MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH Flashcards
(41 cards)
What is the “continuum of care” in MCH?
It refers to integrated care for maternal, newborn and child health across time (pre-pregnancy to childhood) and place (home, community, health facility).
Define maternal death according to WHO.
Death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days of termination, due to causes related to pregnancy or its management, not from accidental/incidental causes.
Differentiate between direct and indirect obstetric deaths.
Direct: Resulting from obstetric complications/interventions.
Indirect: From pre-existing diseases worsened by pregnancy.
What are South Africa’s maternal mortality causes?
Heart disease, hypertension in pregnancy, obstetric hemorrhage, septic abortion, puerperal sepsis.
Child mortality: pneumonia, diarrhoea, measles, injuries.
What is the pharmacist’s role in MCH?
Pregnancy testing, immunisation, reproductive health, nutrition advice, EPC (emergency contraception), and baby/child care advice
What is the quadruple burden of disease?
HIV and TB
Maternal and child morbidity and mortality
Chronic diseases
Injuries and violence
What is preconception care?
Biomedical, behavioural, and social interventions before conception to ensure safe motherhood and healthy infants.
Give 3 considerations in preconception care.
- High rate of unplanned pregnancies
- Risks from untreated infections (e.g., gonorrhoea)
- Impact of maternal undernutrition and anemia
List 4 nutritional supplements recommended pre-conception.
Folic acid 5 mg, Ferrous sulphate 170 mg, Calcium carbonate 1 g, Avoid vitamin A.
Preconception medication use
Avoid teratogens, use contraception, avoid self-medication.
What are the objectives of antenatal care?
Screen for problems, assess risks, treat conditions, provide information, prep for birth and parenthood
What tests are done in antenatal care?
MUAC, syphilis, Rhesus D, Hb, HIV, urine dipstick for protein/glucose.
How is pregnancy detected?
Urine or plasma hCG test, ultrasound.
List cardiovascular changes in pregnancy.
CO ↑ 30-50%, BV ↑ 40-50%, RBC ↑ 20-30%, WBC ↑ 9000-12000, risk of supine hypotension.
Describe respiratory changes in pregnancy.
↑ oxygen consumption, ↓ CO₂, ↑ tidal volume, shortness of breath common.
Common GI symptoms in pregnancy?
Heartburn, nausea/vomiting, constipation—due to decreased motility and sphincter relaxation
5 danger signs in pregnancy?
Vaginal bleeding, water breaking, no fetal movement, facial/hand edema, blurred vision.
Pharmacist’s responsibilities during pregnancy?
Promote healthy lifestyle, screen for danger signs, counsel on medication safety, refer when needed.
What is teratogenesis and when is the fetus most vulnerable?
Abnormal fetal development due to drug exposure; most vulnerable during organogenesis (20–56 days).
What are the growth markers in infancy?
Weight doubles by 5 months, triples by 12 months.
Define exclusive breastfeeding (EBF).
Feeding only breast milk (no other liquids/solids) for the first 6 months.
Benefits of EBF to the mother?
↓ postpartum bleeding, ↓ ovarian/breast cancer, aids child spacing.
Medical reasons for breast milk substitutes?
Infant: metabolic disorders, fluid loss.
Mother: HIV, severe illness, certain medications.
What should pharmacists consider when a breastfeeding mother uses medication?
Risk-benefit, dosage, timing, drug characteristics (MW, pKa, lipid solubility).
