Pathophysiology of Pregnancy
What is a spontaneous abortion
This is also known as a miscarriage, which occurs naturally, and may be due to acute or chronic illness, abnormalities in the fetus, exposure to drugs, or abnormal attachment of the placenta, which results in a nonviable fetus. Leading to uterine bleeding and expulsion of the fetus
Complications during pregnancy is referring to?
Medical conditions and situations that may negatively affect the health of the mother and fetus.
What position should you have the pregnant mother in when transporting?
Left Lateral Recumbent position
What does gravida/para mean?
Gravida refers to the number of times a woman has been pregnant.
Para refers to the number of deliveries a woman has had.
What is the definition of blastocyst
Is an oocyte, once it has been fertilized, multiplies into cells
Why does gestational diabetes happen?
During pregnancy, the woman's hormones alter the body's insulin-regulating mechanisms. This can cause an imbalance between her insulin and glucose production
During or after the 20th week of pregnancy the woman may develop?
Gestational hypertention
What can we do for the mother after she has passed the placenta?
A fundal massage
Onset and Duration regarding labor
Onset refers to the time when contractions or symptoms began.
Duration can mean how long the contractions or symptoms have been happening
What is the definition of effacement
The thinning and shortening of the cervix.
What happens to a pregnant woman’s iron levels during pregnancy?
It increases significantly throughout the pregnancy as her blood volume also increases to match the fetus’ demands as it grows
Placenta implants low in the uterus, partially or completely covering the cervix, which can cause severe bleeding.
Placenta Previa
What are some documentation requirements on an obstetric patient?
The patient’s information, her vital signs, signs and symptoms if any, obstetrical history (GTPAL), detailed info on her current pregnancy (Any complications, is she doing prenatal care, gestational age at the time of assessment, when is baby due, how many babies are there?), her past pregnancies if any (Were there complications for those? Were they vaginal or c-sections?), her SAMPLE Hx, and if any treatments or interventions were made
Green or Brown Fluid
When a baby releases meconium, it may create....
What is the definition of episiotomy
An incision in the perineal skin made to prevent tearing during childbirth
What physiological changes occur in a woman’s cardiovascular system during pregnancy?
Some changes that occur in a woman’s cardiovascular system are: increase in cardiac output, a decrease in vascular resistance which leads to a reduction in blood pressure levels until the third trimester where it gradually goes back to pre-pregnancy levels or similar, and increased blood volume
Providing 100% O2 via NRB, checking BGL, starting Iv and administering 250ml of fluid, if in protocol giving 10-50mg IV of dimenhydrinate. Are all treatments for what complication?
Hyperemesis Gravidarum
A 24 y/o 30 weeks pregnant female patient presents with a sudden onset of severe pain. Upon assessment, you find vaginal bleeding and rigidity upon palpation to the abdomen where her uterus would be. What treatments would you do for this patient?
High flow supplemental oxygen, large bore IV, sterile pads to soak up the bleeding, proper positioning in the left lateral recumbent, and immediate transport to hospital
What blood type causes concern?
RH+ baby with RH- mother
what is the definition of Lochia
The expected normal discharge of blood and mucus following delivery
What causes an increased risk of thromboembolisms in pregnancy?
Due to changes in the coagulation system of a pregnant women specifically the IX, X, and VIII clotting factors, along with the fibrinogen increasing and fibrinolysis decreasing it results in a state of hypercoagulability, which results in higher risks of clotting in pregnant women (Soma-Pillay, Nelson-Piercy, Tolppanen, & Mebazza, 2016).
In Canada _________ occur in roughly 1-2% of diagnosed pregnancies
Ectopic Pregnancies
What are some initial assessment priorities we should have as PCPs on a pregnant woman in active labour?
LOC ABCs. Vital signs of mother, and fetal heart tones if possible. Does she feel the need to push? Did her water break? How often are her contractions, how long do they last, and the intensity of contractions. Is there visible crowning? What does the amniotic sac fluid look like? Is it clear or stained? What is the colour?
5 Antepartum
1- polyhydramnios
2- oligohydramnios
3- multiple gestation
4- toxemia
5- fetal abnormalities
What is the definition of an Uterine atony
This refers to a soft and weak uterus after childbirth. It happens when your uterine muscles don’t contract enough to clamp the placental blood vessels shut after childbirth.