Complications of Pregnancy Quiz

Complications of Pregnancy

• Fetal Assessment: Includes ultrasound, kick count, alpha-fetoprotein, amniocentesis, non-stress test, and biophysical profile.

Ultrasound

• Used to visualize gestational sac for pregnancy confirmation.
• Identifies implantation site, fetal viability (alive or dead).
• Verifies multiple pregnancies (e.g., twins, triplets).
• Diagnoses fetal structural abnormalities.
• Locates placenta, measures amniotic fluid.
• Observes fetal movements.
• Determines estimated date of birth (EDB) in early pregnancy (7-14 weeks).
• Accurate EDB estimations are made using crown-rump length after 12 weeks and femur length.

Kick Count

• Performed by pregnant woman lying on her side, 1 hour after a meal, to count fetal movements.
• A daily record maintained for high-risk women.
• Minimum of 6 fetal movements in 2 hours are expected.

Alpha Feto Protein (AFP)

• Blood test measuring AFP levels to check for possible fetal problems like spina bifida or anencephaly.
• Performed as a screening test for other chromosomal conditions (e.g., Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome).
• Gastroschisis (intestines sticking out of belly) can also be detected through AFP.

Amniocentesis

• A thin needle inserted through the abdominal and uterine walls to collect amniotic fluid for analysis.
• Performed at 15-17 weeks gestation.
• Identifies chromosomal and biochemical disorders in early pregnancy.
• Assesses fetal lung maturity in late pregnancy

Non-Stress Test

• Measures fetal heart rate in response to fetal movement.
• No actions are performed to induce stress on the fetus.
• Performed in a health care setting (e.g., hospital, clinic).
• Nonreactive results may be caused by the fetus sleeping or medications the pregnant woman is on.
• A reactive test has two or more accelerations within 20 minutes.

Biophysical Profile (BPP)

• Evaluates fetal well-being via a scoring system encompassing 5 aspects.
• Scores can range from 0-2 per aspect, with a total possible score of 10.
• Utilized when results of other tests are non-reassuring.

Danger Signs in Pregnancy

• Any vaginal bleeding
• Facial/finger swelling
• Severe/continuous headaches
• Vision changes
• Abdominal pain
• Chills/fever
• Persistent vomiting
• Sudden fluid gush from vagina

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

• Excessive nausea and vomiting that interferes with food/fluid intake
• Treatment addresses dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and medications.
• Nursing care is a component of treatment.

Bleeding Complications

• Abortion: Includes Threatened, Inevitable, Incomplete, and Complete abortion types.
• Ectopic pregnancy: Occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube.
• Hydatiform mole/Molar pregnancy: A gestational trophoblastic disease where abnormal tissue growth occurs instead of a fetus.

Abortion Management

• Symptoms: Cramping and backache with light spotting.
• Medical/Surgical management involves ultrasound, D&E, and limit to activity.
• Nursing management includes providing privacy, sympathy, assessing bleeding/vitals, education.

Placenta Previa

• The placenta implants in the lower uterine segment, potentially obstructing the cervix.
• Symptoms include painless bleeding, often in the second/third trimester.

Placenta Previa cont'd

• Medical Management prioritizes maintaining pregnancy until the fetus is viable.
• Diagnosis uses ultrasound.
• Surgical intervention (C-section) is possible if maternal or fetal complications arise.

Abruptio Placenta

• Premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall.
• Can cause significant prenatal complications and potential mortality.
• Potential causes include maternal hypertension, trauma, and drug use.
• Type classification: Central, Marginal, or Complete.

Abruptio Placenta cont'd

• Medical interventions include IV fluids, blood type and matching, and possible RH sensitization.
• Surgical intervention (C-section), potentially.
• Treatment with drugs like Rhogam.
• Nursing care involves monitoring vital signs for maternal bleeding and pain.

Gestational Hypertension (PIH)

• Elevated blood pressure during pregnancy after 20 weeks gestation.
• May progress to severe preeclampsia, eclampsia, or HELLP syndrome.

Gestational Hypertension (PIH) - cont

• Symptoms include hypertension, edema, and proteinuria.
• Risk factors include age, obesity, or pre-existing hypertension.
• Medical goals are to control blood pressure, prevent convulsions, and ensure a healthy delivery.

Gestational Diabetes

• Insulin requirements increase during pregnancy.
• Increased insulin resistance and breakdown speed.
• Diagnosis and management involve monitoring blood glucose and providing appropriate treatment (e.g., hypoglycemics).

Rubella

• Mild viral disease.
• Early pregnancy rubella can affect fetal development.
• More severe problems if maternal rubella is acquired later in pregnancy.
• Vaccination is essential to prevent fetal infections.

Preterm Labor

• Labor that starts before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
• Several causes, either maternal, fetal or placental factors.
• Medical intervention may include monitoring and pharmacological treatment for labor.
• Nursing care includes monitoring vital signs and fetal heart rate (FHR).