Signs of Pregnancy Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is a presumptive sign of pregnancy?

Amenorrhea (correct)

Chadwick’s sign

Fetal heart tones

Positive pregnancy test

What symptom is associated with Supine Hypotensive Syndrome?

Hypotension (correct)

Fetal movements palpated

Quickening

Breast tenderness

Which hormone is crucial for maintaining the corpus luteum during early pregnancy?

hCG (correct)

Human Placental Lactogen

Relaxin

Estrogen

What is a probable sign of pregnancy observed by a healthcare provider?

Goodell’s sign Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following risks is commonly associated with adolescent pregnancy?

Preterm labor Signup and view all the answers

Which emotional response is typically felt by mothers during the first trimester of pregnancy?

Ambivalence Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary nursing intervention for a patient experiencing supine hypotensive syndrome?

Encouraging side-lying position Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is responsible for relaxing smooth muscles to prevent uterine contractions?

Progesterone Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Nagele's Rule in pregnancy?

Determine the Estimated Date of Delivery (EDD) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following vaccines should be avoided during pregnancy?

MMR Signup and view all the answers

In the TPAL system, what does the 'P' stand for?

Preterm births Signup and view all the answers

What physiological change occurs in the respiratory system during pregnancy?

Increased tidal volume Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrient is crucial for preventing neural tube defects during pregnancy?

Folic acid Signup and view all the answers

What complication is associated with smoking during pregnancy?

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) Signup and view all the answers

What immediate care should be taken post-amniocentesis?

Monitoring for fetal heart rate and uterine contractions Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about emotional changes during pregnancy is accurate?

Increased attachment to the fetus often occurs in the second trimester Signup and view all the answers

What is a common nursing intervention for managing heartburn during pregnancy?

Recommend avoiding acidic foods Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a sign of ectopic pregnancy?

Sharp abdominal pain Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended caloric intake increase for the second trimester of pregnancy?

340 calories/day Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'gravida' refer to?

The total number of pregnancies Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical nursing care consideration following a cerclage procedure?

Monitoring for signs of infection or preterm labor Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following interventions is beneficial for managing back pain during pregnancy?

Using proper posture and supportive shoes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Presumptive Signs of Pregnancy

Experienced by the patient, not diagnostic.
Examples include amenorrhea (missed period), nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue, and quickening (fetal movement felt around 18-20 weeks).

Probable Signs of Pregnancy

Observed by a healthcare provider, but not definitive.
Examples include a positive pregnancy test (detecting hCG in urine or blood), Chadwick's sign (bluish discoloration of cervix/vagina), Goodell's sign (softening of the cervix), and Hegar's sign (softening of lower uterus).

Positive Signs of Pregnancy

Confirm pregnancy with certainty.
Examples include fetal heart tones (detected by Doppler around 10-12 weeks), ultrasound showing fetal parts or cardiac activity, and fetal movements felt by the examiner.

Supine Hypotensive Syndrome (Vena Caval Syndrome)

Occurs when the enlarged uterus compresses the inferior vena cava in a pregnant woman lying on her back.
Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, hypotension, and pallor.
Interventions include encouraging a side-lying position (preferably left), and using a pillow under the hip to elevate the uterus and relieve pressure.

Hormones in Pregnancy

hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin): Maintains the corpus luteum until the placenta takes over.
Progesterone: Relaxes smooth muscles to prevent uterine contractions, supports the endometrium for implantation.
Estrogen: Promotes uterine growth and blood flow, develops breast tissue for lactation.
Relaxin: Loosens ligaments and joints for delivery.
Human Placental Lactogen (hPL): Prepares breasts for lactation and regulates glucose availability for the fetus.

Adolescent Pregnancy

Increased risk of preterm labor, anemia, and hypertension.
Psychosocial challenges include interrupted education and lack of support.
Nursing considerations focus on education, prenatal care compliance, nutrition, emotional health, and birth preparation.

Emotional Responses of Pregnancy

Maternal: First trimester may include ambivalence, excitement, or fear; Second trimester focuses on the fetus and physical changes; Third trimester includes anxiety about labor and delivery.
Paternal: May experience "Couvade syndrome" (sympathy symptoms like weight gain, nausea). Stages include announcement, adjustment, and focus.

Prenatal Labs, Physiological Changes, and Vaccination

Common Labs: Blood type and Rh status, Complete Blood Count (CBC), Rubella titer, Hepatitis B and HIV tests, Glucose tolerance test.
Vaccination Guidelines: Safe vaccines include Tdap and inactivated influenza; Avoid live vaccines (e.g., MMR, Varicella).
Physiological Changes: Cardiovascular (increased blood volume, decreased BP in second trimester), Respiratory (increased tidal volume, nasal congestion), and Gastrointestinal (heartburn, constipation).

Gravida and Para (TPAL)

Gravida (G): Total number of pregnancies, including current.
Para (P): Number of deliveries beyond 20 weeks (living or not).
TPAL System: T (term births), P (preterm births), A (abortions), L (living children).

Effects of Alcohol, Obesity, Diabetes, and Smoking on the Fetus

Alcohol: Causes Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).
Obesity: Increases risk of gestational diabetes, macrosomia.
Smoking: Causes intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), low birth weight.
Diabetes: Risk of congenital anomalies, macrosomia, and neonatal hypoglycemia.

Nagele's Rule

Used to calculate the Estimated Date of Delivery (EDD).
Formula: Subtract 3 months from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP), add 7 days, and add 1 year.

Fundal Height Measurement

Used to assess fetal growth and amniotic fluid volume.
Technique involves measuring from the pubic symphysis to the top of the fundus.
Normal findings: Weeks = Fundal height in cm (after 20 weeks).

Maternal Nutrition

Caloric Needs: No extra calories in first trimester, +340 calories/day in second trimester, +450 calories/day in third trimester.
Key Nutrients: Folic acid (400-600 mcg/day), Iron, Calcium (for fetal bone development).

Discomforts and Physical Changes During Pregnancy

Childbirth Preparation

Topics include breathing techniques, stages of labor, and pain management.

Diabetes in Pregnancy

Screening: Glucose tolerance test at 24-28 weeks.
Risks: Pre-eclampsia, macrosomia, polyhydramnios.

Molar Pregnancy

Abnormal growth of trophoblast tissue.
Requires D&C and follow-up hCG monitoring.

Cerclage (Nursing Care)

A surgical procedure to stitch the cervix closed to prevent preterm birth or miscarriage.
Indications: History of second-trimester losses due to cervical insufficiency, painless cervical dilation.
Nursing care includes monitoring for infections, preterm labor, educating about activity restrictions (e.g., bed rest, pelvic rest), and post-procedure assessments for bleeding or discharge.

Amniocentesis (Reasons for, Results)

A diagnostic procedure to withdraw amniotic fluid for testing.
Indications: Detecting chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Down syndrome), assessing fetal lung maturity, diagnosing infections or other fetal conditions.
Nursing care includes ensuring informed consent, monitoring maternal and fetal well-being post-procedure, and education on signs of complications (fluid leakage, bleeding, or fever).

Pregnancy at Risk: Ectopic Pregnancy and Miscarriage

Ectopic Pregnancy: Fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity (often fallopian tube). Symptoms include sharp abdominal pain, spotting, and dizziness. Management includes methotrexate if unruptured or surgery if ruptured.
Miscarriage (Spontaneous Abortion): Pregnancy loss before 20 weeks. Types include threatened, incomplete, complete, and missed. Management involves monitoring hCG levels, and D&C (if incomplete) . Nursing care includes emotional support and monitoring for infection or hemorrhage.

Psychological Adjustment to Pregnancy

Maternal: First trimester includes ambivalence, excitement, anxiety; Second trimester focuses on attachment to fetus; Third trimester focuses on labor and delivery fears.
Paternal: Acceptance of pregnancy, shifts in role expectations, possible Couvade syndrome.
Nursing interventions: Promote open communication, provide education about pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting, and encourage participation in prenatal visits and classes.

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Description

This quiz will test your knowledge on the various signs of pregnancy, including presumptive, probable, and positive signs. You'll also learn about supine hypotensive syndrome and its implications during pregnancy. Prepare to explore key concepts that are crucial for understanding pregnancy monitoring.