Final Exam Flashcards
(19 cards)
What is the typical length of pregnancy?
39 – 41 completed weeks of gestation
How many infants are born preterm worldwide annually?
About 15 million infants
Define PTL.
Regular uterine contractions before 37 weeks that cause cervical change/dilation of 2 cm or greater
What does PTB stand for?
Preterm Birth
What is defined as late preterm?
340 - 366 weeks
What are the categories of preterm birth based on gestational age?
- Late preterm: 340 - 366 weeks
- Moderately preterm: 320 - 336 weeks
- Very preterm: 280 - 316 weeks
- Extremely preterm: < 28 weeks
Name an individual level risk factor associated with PTL/PTB.
- Prior PTB
- Cervical abnormalities
- Multiple gestation
- Very young and advanced maternal age
- High proportion of unintended pregnancy
- Health behaviors (smoking, ETOH, illicit drug use)
- Health status (obesity, heart disease)
What are some community level risks for PTL/PTB?
- Race/ethnicity
- Exposure to racism
- Social class disparities
- Exposure to poverty
- Economic instability
- Poor housing
- Limited life options
What policy level risk factors are associated with PTL/PTB?
- Reproductive health policies
- Social welfare policies
What is cerclage?
A surgical procedure where a stitch or band is placed around the cervix to help keep it closed during pregnancy
When should vaginal or IM progesterone be initiated?
Between 16 and 20 weeks
What is the purpose of corticosteroids like betamethasone or dexamethasone for pregnant women?
- Improve fetal lung maturity
- Decrease RDS
- Decrease IVH
- Improve neurodevelopmental outcomes
What are tocolytics used for?
To inhibit contractions of the uterine smooth muscle
Which tocolytic is most commonly used?
Nifedipine and indomethacin
True or False: Stringent activity limitations and bed rest are supported by evidence for PTL.
False
What should be assessed before discharging a patient after PTL?
Assessment of the home environment and education about signs/symptoms and decreased fetal movement
List some risks for the preterm infant.
- Feeding difficulties
- Dehydration
- Respiratory Distress
- Hypoglycemia
What are some risks beyond the neonatal period for preterm infants?
- Developmental Delays
- Behavioral Challenges
