Phases of Pregnancy
There are three phases of pregnancy:
1.Antepartum or prenatal (before birth)
2.Intrapartum (during birth)
3.Postpartum (after birth)
Goals of prenatal care
1.Ensure a safe birth for mother and child by promoting good health habits and reducing risk factors.
2. Teach health habits that may be continued after pregnancy.
3. Educate in slef-care for pregnancy
4. Provide physical care
5. Prepare parents for the r
Recommended Schedule for prenatal visits in an uncomplicated pregnancy
1. Conception to 28 weeks- every 4 weeks
2. 29 to 36 weeks- every 2 to 3 weeks
3. 37 weeks to birth- weekly
Laboratory Tests
1. Blood Glucose screening between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation: additional testing is done if the result of this screening test is 135 mg/dl or higher.
2. Fundal height to determine if the fetus is growing as expected and the volume of amniotic fluid is
Gravida
Any pregnancy, regardless of duration; also, the number of pregnancies, including the one in progress, if applicable.
Primigravida
A woman who is pregnant for the first time.
Para
A woman who has given birth to one or more children who reached the age of viability(20 weeks of gestation), regardless of whether those children are now living.
Primipara
A woman who has given birth to her first child (past point of viability),regardless of whether the child was alive at birth or is now living. The term is also used informally to describe a woman before th ebirth of her first child.
Abortion
Termination of pregnancy before viability (20 weeks gestation),either spontaneous or induced.
Gestational Age
Prenatal age of the developing fetus calculated from the first day of the woman's LNMP.
Age of viability
A fetus that has reached the stage (usually at 20 weeks) where it is capable of living outside of the uterus.
Nagele's Rule to Determine the Estimated Date of Delivery
1. Determine first day of the last normal menstrual period(LNMP)
2. Count backward 3 months
3. Add 7 days
4. Correct the year if necessary
Example: 1. First day of LNMP : January 27
2. Count backward 3 months :October 27
3. Add 7 days: November 3 is EDD
Amenorrhea
The cessation of menses, in a healthy and sexually active woman is often the first sign of pregnancy.
Goodell's Sign
Is the softening of the cervix and the vagina caused by increase vascular congestion.
Chadwick's Sign
Is the purplish or bluish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and vulva caused by increased vascular congestion. Hormonal imbalance or infection may also cause both Goodell's and Chadwick's signs.
Hegar's Sign
Is a softening of the lower uterine segment. Because of the softening, it is easy to flex the body of the uterus against the cervix, which is knows as McDonald's Sign.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
Are irregular, painless uterine contractions that begin in the second trimester.
Progesterone
Produced by corpus luteum and ovary and later by placenta. Maintains endometrium for implantation. Inhibits uterine contractility, preventing abortion. Promotes development of secretory ducts of breasts for lactation. Stimulates sodium secretion. Reduces
Prolactin
Prepares breasts for lactation.
Oxytocin
Produced by posterior pituitary gland. Stimulates uterine contraction. Is inhibited by progesterone during pregnancy. After birth, helps keep uterus contracted. Stimulates milk ejection reflex during breastfeeding.
Colostrum
In the last few months of pregnancy, thin yellow fluid may be expressed from the breasts. This "premilk" is high in protein, fat-soluble vitamins, and minerals but is low in calories, fat, and sugar. Colostrum contains the mother's antibodies to diseases
Respiratory System
The pregant woman breathes more deeply, but her respiratory rate increase only slightly, if at all. Increase oxygen and carbon dioxide echange because she moves more air in and out with each breath. Increased estrogen levels during pregnancy cause edema o
Cardiovascular System
Blood volume increases. This provides added blood for these purposes: 1. Exchange of nutrients, oxygen and waste products within the placenta. 2. Needs of expanded maternal tissue 3. Reserve for blood loss at birth.
Supine Hypotension Syndrome
A.K.A. aortocaval compression (vena cava syndrome) may occur if the woman lies on her back. The uterus will compress her inferior vena cava, reducing the amount of blood returned to her heart.
Gastrointestinal System
The growing uterus displaces the stomach and intestines toward the back and sides of the abdomen. Increased salivary secretion (ptyalism) sometimes affects taste and smell. Glucose metabolism is altered because of increased insulin resistance during pregn
Urinary System
The urinary system excretes waste products for both the mother and the fetus during pregnancy. The glomerular filtration rate of the kidneys increases. Changes in the renal system may take 6 to 12 weeks after delivery to return to the prepregnant state.
Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
The increased glomerular filtration rate in the kidneys increases sodium filtration by 50%, but the increase in the tubular resorption rate results in 99% reabsorption of the sodium. Sodium retention is influenced by many factors, including elevated level
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