EMS Chapter 33 Obstetrics and Neonatal Care

Indications of Imminent Birth

• Crowning is a notable sign of imminent birth, indicating the baby's head is visible.

Eclampsia

• Defined as seizures resulting from severe hypertension during pregnancy.

Newborn Breathing

• Newborns typically begin spontaneous breathing within 15 to 30 seconds after birth.

Bloody Show

• Refers to the pink-tinged mucus discharged from the vagina after the mucous plug is expelled.

CPR for Pregnant Patients

• In cases of pulseless and apneic pregnant women, manually displacing the uterus to the left is crucial during CPR.

Pulmonary Embolism Symptoms

• Shortness of breath in pregnant women, particularly in those with a difficult pregnancy, may indicate a pulmonary embolism.

Premature Infants

• Premature infants generally have a proportionately larger head compared to full-term infants.

Stages of Labor

• The third stage of labor begins with the expulsion of the baby from the vagina.

Breech Presentation

• Occurs when the buttocks are the presenting part during delivery.

Amniotic Sac Delivery

• If the baby's head delivers encased in the unruptured amniotic sac, it should be punctured, and the mouth and nose should be suctioned.

Spinal Immobilization in Pregnancy

• When immobilizing a pregnant patient, elevate the right side of the backboard with rolled towels or blankets.

Iron Supplements in Pregnancy

• Recommended for pregnant women to counteract anemia due to increased red blood cell volume.

Abortion Definition

• An abortion is defined as the delivery of the fetus and placenta before 20 weeks of gestation.

Maternal Death Causes

• Internal bleeding from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy is the leading cause of maternal death in the first trimester.

Labor Preparation

• For a patient in imminent labor on the stretcher, open the OB kit and prepare for delivery.

Primigravida Definition

• A primigravida is a woman who is pregnant for the first time.

Umbilical Cord Clamping

• After delivery, clamp the umbilical cord using two clamps, positioned about 6 inches from the newborn's abdomen.

Uterine Changes Post-Ovulation

• After ovulation, the inner lining of the uterus thickens to prepare for potential implantation.

Partner Positioning During Delivery

• It is crucial to position a partner at the mother's head to manage potential nausea and vomiting.

Newborn Assessment

• After delivering a full-term infant with strong cries and irregular respiration, immediately check the pulse at the brachial artery.

Fetal Nourishment

• The placenta is responsible for providing nourishment to the developing fetus.

Bloody Show Clarification

• Refers to the discharge of the mucous plug as pink-tinged mucus from the vagina.

Endometrial Changes

• The endometrium thickens immediately following ovulation in preparation for possible fertilization.

Amniotic Fluid Volume

• The amniotic sac typically contains between 500 to 1,000 mL of fluid.

Blood Clotting During Pregnancy

• Normal physiological changes during pregnancy increase blood clotting factors to prevent excessive bleeding during delivery.

Blood Volume Increase in Pregnancy

• A woman's blood volume may increase by up to 50% during pregnancy.