Editing Maternal and Newborn Nursing – LPN Flashcards (section)

== Pregnancy Basics ==

;Gravida and para
:'''Gravida''' is the number of pregnancies, no matter how they ended. '''Para''' is the number of pregnancies carried to 20 weeks or beyond. Twins delivered at 36 weeks count as para 1, because para counts pregnancies, not babies.

;Common discomforts of pregnancy and simple comfort measures
:Nausea: dry crackers before rising, small frequent meals. Heartburn: small meals, stay upright after eating. Constipation: fluids, fiber, walking. Leg swelling and varicosities: elevate the legs, avoid crossing them. Back pain: pelvic tilt, low-heeled shoes, good body mechanics.

;Warning signs a pregnant client must report right away
:Vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, severe or persistent headache, blurred vision or spots, right upper abdominal pain, sudden swelling of the face or hands, persistent vomiting, fever, painful urination, decreased fetal movement, and regular contractions before 37 weeks.

;Why a pregnant client is never left lying flat on her back after about 20 weeks
:The uterus presses on the large vein returning blood to the heart, causing dizziness, pallor, nausea, low blood pressure, and a drop in the baby's heart rate. '''Turn her onto her side''', classically the left side, and report the episode.

;Normal fetal heart rate
:'''110 to 160 beats per minute.''' A rate outside this range is reported to the registered nurse.

;Foods and substances to avoid in pregnancy
:Alcohol (no safe amount), tobacco, unpasteurized dairy and juice, deli meats unless heated until steaming, raw or undercooked meat, fish, and eggs, and high-mercury fish such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. Avoid changing cat litter because of toxoplasmosis.