Nursing 209

N209: Reproductive Health Study Guide • Complete balanced diet is required to support health fetal position and growth • Poor pregnancy nutrition can result in health problems (such as diabetes and heart disease) later in life Oxygen Supply • Placental Insufficiency o When placenta does not develop properly or is damaged o Result is inadequate oxygen and nutrient delivery to the fetus o Causes include any disorder that interferes with blood flow, such as diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and medications o Risks for fetus:  Oxygen deprivation at birth  Fetal death during delivery  Learning disabilities  IUGR  Hypothermia  Hypoglycemia  Hypocalcemia  Polycythemia Medications • FDA categorizes the safety of drugs in pregnancy in five categories (A, B, C, D, X) • Pregnancy drugs are prescribed to treat symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, indigestion, infection, and pain • Evidence-based guidelines are still lacking for drug use in pregnancy • Not all drugs cross the placenta, but can still be harmful • The drug effect on the fetus depends upon gestational age at time of exposure • Live viruses are not recommended during pregnancy • Antidepressants are commonly used in pregnancy and cause withdrawal in the neonate (should be tapered in the third trimester) Teratogens • Smoking o Most common addiction in pregnancy o Causes hypoxia and vasoconstriction o Increases risk for fetal and maternal complications in utero o Babies are at higher risk for birth defects, SIDS, and learning/physical/behavioral disabilities

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