Nursing Tips: Pregnancy

Hydatiform Mole

Pregnancy Maternity

Hydatiform mole is a type of Gestational Trophoblastic Disease. Key S&S include: "Prune juice" discharge; Hyperemesis (severe n/v); Elevated hCG levels

How to calculate a pregnant patient's due date: Add 9 months PLUS 1 week from the first day of their last menstrual period. Example: Last menstrual period started on 6/1/20. Add 9 months PLUS 1 week. Expected due date = 3/8/21

Calculating Due Date

Pregnancy Maternity

How to calculate a pregnant patient's due date: Add 9 months PLUS 1 week from the first day of their last menstrual period.

Gestational Age

Pregnancy Maternity

Between 18 and 32 weeks gestation, the fundal height = gestational age.

Ultrasonography

Pregnancy Maternity

Two types of ultrasonography used in pregnancy are transvaginal (ultrasound transducer placed in the patient's vagina) and abdominal (transducer placed on the outside of the abdomen).

Toxoplasmosis

Pregnancy Maternity

Toxoplasmosis is a teratogenic parasitic infection acquired by consumption of raw or undercooked meat, or by handling cat feces.

The fetal heart tones cannot be assessed using a doppler until around 12 weeks gestational age. Prior to this time, heart tones can only be identified using ultrasound.

Assessing Fetal Heart Tones

Pregnancy Maternity

The fetal heart tones cannot be assessed using a doppler until around 12 weeks gestational age. Prior to this time, heart tones can only be identified using ultrasound.

Probable signs of pregnancy include Chadwick's Sign, Goodell's Sign, Hegar's Sign, ballottement, and a positive pregnancy test. These findings are probably related to pregnancy, but could have other explanations.

Naegele's Rule

Pregnancy Maternity

A patient's estimated date of delivery can be determined using Naegele's Rule. After determining the first day of the patient's last period, subtract 3 months, then add 1 week and 1 year.

Supine Hypotensive Syndrome

Pregnancy Maternity

Supine hypotensive syndrome is caused by a pregnant patient's heavy uterus compressing the inferior vena cava when lying supine. Educate patients to rest either in a side-lying position, or with a pillow under one hip.

Positive Signs of Pregnancy

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Pregnancy Maternity

Positive signs of pregnancy include identification of fetal heart sounds, fetal movement felt by a healthcare provider, and ultrasound visualization of the fetus. There is no other explanation for these findings than pregnancy.

Maternal Serum Alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP)

Pregnancy Maternity

Maternal Serum Alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) is a test for genetic abnormalities performed between 15 and 20 weeks gestation.

First trimester lab testing should include: CBC, urinalysis, STI testing, pap test, blood typing (including Rh factor), rubella titer, Hepatitis B, and HIV. High risk patients may also require quantitative hCG level testing.

Lab Tests for First Trimester

Pregnancy Maternity

First trimester lab testing should include: CBC, urinalysis, STI testing, pap test, blood typing (including Rh factor), rubella titer, Hepatitis B, and HIV. High risk patients may also require quantitative hCG level testing.

Warning Signs in Pregnancy

Pregnancy Maternity

Educate patients about warning signs in pregnancy for which they should notify their provider: diarrhea, fever, chills, severe abdominal cramping or pain, severe vomiting, vaginal bleeding, and decreased fetal activity should be reported and assessed fully!