Maternity Care Basics

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Questions and Answers

What indicates a poor pulse rate in a newborn according to the scoring system?

Below 100 bpm (correct)

Above 100 bpm

Absent (correct)

Below 70 bpm

What score range qualifies as abnormal and requires immediate resuscitation for a newborn?

3 and below (correct)

7-10

1-2

4-7

What is considered a normal score for a newborn assessed at one and five minutes after birth?

1-3

11-15

7-10 (correct)

4-6

Which of the following characteristics would score 0 points for muscle tone in a newborn?

Limp/flaccid Signup and view all the answers

What factor is an important marker of health for a newborn in addition to scoring signs?

Birth weight Signup and view all the answers

At what age gestation are full-term babies typically born?

37-41 weeks Signup and view all the answers

Which score indicates a weak or irregular respiratory rate in a newborn?

1 point Signup and view all the answers

What is the average weight for full-term newborns?

7 pounds (3.2 kg) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of subcutaneous implants filled with synthetic progesterone?

To release progestin and suppress ovulation Signup and view all the answers

What is one disadvantage of using Depo-Provera as a form of contraception?

Potential weight gain and loss of bone mineral density Signup and view all the answers

What method does a transdermal patch utilize to prevent pregnancy?

It releases estrogen and progestin into the bloodstream Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about intrauterine devices (IUDs) is correct?

They are T-shaped devices inserted into the uterus Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of spermicides in barrier methods of contraception?

To kill spermatozoa before they enter the cervix Signup and view all the answers

What does vernix do for a newborn in the womb?

It protects the baby while floating in amniotic fluid. Signup and view all the answers

At what point in pregnancy does the sucking reflex begin to develop?

32 weeks Signup and view all the answers

Which reflex allows a baby to find and latch onto a nipple?

Rooting reflex Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the swallowing reflex in infants?

To prevent aspiration Signup and view all the answers

When does the extrusion reflex typically fade in infants?

4 months Signup and view all the answers

How long does the palmar grasp reflex persist in infants?

Until 4 to 6 months of age Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the blink reflex in newborns?

A strong light shone into the eye Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflexes diminishes around 6 months of age?

Sucking reflex Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum cervical dilation reached during the transition phase?

8 to 10 cm Signup and view all the answers

What physical changes indicate the beginning of the third stage of labor?

Birth of the infant Signup and view all the answers

Which sign indicates placental separation during the third stage of labor?

Visible placenta at the vaginal opening Signup and view all the answers

What two phases are involved in placental delivery?

Placental separation and placental expulsion Signup and view all the answers

What pattern change do women typically feel during the second stage of labor?

Crescendo-decrescendo pattern to uncontrollable urge to push Signup and view all the answers

How long does the puerperium period last after childbirth?

6 weeks Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the maternal side of the placenta after delivery?

It is dull and subdivided into lobes. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of labor can continuous support improve?

Vaginal birth rate Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of carbohydrates in a baby's diet?

To provide energy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following foods is a rich source of protein suitable for babies?

Eggs Signup and view all the answers

Which vitamin is essential for proper bone formation and calcium absorption in babies?

Vitamin D Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of fat in a baby's nutrition?

Provides essential energy Signup and view all the answers

Which vitamin helps strengthen the immune system in babies?

Vitamin A Signup and view all the answers

Limiting the intake of what macronutrient is crucial for babies?

Fat Signup and view all the answers

Which food source is suggested for obtaining vitamins that promote normal growth in babies?

Breast milk and fruits Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Vitamin C in a baby's development?

Collagen formation and immune support Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

APGAR Score

The APGAR score is a quick assessment of a newborn's health.
It's given at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth.
Scores are given for appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration.
A score of 7-10 is normal, 4-7 requires some resuscitative measures, and 3 or below requires immediate resuscitation.

Birth Weight

Full-term babies are born between 37 and 41 weeks of pregnancy.
The average weight for full-term babies is about 7 pounds (3.2 kg).
Very small and very large babies are at greater risk for problems.

The Transition Phase

Contractions reach their peak intensity every 2-3 minutes, lasting 60 to 70 seconds.
Cervical dilation reaches 8 to 10 cm.
Intense discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and loss of control may occur.
The urge to push usually begins.

The Second Stage

From full dilatation and cervical effacement to birth of the infant.
Contractions change to an uncontrollable urge to push.
The fetal head pushes against the vaginal introitus, causing it to open.
Fetal scalp appears at the vaginal opening and enlarges from the size of a dime to a half-dollar, known as "crowning".

The Third Stage

Known as the placental stage.
Begins with birth of the infant and ends with the delivery of the placenta.
The uterus can be palpated as a firm, rounded mass below the umbilicus.
Uterine contractions begin again, and the uterus contracts to a discoid shape.

Placental Separation

Occurs approximately 5 minutes after birth.
Signs include lengthening of the umbilical cord, sudden gush of blood from the vagina, placenta visible at the vaginal opening, and uterus contracting and feeling firm again.

Placental Expulsion

The fetal side of the placenta is shiny due to the apposed amniotic membrane (Schultze mechanism).
The maternal side is dull and subdivided into as many as 35 lobes (Duncan mechanism).

Puerperium (Postpartum Period)

Refers to the 6-week period after childbirth.

Fourth Stage

Refers to the first 4 hours after delivery, during which the focus is on maternal stabilization and recovery, including vital signs monitoring, uterine contraction assessment, and postpartum bleeding management.

Psyche-Emotional State During Birth

Childbirth classes, anticipatory guidance, and continuous labor support can aid psychological adaptation to labor.

Subcutaneous Implants

Non-biodegradable implants filled with synthetic progesterone, embedded under the skin of the upper arm.
Slowly release progestin over 3 years.
Suppress ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and change the endometrial lining, making implantation difficult.

Transdermal Patch (Estrogen/Progesterone)

Worn on the skin, releases estrogen and progestin into the bloodstream.
Thickens cervical mucus and suppresses ovulation.
A safe and convenient birth control method if used correctly.

Intramuscular Injections (Depo-Provera)

Single injection every 12 weeks inhibits ovulation.
Advantages include long-term reliability.
Disadvantages include weight gain, headache, depression, irregular menses, and loss of bone mineral density.

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

Small T-shaped device inserted into the uterus through the vagina.
May contain copper or progesterone.

Barrier Methods

Place a chemical or latex barrier between the cervix and sperm to prevent fertilization.

Spermicides

Agents that kill spermatozoa before they can enter the cervix.

Vernix

Thick, waxy substance that covers the skin of newborns, protecting them in amniotic fluid.
Washes off during the first bath.

Neuromuscular System

Newborns demonstrate neuromuscular function by moving extremities, controlling head movements, exhibiting a strong cry, and displaying newborn reflexes.

The Blink Reflex

Protects the eye from objects coming near it by rapid eyelid closure.
Elicited by shining a strong light into the eye.

The Rooting Reflex

A basic survival instinct that helps a baby find and latch onto a bottle or breast to feed.
Elicited by gently stroking the corner of the baby's mouth.

The Sucking Reflex

Elicited by touching the roof of the baby's mouth.
Starts around the 32nd week of pregnancy and is fully developed by 36 weeks.
Premature babies may have a weak sucking reflex.

The Swallowing Reflex

Initiated when food, liquid, or saliva reaches the baby's throat.
Integrated by 12-18 months.
Serves as a defensive airway reflex.

The Extrusion Reflex

Pushes solid food out of the mouth using the tongue.
Protects the baby from new textures.
Fades at 4 months.

The Palmar Grasp Reflex

Present at birth and persists until 4 to 6 months of age.
When an object is placed in the infant's hand, their fingers close tightly around it.
The grip is strong but unpredictable.

Carbohydrates

Provide energy for a growing baby.
The primary energy source for babies.
Found in breast milk and foods like rice, bread, and sweet potato.

Protein

Building blocks of muscles and helps build and repair tissues.
Responsible for the production of hormones for growth and development.
Found in breast milk, eggs, legumes, lean meat, chicken, and fish.

Fat

Supplies energy, allows the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and helps with brain development.
Found in breast milk, butter, vegetable oil, and fatty fish.
Limit intake as excess fat can cause problems.

Vitamins A, D, E, and C

Important vitamins that regulate body functions and promote growth and development.
Vitamin A is critical for vision, healthy skin, and a healthy immune system.
Vitamin D is essential for bone formation and calcium and phosphorus absorption.
Vitamin E protects vitamin A and prevents tissue breakdown.
Vitamin C forms collagen for bone, cartilage, blood vessel, and connective tissue development.
Found in breast milk, fruits, and vegetables.

B Vitamins

Include vitamin B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, thiamine, and folate.
Important for various metabolic processes, including energy production, cell growth, and nervous system function.
Found in breast milk, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key aspects of maternity care, including the APGAR score, birth weight, and the different stages of labor. This quiz covers the assessment of a newborn's health, the significance of birth weights, and details of the transition phase and second stage of labor.