Materity Notes - RN
Materity Notes - RN
Materity Notes - RN
a) Gravida: number of times pregnant regardless of duration, primigravid first line, multigravida, 2 or more.
b) Para: # of pregnancies that last for greater than 20 weeks regardless of outcome
Nullipara: who has not given birth to anyone above 20 weeks
Primpara: who gives birth to anyone greater than 20 weeks
Pregnancy Signs
Presumptive Signs Amenorrhea (4-6 weeks)
Breast enlargement/tenderness (3-4 weeks)
Fatigue (12 weeks)
Nausea and vomiting (4-14 weeks)
Quickening (first movement of fetus) (16-20 weeks)
Urinary frequency
Probable Signs Ballottement (fetal movement in response to tapping lower uterus/cervix)
Braxton Hicks contractions - @ 16 weeks - painless contractions
Chadwick’s sign (light pink-deep violet vaginal wall colour) ( 6-8 weeks)
Hegar’s sign (softening of cervix)
Positive pregnancy test
Abdominal + uterine enlargement
Positive Signs Fetal heartbeat
Fetal movement
Ultrasound findings
Fundal Height:
Measured to evaluate gestational age of fetus
*In 2nd and 3rd trimester: fundal height in cm = fetal age in wks +/- 2 cm
Priority: 1. Monitor for supine hypotension when placing pt in supine position
Prenatal tests
1. Glucose screening: 24- 28 weeks
2. Antibody screening: 28 weeks
3. STD/other infection: 9th month
Breast tenderness 1st-3rd trimester Wear supportive bra, avoid soap on nipples
Vaginal discharge 1st-3rd trimester Proper cleansing, cotton underwear, avoid douching
Fatigue 1st and 3rd trimesters Frequent rest periods, regular exercise
Heartburn 2nd and 3rd trimesters Small frequent meals, sit up right 30 mins post-meal, drink
milk between meals, avoid fatty/spicy food
Ankle edema 2nd and 3rd trimesters Elevate legs BID, side lying sleep position, supportive
stockings, avoid sitting/standing in one position for long
Varicose veins 2nd and 3rd trimesters Wear supportive stocking, elevate legs when sitting, lay
with feet elevated, avoid crossing legs
Hemorrhoids 2nd and 3rd trimesters Soak in warm sitz bath, sit on soft pillow, high fiber foods +
fluid intake, increase exercise
Special concerns
a) Religious, cultural food preferences
b) PICA – eating non-nutritional substances due to iron and calcium deficiency
c) Vegan vegetarian: needs b12 supplements - no milk or meat/egg products, eats only vegetables
d) Heavy smoking, alcohol consumption and drugs (no safe level for smoking or alcohol)
Amniocentesis: usually after 14 weeks when sufficient amount of amniotic fluid is present
sex of the foetus
level of alpha fetoprotein (To check neural tube defect)
chromosomal variations
RH factor
Gestational age
Oligohydramnios
a condition characterized by low amniotic fluid volume
Amniotic fluid is produced by the fetal kidney and serves two major purposes - to prevent cord
compression and promote lung development.
Fluid volume also declines gradually after 41 weeks. Small uterine size for gestational age or a fetal
outline that is easily palpated through the maternal abdomen should raise suspicion for
oligohydramnios. Ultrasound confirms the diagnosis.
Alpha-fetoprotein: it is the glucoprotein produced by fetal yolk sac, GI tract, liver; test done between 15-18
weeks.
↑ AFP: renal tube defect, renal abnormality
low AFP: chromosomal trisomy (down syndrome)
L/S Ratio: The lecithin–sphingomyelin ratio (a.k.a. L-S or L/S ratio) is a test of fetal amniotic fluid to assess for
fetal lung immaturity. Lungs require surfactant, a soap-like substance, to lower the surface pressure of the alveoli
in the lungs.
Foetal Movement: Teach mother, count movement daily 2-3 times for 1 hour; 5-6 movements ( or minimum 3
movements is normal) if any gross change or no movement immediately call MRP
PUBS: percutaneous umbilical blood sampling: uses US to locate umbilical cord and cord blood sample is
aspirated and test is done in second and third trimester (to check for congenital abnormalities)
Fundal Height:
12 weeks: above pubic symphysis
20 weeks: at the level of umbilicus
30 weeks: between umbilicus and xiphoid-sternum
36 weeks: highest level contact with xiphoid-sternum
38 weeks: lightening sinks down or after 20 weeks 1 cm above umbilicus per week until 36 – 38 weeks
then fundus descends
Nonstress Test Stress
Test
Noninvasive test measuring fetal heart accelerations in Test triggers contractions and predicts how baby will react
response to fetal movement during labour
Done between 32-34 weeks gestation If fetal HR slows during contraction = positive result.
Nonreactive result = further testing is needed to determine Fetus may be experiencing stress during contractions
if the result indicates fetal hypoxia or if result is due to (cannot tolerate contractions) Further testing may be
sleep pattern, or maternal prescription drugs needed
Reactive result = normal. Indicates that blood flow and If fetal HR doesn’t slow down during contraction = normal
oxygen to fetus is adequate result. Indicates that the fetus is reacting properly to stress
of contractions
Biophysical profile: uses to evaluate foetus, to check risk for asphyxia, score of 0-2 given to each and physician
calculates score
Ectopic Pregnancy
most common in fallopian tubes, only 1:1 chances in peritoneum
usually ruptures before 12 weeks or pregnancy
infection which diminishes the tubes; lumen many predispose the tubal pregnancy
Symptoms indicative of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy include hypotension, tachycardia, dizziness,
and referred shoulder pain. Shoulder pain results from irritation of the diaphragm by intra-abdominal
blood.
A ruptured ectopic pregnancy is a surgical emergency and requires immediate intervention.
Nursing intervention
1. Prepare the client for surgery
2. treat shock
3. express feeling and loss of pregnancy for future pregnancy
4. chemical therapies to salvage fallopian tube ex: methotrexate
IMPORTANT: sharp lower or left abdomen pain radiation to shoulder (phrenic nerve irritated) *symptom of
shock
S&S
sign of uterus disproportionate to length of pregnancy
HCG level high, excessive nausea and vomiting
sign and symptoms of pre-eclampsia before usual time (20 weeks)
No FHR, no foetal movement , no foetal part on palpation
S&S:
bright red painless vaginal bleeding after 7th month
lower uterine segment soft
no vaginal examination
Txt:
complete bed rest
Abruption Placenta
separation of placenta from normal implant
painful bleeding
bleeding is usually old
occurs after 20th week
common in women with: HT, smoking, multiparity, abdominal trauma, previous history of abruptive
placenta
S&S:
painful vaginal bleeding
tender board like abdomen
foetal bradycardia
later deceleration * very dangerous
s/s of shock
Txt:
bed rest
i/v infusion, blood transfusion, check foetal and maternal vital signs
prepare for surgery
emotional support.
1. Gestational HTN:
Rest
Dietary management with fluid
Symptomatic treatment
2. Mild eclampsia
bed rest side lying position
well balanced diet; adequate protein and roughage
no salt restriction, high calories
close follow up weekly or twice weekly
3. Severe Eclampsia
Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO4) – resp. Depression is one of the main side effects
monitor Resp, BP, reflexes frequently (due to severe hyperreflexion)
Antidote: Calcium Gluconate for MgSO4
Bed Rest
Maternal and foetal vital signs
Take daily weight
TORCH
1. Toxoplasmosis: can be acquired by eating under cooked meat, cat litter, organism crossing the placenta,
severity of infection related to gestational age can cause: hydrocephalus and intracranial calcification
2. Other infections:
1. Syphilis: Treponema palladium (spirochete): crosses placenta after 16 weeks of pregnancy
Signs and Symptoms
▪ initial- plainness chancre (cardinal sign- lesions on the vagina; painless)
▪ lymphadenopathy, may disappear after 4-6 weeks without treatment
▪ Secondary signs and symptoms: rash, malaise, alopecia, and may disappear after
several weeks without treatment.
▪ Tertiary signs: affect cardiovascular and neuralgic system, foetus can be infected in
the stage
Diagnosed by dark field exam and VDRL
Treatment
Penicillin is the choice of drug; if allergic use erythromycin or tetracycline
probenecid is given to delay the excretion of penicillin
use of condoms
identify prior contacts
teach the client sexual activity until test is negative
Sign and Symptoms: dysuria, joint pain, purulent discharge vaginal or penile fever
Diagnosis
Uretheral or endo-cervical smear positive for gonococcus
culture from urethra, endocervix and pharynx
if left untreated – sterility, prostatic, birth defect, miscarriage
pass to fetus at time of birth, causing opthalmia (which is why the baby receives eye drops at
birth as a prophylactic measure)
All contacts must be treated as soon as possible to prevent recurrence.
Drug of choice: Penicillin
Important
latex condoms help prevent the transmission of germs
high rate of cervical cancer in patients with herpes genital or PAP smear every year
untreated herpes genitals during delivery infant may acquire the herpes infection from vaginal birth
putting the infant at risk for systemic infection herpes which has very high mortality rate
Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)
Is a live attenuated vaccine. Live vaccines are contraindicated in pregnancy due to the theoretical risk
of contracting the disease from the vaccine.
Maternal rubella infection can be teratogenic for the fetus.
The fetal effects of congenital rubella syndrome include congenital cataracts, deafness, heart defects
(patent ductus arteriosus), and cerebral palsy.
The best time to administer an MMR vaccine to a nonimmune client is in the postpartum period just
prior to discharge
Can safely be administered to breastfeeding clients.
Pregnancy should be avoided for at least 1-3 months after immunization.
Important
Greater danger: if pregnant mother contracts the disease, its a serious complication, congenital
malformation of foetus
◦ cataract
◦ deafness
◦ cardiac abnormalities (first 12 weeks)
Treatment: decrease stimulus, handle with minimal movement, swaddle and handle close to the body.
Cocaine
a) powerful stimulate, very addictive
b) causes vasoconstriction, increase BP and may cause seizures
c) complication: absorption, malformation, neural tube defect, abruption placenta
Newborn: irritability, hyper toxicity, poor feeding pattern, increased risk of SIDS
Opiates
Produces analgesia, euphoria, resp. Depression
newborns experience withdrawal within 24-72 hours after delivery; s&s: high pitched cry, restlessness,
poor feeding pattern
Passenger:
Foetus: Foetal head – largest part of the body
Moulding: overlapping of cranial bones
Anterior fontanelle: largest diamond shaped closes about 1.5 years
Posterior fontanelle: smaller, triangular, closes at 1- 3 months
Presentation: the part of the fetus which enters the birth canal
cephalic
breach
shoulder
Position: fetal presenting part to maternal bony pelvis; favourable position: LOA (left occipital anterior)
Leopold’s Maneuvers:
Palpating to determine presentation + position
Head = hard, round, movable
Buttocks = irregular shape, more difficult to move
Back = smooth, hard surface (should be felt on 1 side of abdomen)
Passageway:
1. Engagement:
◦ 2 weeks before labour in primigravida
◦ at the beginning of labour in multigravida
2. Station:
◦ at ischial spine: Station is 0
◦ above the ischial spine station is -1
◦ below the ischial spine station is +1
Placenta: usually in the fundus; if its low lying, it requires medical attention.
Normal mechanism of labour: engagement, decent (lightening), flexion, internal rotation, extension, external
rotation
Stages of Labour
First Stage Onset of true labour – complete dilation of cervix Lasts anywhere from 2-18 hours
3 phases:
Latent phase – cervix dilated 0-3 cm, irregular contraction, cervical effacement almost complete
Active phase – cervix dilated 4-7 cm, contractions 5-8 minutes apart, cervical effacement
complete
Transitional phase – cervix dilated 8-10 cm, contractions 1-2 minutes apart + lasting 60-90
seconds
Assessment:
check contraction freequency, intensity, duration
membranes intact or rupture, color of fluid
cervical changes
FHR q15min and immediately after membrane rupture
temp, q2h (s&s of infection)
void q2h
Lochia
- Rubra: bright red, no odour, first 3 days is normal
- Serosa: 2 pink to pinkish brown, 4-7 days, fishy odour
- Alba – creamy yellow or brown, 1-3 weeks, no odour
Fundal height
Immediately after delivery: between symphysis pubis and umbilicus
First day: above the level of umbilicus
after this fundus descends 1 cm everyday
on 9th and 10th day, in the pelvis and cannot be palpated
IMPORTANT
Normal blood loss during normal delivery is 500 ml and C section is 1000 ml
WBC count increased upto 20k in pregnancies (normal is 4-11k)
clotting factor increases during delivery and remain increased for several weeks and leaving the women
at risk for thrombi
Marked diuresis with 12 hours of delivery to reduce edema
Lacto urea may present in nursing mothers
Important: storing EBM (expressed breast milk) in plastic bottles not in glass bottles because of immunoglobin
B adheres to glass bottles, EBM can be stored in 48 hours in fridge and 6 months in freezer.
Contraindication of breast-feeding
Active TB, HIV positive, cancer patient taking chemotherapy, cardiac patients
extensive surgery, renal disease, narcotic addiction, cleft lip or palate
Important: Unmodified regular cow’s milk, liquid or reconstituted is not appropriate for infants before 12
months of age.
APGAR score
Post Partum hemorrhage: bleeding more than 500 ml in normal delivery and bleeding more than 1L in C-section
Saturating a peripad in 1-2 hours could indicate hemorrhage, a life-threatening condition.
Characterized by a soft, "boggy," and poorly contracted uterus, is the most common cause of early
PPH (occurring ≤24 hours after birth).
Delayed PPH (>24 hours after birth) usually results from retained placental fragments associated with a
long third stage of labor (ie, time from birth of baby to expulsion of placenta, lasting >30 minutes).
The nurse should first assess the fundus and massage it if boggy. The nurse should also assess the
client's vital signs and should never leave the client alone.
Uterine Atony:
Excessive postpartum bleeding is most commonly caused by uterine atony.
Fundus is elevated above the umbilicus and deviated to the right, indicating a distended bladder.
Bladder distension prevents the uterus from contracting sufficiently to control bleeding at the previous
placental site. The client should be assisted to void to correct the bladder distension then perform fundal
massage.
Thrombophlebitis: causes a blood clot to form and block one or more veins, usually in your legs
may result from injury or infection
increase in clotting factors is normal during pregnancy to prevent DVT
S&S
pain, edema, redness over affected area (legs mostly, or pelvic region)
positive homan sign = dorsiflexion of foot
Treatment
pain management
no massage
heparin
no knee gatch (no pillow under knee)
observe for pulmonary embolism
Important: Encourage mother to ambulate shortly after delivery, there is extensive activation of blood clotting
factor. This together with immobility, trauma or sepsis encourages formation of thrombosis (which can be
prevented through activity)
S&S:
redness, hardness in breast
fever, chills, tachycardia
Txt:
handwashing, before touching the breast
abx
apply ice between feedings
empty breast regularly, always breast feed until 6 months atleast
Complication in newborn
Caput Succedaneum:
- is present at birth
- may cross suture line
- tend to grow less
- disappear within 36 hours
- is diffused, pit on pressure
- a double caput is unilateral
- it is serosangunious infiltration into the fetal skull
Cephalohematoma
- appears after 12 hours
- never crosses the suture line; tends to grow larger
- persists for weeks
- do not pit
- a double cephalatoma usually bilateral
- it is blood under the skull lining
- new born may suffer from hyperbilirubinemia(due to high breakdown of RBC)
Hyperbilirubinemia
- RH or ABO incompatibility
- within 23 hours of birth
- mixing of blood during abruptive placenta or during delivery
- Gradual (onset to lowest point > 30 seconds) decrease then return to baseline
- Caused by transient fetal head compression during UCs,
- NORMAL AND BENIGN finding, no intervention necessary
Late:
- visually apparent gradual decrease in an return to baseline FHR associated with UCs,
- deceleration begins after contraction has started and nadir of deceleration occurs after peak of
contraction, usually doesn't return to baseline until contraction is over,
- R/T UTEROPLACENTAL INSUFFICIENCY/DECREASED OXYGEN SUPPLY TO FETUS,
ominous sign when associated with absent or minimal variability,
- INTERVENTIONS (change maternal position to lateral, correct maternal hypotension by
elevating legs, increase rate of IV solution, palpate uterus, discontinue oxytocin if infusing,
administer oxygen by nonrebreather face mask, notify HCP, consider internal fetal monitoring,
assist with birth if pattern cannot be corrected)
Variable:
- visually abrupt (onset to nadir < 30 seconds) decrease in FHR below baseline, 15bpm at least
below baseline/lasts at least 15 seconds/return to baseline in less than 2 minutes,
- COMPRESSION OF UMBILICAL CORD, INTERVENTIONS (change maternal position to
side-to-side/knee to chest, discontinue oxytocin if infusing, administer oxygen by nonrebreather
face mask, notify HCP, assist with vaginal exam, assist with amniofusion (isotonic fluid into
amniotic cavity) and birth if pattern cannot be corrected)
Used to induce or augment labor and to stop postpartum hemorrhage by promoting uterine contractions.
Oxytocin must be administered via infusion pump and requires continuous electronic fetal monitoring as
it is a high-alert medication.
The nurse assesses and documents the fetal heart rate and contraction pattern every 15 minutes during
the first stage of labor with oxytocin.
Tachysystole (i.e., ≥5 contractions in 10 minutes) is a potential adverse effect of oxytocin.
Excessive uterine contractions can decrease placental blood flow and compromise fetal oxygenation.
RISKS
-late deceleration, bradycardia
-emergency C-section
-postpartum hemorrhage
-water intoxication
-uterine tachysystole (>5 contractions in 10 minutes)
TXT
-monitor every 15 minutes in first hour
-contractions should be 2-3 minutes apart
-electronic IV pump
-continuous monitoring
-monitor mother's fluid intake
-secondary IV line
-titrated based on rate and intensity of contractions
Shoulder Dystocia
-obstetrical emergency
-"turtle sign": fetal head retracting back into mother's perineum
-usually secondary to gestational diabetes causing macrosomia
-apply suprapubic pressure and sharp pressure of maternal thighs towards abdomen
Pyrosis: HEARTBURN
-teaching: keep head elevated at night using pillows, sit upright after meals, eat small frequent meals,
avoid tight fitting clothing, eliminate fried/fatty foods, caffeine, citrus, chocolate, spicy foods,
carbonated drinks)
Folic Acid: ESSENTIAL DURING PREGNANCY
-women planning to become pregnant should take in 400-800 mcg per day
-fortified foods & green leafy vegetables are good source for folic acid
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): UNEXPLAINED DEATH <1 YEAR OLD
PREVENTION
-supine position when sleeping
-breastfeeding
-pacifier during sleep
-up to date vaccines
-appropriate clothing (sleep sack)
-firm sleep surface
-removal of loose items from bed
-smoking cessation
Menstrual disorder
Menarche: first period 11-14 years
Menopause: 52 years
Dysmenorrhea: painful periods, or menstrual cramps, is pain during menstruation. Its usual onset
occurs around the time that menstruation begins. Symptoms typically last less than three days. The pain is
usually in the pelvis or lower abdomen; due to high levels of prostaglandins found in the menstrual flow
Amenorrhea: absence of menstruation; causes: endocrine issues, rapid weight gain, strenuous exercise,
Menorrhagia: excessive menstrual flow.
Metrorrrhegia: inter cyclic bleeding
Endometriosis
growth of endometrial cells in areas outside the uterus attached to the ovaries, colon and round ligaments
Endometrial tissues react to the endocrine stimulation as in the intrauterine endometrium; causes pain,
inflammation and fibrosis
Risk Factors:
- Heavy menses > 7 days - Maternal inheritance - 3-10X risk if 1st
- Autoimmune disease degree maternal relative (mother or sister)
- Race has/had it
- Early menarche - Short menstrual cycle (<27 days)
S&S
-may be asymptomatic
-Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
-Dyspareunia (painful vaginal penetration/sex)
-Dyschesia (painful bowel movements)
-Dysuria (painful urination)
- Also pain may be in form of : back pain, Acute abdomen pain, Intense premenstrual syndrome,
Bleeding, Menorrhagia, cyclic hematuria during menstruation, Infertility
Osteoporosis
Decrease in bone substance so the bone can no longer maintain the skeletal structure
Increase porosity of bones with increased incidence of spontaneous fracture
Causes:
Prevention of osteoporosis:
no smoking
Ca and Vitamin D
Regular weight bearing exercises
minimal use of exclusion of alcohol
Breast Cancer
- Most common neoplasm in women and leading cause of death in 40-44 years.
S&S:
- Palpation of lump is the first sign, - Skin of breast dimpled
common site is upper quadrant -asymmetry
- Nipple discharge -surgical biopsy: definitive diagnosis
Nursing Txt:
-assess breasts for early identification and treatment
-support client through recommended/chosen treatment
-prepare client for mastectomy if needed
Medical management
-Surgical excision; simple lobectomy
-simple mastectomy
-modified radical mastectomy
Cervical Cancer