Pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg (ovum) develops into a fetus inside a woman’s uterus. When counting from the first day of the last regular menstrual cycle, pregnancy lasts roughly 40 weeks. The body goes through amazing changes to prepare for birth by that time. Show
Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters:
Fetal growth and development can also be separated into three time periods:
With the development of the embryo, the placenta and membranes will act as the fetus’s organs while in the uterus and provide its protection, oxygen, and nutrients. A woman’s life changes significantly during pregnancy, psychologically and physically. As the woman’s body adapts to the development of a growing fetus, blood volume increases along with cardiac output and heart rate. As oxygen consumption increases, the woman’s respiratory rate may increase and there may be episodes of shortness of breath. Estrogen and progesterone increase. The uterus enlarges, displacing internal abdominal organs. Breasts grow tender and larger. Pelvic ligaments loosen to prepare for labor and birth. Symptoms of pregnancy vary from woman to woman and from pregnancy to pregnancy. Signs and symptoms are divided into three classifications:
Presumptive and probable signs and symptoms are reliable but still need to be verified. Positive signs confirm the pregnancy. Positive signs of pregnancy include:
The Nursing ProcessEnsuring the care of both the mother and fetus is important for a safe delivery. Physiologic and psychological changes should be monitored for potential risks. The nurse evaluates these changes through detailed maternal history taking and regular prenatal checks. An essential component of prenatal care is prenatal education. Pregnancy is a major life change and requires diet, activity, and lifestyle changes. The more informed the mother is, the more likely it is that they will follow the plan of care. The nurse is a source of support for the mother, baby, and other support persons involved. From the first prenatal visit through labor and delivery and beyond, the nurse monitors for complications, provides resources, offers empathy, and advocates for the health and safety of the patient. Nursing Care Plans Related to PregnancyRisk for Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements Care PlanRisk for imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements associated with pregnancy can be caused by a poor diet and deficiency in essential nutrients during pregnancy. If not prevented, it can result in anemia, preeclampsia, hemorrhage, and mortality in mothers as well as low birth weight in infants and developmental problems in the fetus. Nursing Diagnosis: Risk for Imbalanced Nutrition Related to:
As evidenced by:A risk diagnosis is not evidenced by signs and symptoms as the problem has not yet occurred. Interventions are aimed at prevention. Expected outcomes:
Risk for imbalanced Nutrition: Less than Body Requirements Assessment1. Determine the patient’s risk factors for imbalanced nutrition. 2. Assess the patient’s daily nutritional intake. 3. Monitor
weight. 4. Assess for signs and symptoms of malnutrition. Signs and symptoms of malnutrition in pregnancy include the following:
5. Assess the patient’s activity level. Risk for imbalanced Nutrition: Less than Body Requirements Interventions1. Establish nutritional goals. 2. Collaborate with a dietitian. 3. Administer dietary supplements as prescribed.
4. Instruct on ways to overcome morning sickness. Risk for Disturbed Maternal-Fetal Dyad Care PlanRisk for disturbed maternal-fetal dyad associated with pregnancy can be caused by intrinsic and extrinsic factors causing pregnancy-related conditions. These can be thought of as “high-risk” pregnancies. Complications may disrupt the biological relationship between mother and baby or may result in maternal or fetal demise. Nursing Diagnosis: Risk for Disturbed Maternal-Fetal Dyad Related to:
As evidenced by:A risk diagnosis is not evidenced by signs and symptoms as the problem has not yet occurred. Interventions are aimed at prevention. Expected outcomes:
Risk for Disturbed Maternal-Fetal Dyad Assessment1.
Review the patient’s obstetric history. 2. Assess the patient’s history of prenatal visits and compliance. 3. Review the patient’s health history and risk factors.
4. Assess the patient’s respiratory status. 5. Assess for signs and symptoms of abuse. 6. Assess the patient’s knowledge of conditions that may disturb the maternal-fetal dyad. 7. Monitor fetal activity and heart rate. Risk for Disturbed Maternal-Fetal Dyad Interventions1. Weigh the patient
routinely. 2. Offer resources for substance abuse. 4. Include support persons. 5. Intervene when psychological needs arise. Deficient Knowledge Care PlanDeficient Knowledge associated with pregnancy can be caused by inadequate knowledge of normal body changes and self-care needs. First-time mothers especially often misinterpret or lack information during pregnancy. Nursing Diagnosis: Deficient Knowledge Related to:
As evidenced by:
Expected outcomes:
Deficient knowledge Assessment1. Determine the patient’s knowledge level. 2. Establish the patient’s capacity, readiness, and learning obstacles. 3. Assess for misconceptions and cultural beliefs about pregnancy. Deficient knowledge Interventions1. Develop a birth plan. 2. Provide
information at their educational level. 3. Encourage questions. 4. Provide positive reinforcement. References and Sources
Which of the following would the nurse expect to find as presumptive signs of pregnancy?Here are the most common presumptive signs of pregnancy to look for during an assessment:. Amenorrhea. ... . Fatigue. ... . Increase in urinary frequency. ... . Nausea, with or without vomiting. ... . Breast enlargement. ... . Heartburn. ... . Lightheadedness. ... . Elevated basal body temperature (BBT). Which of the following signs of pregnancy would be considered presumptive?Presumptive signs of pregnancy. Amenorrhea (no period). Nausea — with or without vomiting.. Breast enlargement and tenderness.. Fatigue.. Poor sleep.. Back pain.. Constipation.. Food cravings and aversions.. Which findings would be considered positive signs of pregnancy?Positive signs of pregnancy are those signs that are definitely confirmed as a pregnancy. They include fetal heart sounds, ultrasound scanning of the fetus, palpation of the entire fetus, palpation of fetal movements, x-ray, and actual delivery of an infant.
What is the most common presenting complication of a patient in the early stage of pregnancy?Many women have some nausea or vomiting, or “morning sickness,” particularly during the first 3 months of pregnancy. The cause of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is believed to be rapidly rising blood levels of a hormone called HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is released by the placenta.
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