Class 3: Complicated Pregnancy Flashcards
(89 cards)
when can pregnancy complications occur? who can they impact?
- any time throughout pregnancy
- can be a concern for the fetus, pregnant person, or both
what is important to prevent complications in pregnancy
- identification of risks, with appropriate and timely interventions
decisions about management of pregnancy complications involve…
- a balance between gains in fetal maturity and maternal/fetal consequences of continuing w the pregnancy
what are some major causes of maternal death (6)
- infection
- hemorrhage
- hypertensive disorders
- complications from the birth
- unsafe abortion
- pulmonary and amniotic embolism
what factors are strongly related to maternal death (3)
- age (<20, >35)
- lack of prenatal care
- low education level
what are leading causes of newborn morbidity and mortality (2)
- preterm
- multiple birth rates
what are other causes of newborn death (4)
- low birth weight
- resp distress syndrome
- sudden infant death
- effects of maternal complications
infant death rate is high if mother is…
- of lower socioeconomic status
what are the metabolic functions of the placenta (4)
- respiration (diffusion of O2 and CO2) = fetal gas exchange
- nutrition
- excretion
- storage
placental function is dependent on… what does this mean?
- maternal blood pressure supplying circulation
- therefore, interference with circulation to the placenta = placenta cannot supply the fetus
what cause interference w circulation to the placenta? (4)
- vasoconstriction/vasospasm
- hyperstimulation of the uterus (contractions)
- decreased maternal blood pressure
- decreased cardiac output
what can cause vasoconstriction/vasospasm, and therefore interfere w circulation to the placenta? (3)
- HTN
- cocaine use
- diabetes
what can cause decreased maternal blood pressure? (2)
- maternal compression of the vena cava = supine hypotension
- hypotensive episode – epidural admin
what can cause decreases cardiac output (2)
- infection
- antepartum hemorrhage
decreased circulation to the uterus/placenta may lead to what 2 categories of outcomes?
- fetal outcomes
- neonatal outcomes
what fetal outcomes might decreased circulation to the uterus/placenta lead to? (4)
- intrauterine growth reduction (IUGR)
- fetal hypoxia
- metabolic acidosis
- still birth (fetal death)
what neonatal outcomes might decreased circulation to the uterus/placenta lead to? (5)
- small for gestational age/low birth weight
- metabolic acidosis
- seizures (d/t low oxygen)
- cerebral palsy
- neonatal mortality
describe the connection between placental function and gestational age
- placental function decreases as the placenta ages (postdates concerns)
what is the purpose of antepartum testing
- detection of fetal compromise, primarily in the 3rd trimester
why/when is beta hCG assessed in antepartum testing (3)
- routine prenatal care
- confirmation of pregnancy
- vaginal bleeding <20 weeks
why is CBC assessed with antepartum testing (6)
- routine prenatal care
- present to triage w complains of fatigue/feeling unwell
- signs/symptoms of infection
- prenatal bleeding
- history of anemia
- HTN disorders of pregnancy (decreased plts associated w adverse maternal outcomes, RBC, HELLP)
When (1) and why (3) is amniocentesis done as an assessment in antepartum testing
- diagnostic test (performed after 14 weeks gestation)
- to diagnose fetal chromosomal abnormalities
- determining fetal lung maturity
- fetal hemolytic disease
why might liver function tests (AST, ALT) and renal function (serum creatinine and uric acid) be completed in antepartum testing?
- HTN disorders of pregnancy (increase associated w adverse maternal outcome)
why might INR/aPTT be assessed in antepartum testing
- HTN disorders of pregnancy –> can be increased when DIC is present