WH Final Review Flashcards
(115 cards)
A substance which causes damage to a pregnancy leading to physical or functional defects
Teratogen
ETOH, cocaine, radiation, hyperthermia, malnutrition, hyperglycemia, thyroid disorders, rubella, herpes, syphilis, toxoplasmosis
Examples of teratogens
creating of the zygote
Conception
Conception - week 2
Day 5: blastocyst (able to implant)
Pre-embryonic stage
implantation- week 8
Pregnancy most vulnerable to teratogens at this stage
Spontaneous abortion is common due to chromosomal errors
Week 3: neural tube fuses at the center and heart beings to beat, visible on ultrasound
Embryonic stage
Week 9 and onward
Fetal stage
Uterus enlarges, menstrual cycles cease, cervix softens and enlarges, cervix, vaginal and labia may have purple-blue discoloration. Breasts enlarge, areola may darken. Blood volume increase by 50%, blood vessels dilate, diastolic drops mid pregnancy (24-32 weeks) and then returns to normal. Heart rate and cardiac output increase. Supine hypotensive syndrome. Respirations may increase slightly. Posture changes, lordosis increases, joints relax later in pregnancy. Skin changes: striae gravidarum, chloasma, linea nigra. Hair grows longer and thicker. Diastasis recti may form in third trimester. Reduced peristalsis. Metabolic rate increases. White blood cell count increases. Increase in fibrinogen and other blood clotting factors.
Maternal physiologic changes
fetal movement begins
9-12 weeks
lungs begin to form surfactant
26 weeks
gas exchange in the lungs may be possible
28 weeks
enough surfactant to support lung function
35-40 weeks
Eat crackers and toast before getting out of bed. Avoid an empty stomach; spicy, greasy of gas-forming foods. Encourage fluids between meals
Comfort measures for nausea and vomiting
Wear a supportive bra
Comfort measures for breast tenderness
Encourage adequate rest including naps
Comfort measures for fatigue
Eat small frequent meals, use antacids as recommended by a provider, sit upright after eating
Comfort measures for heartburn
Increase fluid, increase fiber intake, exercise regularly
Comfort measures for constipation
Void frequency. Decrease fluid intake before bedtime. Perform kegel’s exercises. Reinforce usual recommendations to reduce risk of UTI: void after coitus, void frequently, cleanse perineal area from front to back, avoid bubble baths, wear cotton underwear, avoid tight fitting pants, increase fluid intake
Comfort measures for increased urinary frequency (especially first and third trimesters) and risk of UTI
Avoid sudden movements
Comfort measures for round ligament pain
Warm sitz bath, witch hazel pads, topical hemorrhoid ointments
Comfort measures for hemorrhoids
Exercise regularly, perform pelvic tilt exercises, use proper body mechanisms (use your legs!)
Comfort measures for backache
Maintain good posture, sleep with extra pillows, report worsening symptoms
Comfort measures for shortness of breath
Doriflex the foot on affected leg, extend the leg and dorsiflex if possible, apply heat
Comfort measures for leg cramps
Elevate hips and legs while resting. Avoid constricting clothing. Wear support hose. Avoid prolonged sitting or standing. Avoid crossing legs while sitting. Sleep in left-lateral position. Maintain moderate exercise.
Comfort measures for varicose veins and lower extremity edema
Use humidifier, saline nose drops or spray
Comfort measures for nasal congestion and epistaxis (nosebleed)