Concise Notes on Pregnancy and Maternal Health

Pregnancy Overview

• Key Concepts:

  • Glucose regulation, reproduction, nutrition, perfusion, and gas exchange

Physiological Changes

• Hormonal changes in pregnancy

• Signs of pregnancy

• Maternal and fetal health assessments during prenatal visits

Obstetric History (GTPAL System)

• Gravida (total pregnancies)

• Term deliveries (>=37 weeks)

• Preterm deliveries (<37 weeks)

• Abortions (spontaneous/missed)

• Living children

Naegele’s Rule

• Used for calculating estimated delivery date (EDD):

  • Start with LMP, subtract 3 months, add 7 days

  • EDD falls within two weeks before/after the calculated date

Current Health Assessment

• Expectation vs. follow-up findings include:

  • Blood pressure, fetal movement, and signs of preterm labor

Risk Factors for Preterm Labor

• History of preterm birth, urinary tract infections, smoking, and socioeconomic factors

Tocolytics and Preterm Labor Management

• Medications include Magnesium Sulfate, Terbutaline, Indomethacin, and Nifedipine

• Prevention focuses on hydration and limiting activity

Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia

• Preeclampsia occurs in 2%-7% of nulliparous women

• Monitoring includes blood pressure, reflexes, and proteinuria

Eclampsia

• Complications of preeclampsia with seizures

• Magnesium sulfate is used for prevention

HELLP Syndrome

• A severe form of preeclampsia with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets

Education for Clients

• Importance of routine prenatal visits

• Awareness of infections like Group B Streptococcus and vaccinations

• Signs of complications to report

Additional Resources

• GTPAL Video, Rh immunoglobulin information, Preeclampsia resources