Complications of Pregnancy and Childbirth

Complications of pregnancy: danger signs, bleeding disorders, and abnormal implantation of fertilized ovum
Bleeding during pregnancy: types, risk factors, signs and symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatments
Spontaneous abortions: occurrence, risk factors, types, and treatment
Threatened abortion: potential cramping with light to moderate bleeding, cervix remains closed
Inevitable abortion: moderate cramping, mouth severe bleeding, cervix begins to dilate
Incomplete abortion: woman has an abortion but not completely, risk for infection
Complete abortion: complete expulsion of uterine content, cervix is closed
Missed abortion: woman may experience no cramps, fetus dies in utero but is not expelled
Reoccurring abortion: habitual abortion caused by incompetent cervix or progesterone levels being inadequate to maintain pregnancy
Therapeutic abortion: intentional termination of pregnancy to preserve the health of the mother
Ectopic pregnancy: fertilized ovum implants in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus, risk factors, symptoms, and diagnostic tests
Placenta previa: placenta implants near or over the cervix, types, risks, and complications
Placenta previa symptoms: painless bright red vaginal bleeding, uterus soft and non-tender, fetus can be in any position, reassuring fetal heart rate
Placenta previa complications: placenta detaches from the uterine wall, cutting off blood supply to the baby, potentially causing baby's death and maternal complications
Abruptio placentae: ties with placenta detaches from the uterine wall, risk factors, symptoms, and complications
Abruptio placentae complications: maternal hemorrhage, fetal distress, and potential maternal death
Uterine rupture: complete tear of the uterine wall, risk factors, symptoms, and complications
Uterine rupture complications: maternal and fetal death, severe maternal injuries and lifelong complications
Amniotic fluid embolism: amniotic fluid enters the maternal bloodstream, symptoms, risks, and complications
Amniotic fluid embolism complications: shock, cardiac arrest, and maternal and fetal death
Cord prolapse: umbilical cord comes out of the vagina before the baby, risk factors, symptoms, and complications
Cord prolapse complications: fetal distress, maternal infection, and fetal and maternal death
Placental insufficiency: placenta fails to function, symptoms, risks, and complications
Placental insufficiency complications: fetal growth restriction, low birth weight, and fetal and maternal death
Fetal growth restriction: baby does not grow properly in the womb, causes, symptoms, and complications
Fetal growth restriction complications: developmental delays, lifelong health issues, and death
Gestational diabetes: inadequate insulin to move glucose from the body into the body cells, symptoms, risks, and complications
Gestational diabetes complications: macrosomia, hypoglycemia, and birth injuries
Preeclampsia: pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs such as the liver and kidneys, symptoms, risks, and complications
Preeclampsia complications: maternal and fetal death, premature birth, and long-term health issues
Preterm labor: labor that begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy, symptoms, risks, and treatments
Preterm labor treatments: tocolytics, bed rest, and corticosteroids
Eclampsia: seizures during pregnancy, symptoms, risks, and complications
Eclampsia complications: maternal and fetal death, brain damage, and long-term health issues
Hemorrhage: excessive bleeding during or after childbirth, symptoms, risks, and treatments
Hemorrhage treatments: fluids, blood transfusions, and medications
Cesarean section: surgical delivery of a baby, risks, benefits, and complications
Cesarean section complications: infection, hemorrhage, and organ damage
Postpartum depression: depression after giving birth, symptoms, risks, and treatments
Postpartum depression treatments: therapy, medication, and support groups.- Pregnancy care involves monitoring various aspects of a woman's health and that of the fetus
Nursing care includes assessing level of consciousness, monitoring pulse oximeter, urine output, daily weights, and blood pressure
Women with a history of early onset preeclampsia may be given low-dose aspirin therapy
Hydralazine is a vasodilator used for severe preeclampsia, but its use requires caution due to potential decreased placenta perfusion
Methyl dopa is an antihypertensive drug used to help lower blood pressure and prevent seizures
Labetalol is another antihypertensive drug given to control hypertension rapidly
Magnesium sulfate is used to prevent maternal seizures and lower blood pressure, but care must be taken to maintain therapeutic levels
Signs of magnesium sulfate toxicity include decreased reflexes, decreased respirations, and decreased urine output
Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker used to control hypertension and increase urine output
Anticonvulsant medications like magnesium sulfate are given to prevent seizures and maintain therapeutic levels to avoid toxicity.
In case of seizure, maintain open airway, administer oxygen, and monitor fetal heart rate while controlling seizures
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a condition where small blood clots develop throughout the bloodstream, leading to excessive bleeding.
Preterm labor can be caused by various risk factors including infections, previous preterm birth, and low pregnancy weight
Signs of preterm labor include uterine contractions, pressure in the pelvis, persistent low back ache, and vaginal discharge
Fetal fibronectin tests detect protein released from the placenta indicating inflammation, increasing the risk of preterm labor
Nifedipine and magnesium sulfate are medications used to suppress contractions in women going into preterm labor.
Monitor fetal heart rate, contractions, and perform VPP and non-stress tests to maintain fetal wellbeing
Activity restriction, left lateral position, and hydration are important in preventing preterm labor.
Corynebacterium infections can put women at risk for preterm labor, indicated by fetal tachycardia and prolonged increase in fetal heart rate over 160 beats per minute.
Tocolytics like nifedipine and magnesium sulfate can be given to suppress contractions and prevent preterm labor.
Monitor patient and neonate closely for pulmonary edema, chest pains, serena breasts, respiratory distress, and audible wheezing if administering DC therapy.
Bethamethasone is a steroid medication given to promote fetal lung maturity in fetuses between 24 and 34 weeks.
Premature ruptured membranes (PROM) can lead to infection and premature labor, indicated by a positive nitrazine paper test and visible or palpable cord at the cervix.
Obtain vaginal cultures to ensure no infection and assess fetal heart rate, contraction patterns, and vital signs every two hours in case of PROM.
Adhere to bed rest, encourage hydration, and perform CBC and feticide daily to support fetal development.
Avoid sterile vaginal exams and reduce anxiety in women with PROM.