Maternal Nursing History
What were the three primary causes of maternal death before modern medicine?
Postpartum hemorrhage, infection, preeclampsia
What is it called when sperm and egg nuclei fuse?
Which hormone is detected by pregnancy tests?
If one parent carries an altered gene in autosomal dominant inheritance, what is the child’s chance of inheriting it?
A: 50%
What does BUBBLEHE stand for in postpartum assessment?
A: Breasts, Uterus, Bladder, Bowels, Lochia, Episiotomy, Homan’s sign, Emotional status
By the 1960s, what percentage of births in the U.S. occurred in hospitals?
90%
During which weeks does the embryonic period occur, and why is it critical?
Weeks 3–8; all organs begin to develop
Which hormone relaxes pelvic joints and prevents premature labor?
Relaxin
In X-linked recessive inheritance, if a mother is a carrier, what’s the son’s chance of being affected?
50%
How much blood loss is expected for a vaginal delivery vs. cesarean?
A: Vaginal: 200–500 mL; Cesarean: 700–1000 mL
What shift in philosophy emerged in the mid-20th century for childbirth care?
Family-centered care
: List the 3 stages of prenatal development in order.
Germinal, embryonic, fetal
What is the role of hPL (human placental lactogen)?
Provides glucose to fetus, reduces insulin sensitivity → risk for gestational diabetes
Which chromosomal disorder is known as Trisomy 21?
Down Syndrome
What are signs of adequate breastfeeding on day 8 of life (rule of 8s)?
A: 8 feedings, 8 wet diapers, 8 oz weight gain, mom drinks 8 glasses of water
What is the primary goal of maternal nursing?
safe pregnancies/deliveries, maternal/newborn health, and education
What fetal circulation structure bypasses the liver?
Ductus venosus
Which hormone inhibits lactation during pregnancy despite prolactin being present?
Progesterone
What’s the difference between a genetic mutation and a somatic mutation?
A: Genetic mutations are inherited via gametes; somatic mutations occur in body cells and aren’t inherited
How far should the uterine fundus descend each day after birth?
A: About 1 cm per day
Name two major improvements in maternal/infant outcomes introduced in the 21st century.
Evidence-based, holistic care and patient-centered approaches
Explain why the foramen ovale and ductus arteriosus are necessary in utero.
they bypass the nonfunctioning fetal lungs, shunting blood to the body
What happens hormonally when the placenta is delivered?
A: Estrogen, progesterone, hCG, and hPL levels drop
Name one ethical issue tied to genomics and gene therapy.
A: Privacy, employment discrimination, or selective abortion
What should you do first if the uterus feels boggy during assessment?
A: Massage the fundus