting Conditions

Chronic or acute health problems that exist before conception and can adversely affect pregnancy outcomes.

Diabetes Mellitus

A metabolic disorder marked by chronic hyperglycemia (Type 1 or Type 2) that increases maternal and fetal risks during pregnancy.

Hyperglycemia

Elevated blood glucose levels; when uncontrolled in pregnancy it can lead to miscarriage, macrosomia, and neonatal hypoglycemia.

HbA1c

Hemoglobin A1c test reflecting average blood glucose over the past 2–3 months; values ≥ 6.5 % indicate diabetes.

Polyhydramnios

Excess amniotic fluid often associated with maternal diabetes and fetal anomalies.

Macrosomia

Fetal birth weight greater than 4,000 g, common in diabetic or obese pregnancies and often leading to cesarean delivery.

Chronic Hypertension

Blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg present before pregnancy or diagnosed before 20 weeks’ gestation and persisting postpartum.

Superimposed Preeclampsia

New-onset proteinuria or sudden worsening of hypertension in a woman with chronic hypertension.

Placental Abruption

Premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, causing bleeding and fetal compromise; risk rises with hypertension.

Methyldopa

First-line antihypertensive considered safe for controlling chronic hypertension during pregnancy.

Levothyroxine

Synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism; dosage often increased while pregnant.

Propylthiouracil (PTU)

Antithyroid medication preferred in the first trimester to manage hyperthyroidism in pregnancy.

Obesity

Pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher, linked to gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and surgical birth.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Weight-for-height calculation (kg/m²) used to classify nutritional status and stratify pregnancy risk.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)

Glucose intolerance first recognized during pregnancy, frequently associated with maternal obesity.

Epilepsy

Chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures requiring careful medication management in pregnancy.

Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs)

Medications such as lamotrigine or levetiracetam used to control seizures; some have teratogenic potential.

Folic Acid Supplementation

Daily folate intake (400 µg–4 mg) recommended to prevent neural tube defects, especially important for women on AEDs.

Asthma

Chronic inflammatory airway disease with reversible obstruction; good control during pregnancy prevents maternal hypoxia and IUGR.

Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS)

First-line maintenance therapy for persistent asthma (e.g., budesonide) considered safe in pregnancy.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Autoimmune disease causing multiorgan inflammation and high-risk pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and IUGR.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Systemic inflammatory joint disease that may flare or improve during pregnancy.

Hydroxychloroquine

Antimalarial drug used to reduce SLE flare-ups; regarded as safe for use during pregnancy.

Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Most common anemia in pregnancy due to inadequate iron; defined by hemoglobin < 11 g/dL (1st & 3rd trimesters).

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Basic lab test measuring hemoglobin, hematocrit, and cell indices to screen for anemia and other disorders in pregnancy.

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)

Ten-item questionnaire that screens for antenatal and postpartum depression; scores > 13 suggest possible clinical depression.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Class of antidepressants (e.g., sertraline) often used in pregnancy when benefits outweigh fetal risks.

Chlamydia

Common often-asymptomatic STI that can cause preterm labor and neonatal conjunctivitis; detected via NAAT.

Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT)

Highly sensitive molecular test used to diagnose STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Barangay Health Workers (BHWs)

Community volunteers in the Philippines who support nurses by monitoring pregnant women and providing health education.

Preconception Care

Health interventions delivered before pregnancy to optimize maternal health and reduce adverse outcomes.

Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC)

DOH-designated facilities providing lifesaving interventions for mothers and newborns in high-risk situations.

Universal Health Care Act (RA 11223)

Philippine law aimed at ensuring equitable access to essential health services, including comprehensive maternal care.