High-Risk Pregnancy
High-Risk Pregnancy Just the facts In this chapter, you’ll learn how to: discuss the pathologic factors that contribute to a highrisk pregnancy identify high-risk situations based on signs and symptoms…
Assessing pregnancy by weeks
Assessing pregnancy by weeks Here are some assessment findings you can expect as pregnancy progresses. Weeks 1 to 4 Amenorrhea occurs. Breasts begin to change. Immunologic pregnancy tests become positive:…
Complications of Labor and Birth
Complications of Labor and Birth Just the facts In this chapter, you’ll learn: various complications that can occur with labor and birth ways to assess and detect problems occurring with…
Understanding supine hypotension
Understanding supine hypotension When a pregnant woman lies on her back, the weight of the uterus presses on the vena cava and aorta, as shown below. This obstructs blood flow…
Cultural childbearing practices
Cultural childbearing practices Cultural beliefs commonly affect an individual’s attitudes toward illness and traditional medicine. By trying to accommodate beliefs and practices in your care plan for a pregnant woman,…
Labor and Birth
Labor and Birth Just the facts In this chapter, you’ll learn: types of fetal presentations and positions ways in which labor can be stimulated signs and symptoms of labor stages…
Fetal presentation
Fetal presentation Fetal presentation may be broadly classified as cephalic, breech, shoulder, or compound. Cephalic presentations occur in most deliveries. Of the remaining three, breech deliveries are most common. Cephalic…
Cultural pain facts
Cultural pain facts Cultural influences play a role in how a woman expresses or represses pain. These influences also determine whether she uses pharmacologic methods of pain relief. In many…
Determining fetal position (Leopold’s maneuvers)
Determining fetal position (Leopold’s maneuvers) You can determine fetal position, presentation, and attitude by performing Leopold’s maneuvers. Ask the patient to empty her bladder; then assist her to a supine…
Fetal position abbreviations
Fetal position abbreviations The following abbreviations, organized according to variations in presentation, are used when documenting fetal position. Vertex presentation (occiput) LOA, left occipitoanterior LOP, left occipitoposterior
