Maternal Child Nursing Overview

Maternal Child Nursing Overview

• Maternal child nursing encompasses different care aspects: normal maternal-child nursing, antenatal care, intrapartal care, postpartal care, high-risk pregnancy, and pediatric disorders.

External Genitalia

• Mons Pubis: Fatty tissue above symphysis pubis, covered with pubic hair.
• Labia Majora: Two thick folds of adipose tissue that protect external genitalia and vagina.
• Labia Minora: Hairless folds of connective tissue lined with mucous membrane.
• Clitoris: Pea-shaped erectile structure packed with nerve endings.
• Fourchette: Joins labia minora at the back, often the episiotomy site.
• Vestibule: Almond-shaped area containing urinary meatus, Skene’s gland, hymen, vaginal orifice, and Bartholin’s gland.
• Urinary Meatus: Opening of the urethra.
• Skene’s Gland: Secretes mucus to lubricate during intercourse.
• Bartholin’s Gland: Secretes alkaline fluid to neutralize vaginal acidity and preserve sperm.
• Vaginal Orifice: External opening of the vagina.
• Hymen: Membranous tissue covering the vaginal entrance.
• Perineum: Muscle structure located between the vagina and anus.

Internal Genitalia

• Serves as the passageway for the fetus and menstruation, with a dilatable canal measuring 6-7 cm.
• Rugae: Thick folds in the membranous stratified epithelium allow stretching without tearing.

Uterus

• Pear-shaped, hollow organ for fetus development, menstruation, and labor.
• Dimensions: Non-pregnant (2.5 cm thick, 5 cm wide, 5-7 cm long), Pregnant (omentum shape).
• Weight: Non-pregnant (60 g), Pregnant (100 g).
• Structure: Fundus (upper cylindrical part), Isthmus (short segment), Body (expands for fetus), and Cervix (lower segment).
• Layers:
  • Endometrium: Lining with basal and glandular layers.
  • Myometrium: Muscular layer facilitating contractions during labor.
  • Perimetrium: Outermost layer providing support.
• Decidua: Specialized endometrial layer during pregnancy, includes decidua basalis, capsularis, and vera.

Ovaries and Fallopian Tubes

• Ovaries: Almond-shaped, approximately 4 cm x 2 cm in size, and 1.5 cm thick; produce ova and hormones (estrogen, progesterone).
• Fallopian Tubes: 10 cm long; functions include conveying ova to the uterus and providing a site for fertilization.
  • Segments: Infundibulum (funnel-shaped, covered with fimbrae) and Ampulla (fertilization site).
• Oocyte count through life:
  • 5 months intrauterine (5-7 million).
  • Birth (2 million).
  • Puberty (30,000-40,000).
  • Reproductive age (400,000-500,000).
  • Menopause (absent).

Menstruation

• Average cycle lasts 28 days, varying from 23 to 35 days.
• Duration of menstrual flow: typically 4-6 days, abnormal can be 1-9 days.
• Normal blood loss: 30-80 cc.

Menstrual Cycle Regulation

• Involves: Hypothalamus (GnRH initiator), Anterior Pituitary Gland (secretes gonadotropins), Ovaries (release ovum), and Uterus (develops stratum functionalis for possible pregnancy).

Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

• Proliferative/Follicular Phase:
  • Days 6-14, occurring after menstruation.
  • Endometrium thickens eightfold under rising estrogen levels.
  • FSH promotes follicle growth, leading to maturation into a Graafian follicle; only one follicle matures each cycle.