11/19/23, 8:36 AM OB Exam 1 - Summary Maternity and Pediatric Nursing
OB Exam 1
Antepartal Assessment and Care
Antepartum is the time of pregnancy until the time of birth
Trimesters of pregnancy
o First trimester: 0-12 weeks
o Second trimester: 13-28 weeks
o Third trimester: 29-40 weeks
The average pregnancy lasts 280 days from the first day of the last menstrual period (266
days from time of ovulation), 9 calendar months, 40 weeks
Nagele’s Rule pg. 404 is to count back 3 months from the first day of the last menstrual
period and add 7 days
o November 20, add 7 days, -3 months = August 27
o December 14, add 7 days, -3 months = September 21
Phases of Pregnancy
Antepartum: the time between conception and the onset of labor
Intrapartum: period from the onset of true labor until the birth of the baby and placenta
Postpartum: time from birth until the women’s body returns to prepregnant state. Usually
about 6 weeks
True labor pg. 457: contractions occurring at regular intervals that increase in frequency,
duration, and intensity. True labor contractions bring about progressive cervical dilation and
effacement
False labor: occurs in the latter weeks of some pregnancies in which irregular uterine
contractions are felt, but the cervix is not affected
GTPAL
Gravida: the total number of pregnancies, including the current one. Even if the mother
didn’t give birth to the baby, it still counts as a pregnancy.
Term: the number of infants born at term (38 or more weeks gestation)
Preterm: the number of infants born after 20 weeks’ gestation and before 38 weeks
Abortion: the number of pregnancies that ended in either therapeutic or spontaneous
abortion (before 20 weeks). Abortion just means the baby comes out before 20 weeks no
matter how it comes out or what happens
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Living: the number of children currently living, not counting the baby in the belly
Obstetric History Terms: GTPAL pg. 405
Pregnancy Terminology
Gestation: number of weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period
Term: normal duration of pregnancy (38-42 weeks’ gestation)
Primipara: women who had one birth at more than 20 weeks’ gestation
Multipara: woman who had 2 or more births at more than 20 weeks’ gestation
Stillbirth: infant born dead after 20 weeks’ gestation
Multigravida: woman who had more than one pregnancy
“para” = baby that was born after 20 weeks
Preterm: or premature labor, labor that occurs after 20 weeks’, but before completion of 37
weeks’ gestation
Nulligravida: woman who has never been pregnant
Primigravida: woman who is pregnant for the first time
Nullipara: woman who has had no births at more than 20 weeks’ gestation
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Prenatal History
Details of current pregnancy
o First day of normal menstrual period (LMP)
o Presence of complications
o Attitude towards pregnancy
o Results of pregnancy test
o Number pf pregnancies and number of living children
o Number of abortions
o How long did you carry last baby?
o How were you delivered?
o Was there a previous c-section?
History of previous pregnancies
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o Length of pregnancy
o Type of birth
o Type of anesthesia used, if any
o Complications associated with childbirth
o Neonatal complications
Current medical history
o General health
o Blood type and RH factor, if known
o Medications and use of herbal medications
o Previous or present use of alcohol, tobacco, or caffeine
o Illicit drug use and drug allergies and other allergies
o Potential teratogenic insults to this pregnancy
Teratogen is any biological, physical, chemical, or radioactive agent that
causes structural or functioning damage to the fetus
o Immunizations. Ask about immunization history
Past medical history
o Childhood diseases
o Past treatment for any disease condition
o Surgical procedures
o Presence of bleeding disorders or tendencies (blood transfusions)
Family medical history
o Complications associated with childbirth
o Multiple births
o History of congenital disease or deformities
o Cesarean births and cause, if known
o Religious beliefs related to healthcare and birth
Dietary considerations
Blood and blood products
o Practices important to maintain spiritual wellbeing
o Cultural practices that will influence care
Occupational history: physical demands on job
o You need to know about her job. If she’s on her feet all day, stress, etc. Some people
won’t give you a true story because they feel like they’ll be judged
Partner’s history: genetic conditions and blood type
Women’s demographic info
o Age, educational level
o Ethnic background
o Socioeconomic status
Prenatal high-risk factors
Pre-existing maternal disease
Obstetrical history
Current pregnancy problems
Demographic factors
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